Introduction to Tongue and Pulse

Question 1

Why tongue?

Answer 1

Tongue diagnosis is remarkably reliable; a reflection of the true condition of the body
- the tongue’s appearance is useful for monitoring the improvement or decline of your patient’s condition

Question 2

why pulse?

Answer 2

the pulse is also able to assess what is happening internally

Question 3

what aspects do you examine?

Answer 3

1. colour
2. shape
3. coating
4. moisture
5. spirit/shen

Question 4

Tongue body colour

Answer 4

• Reflects the condition of the Yin Organs, Blood and Nutritive Qi
• Reflects the true condition of the body irrespective of temporary conditions (e.g. physical exertion or emotions)

Question 5

TONGUE BODY SHAPE

Answer 5

• Observing whether the tongue is thin or swollen, long or short, and whether specific parts of the tongue are swollen
• Consistency, texture and mobility
• Features of the tongue

Question 6

TONGUE COATING

Answer 6

• AKA. Fur or moss
• Consists of the tips of the papillae
• Physiological by-product of the stomach’s digestion
• Tongue coating can provide information about variety of internal conditions

Question 7

TONGUE MOISTURE is an indication of what

Answer 7

Indication of the body’s fluids
A tongue can be dry, moist, or wet

Question 8

What does a normal tongue look like?

Answer 8

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 is 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 9

PULSE DIAGNOSIS

Answer 9

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

Question 10

How to take the pulse

Answer 10

3 fingers on the radial artery of your patient
Patient should be: Relaxed; neither tense nor flaccid
Middle finger at the level of styloid process

Question 11

what are you looking for when taking the pulse?

Answer 11

1. Rate (How fast or how slow)
2. Strength (How strong or how weak)
3. Fullness (How thick or how thin)
4. Location