What your tongue is telling you: a TCM-inspired guide

If you’ve ever looked at your tongue and thought, “Hmm, that looks… different,” you’re not alone.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tongue is like a mirror—it reflects what’s happening inside your body, often before symptoms even appear.

Whether it’s redder than usual, pale, swollen, or has a strange coating, these signs are your body’s way of gently asking for attention—not alarm, just awareness.

Why the tongue matters in TCM

TCM sees the body as one connected whole, and the tongue gives us clues about:

• Your digestion and energy levels

• Whether you’re too hot, too cold, or holding excess fluid

• How your emotions are affecting your body

• Your overall nourishment—especially blood and Yin

By simply observing your tongue, you can begin to understand what areas might need more support.

Simple signs to notice

When you look at your tongue - ideally in the morning - notice:

• Color – A pale tongue may suggest tiredness or deficiency. A red tongue may show heat or stress. Purple hints at stagnation or poor circulation.

• Shape – Swollen with teeth marks? Your digestion might be sluggish. Very small or thin? You may be depleted or overworked.

• Coating – A thin white coating is normal. A thick yellow or greasy coating suggests heat or dampness. No coating at all? Your fluids might be low.

• Texture – Cracks or dryness can reflect long-term stress or internal heat. Too wet may mean your body is holding on to cold or damp.

What to do with this info

Don’t worry about fixing everything. Instead, listen with kindness. Here are a few gentle ways to support balance:

• Eat warm, simple foods—especially if your digestion feels off or your tongue is pale or swollen

• Slow down if your tongue is small, dry, or cracked—you might need rest and nourishing fluids

• Avoid heavy, greasy foods if your tongue has a thick yellow coating

• Cool down gently—emotionally and physically—if your tongue is very red

• Move your body softly if your tongue looks purple or dusky, to help energy and circulation flow

Listening inward

Your tongue isn’t giving you a diagnosis—it’s offering a message. It’s a quiet nudge toward better balance, rest, and care. Over time, you’ll notice how small changes affect not just how your tongue looks, but how you feel in your body.

If you’d like support interpreting your tongue or learning what your body is asking for, I’d love to work with you.

Reach out or book a session here

Warmly,

Dora from Holistica