Introduction to tongue and pulse

Question 1

what are 5 characteristics you examine on the tongue?

Answer 1

-body colour
-body shape
-tongue coating
-tongue moisture
-spirit/shen

Question 2

tongue body colour

Answer 2

-colour of the tongue itself, beneath the coating
-reflects the condition of yin organs, blood and nutritive qi
-reflects the true condition of the body irrespective of temporary conditions (i.e. physical exertion and emotions)

Question 3

tongue body shape

Answer 3

-not just the physical contours of the tongue
-consistency, texture and mobility
-observing whether the tongue is thin or swollen, long or short, and whether specific parts of the tongue are swollen
-features of the tongue

Question 4

tongue coating

Answer 4

-AKA fur or moss
-consists of the tips of the papillae
-physiological by-product of the stomachs digestion
-tongue coating can provide information about variety of internal conditions

Question 5

tongue moisture

Answer 5

-indication of the body’s fluids
-a tongue can be dry, most or wet

Question 6

what is a normal tongue?

Answer 6

1. colour; pale red and fresh looking
2. shape; supple, neither too flabby nor too stiff. not cracked, does not tremble or quiver when extended, and neither swollen nor thin
3. coating; thin and white
4. moisture; slightly moist, neither too dry nor too wet
5. spirit/shen; radiant, brilliant

Question 7

pulse diagnosis

Answer 7

feel for width or amplitude, length, how close it is to the surface, how deep and close to the bone, the strength, other qualities

-on lateral side (thumb side) for radial pulse

Question 8

how to take a pulse

Answer 8

-3 fingers on radial artery of patient
-patient should be relaxed
-middle finger at the level of styloid process

Question 9

what are you looking for when you take a pulse

Answer 9

-rate (how fast or slow)
-strength (how strong or weak)
-fullness (how thick or thin)
-location