The tongue, like the entire oral cavity, is a mirror not only of our gastronomic habits, but also a reflection of a hygienic culture.
European doctors adopted the practice of tongue diagnostics from their Eastern colleagues.
Previously, at an appointment or on a call, we limited ourselves to asking the patient to show his tongue and noted the absence or presence of plaque.
Now we zone the tongue in the same way as the feet, hands and face are zoned. The tip of the tongue reflects the heart and lungs. In the center are the zones of the stomach and pancreas, passing (closer to the back of the tongue) into the intestines.
The liver and right kidney are projected onto the right lateral surface. On the left lateral surface, the zones of the left kidney and spleen are reflected.
A pale tongue indicates anemia, low blood hemoglobin. The yellowish lining can be caused by problems with the liver and gallbladder. The tongue may have a bluish cover, this is associated with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
The crimson color of the tongue, we can hardly be detected purely by chance, with a serene morning awakening, since it is the result of an acute infection, fever, temperature. Dark red and other darker shades are the result of acute intoxication. A bright color and a “varnished” surface of the tongue are observed in chronic colitis, peptic ulcer or vitamin B deficiency.
In a healthy person, in the morning, there is normally a thin layer of plaque on the tongue (the same plaque happens on the teeth). But at the same time, pink papillae are clearly visible. The absolute absence of plaque is not a sign of health! This is the result of reduced energy in the body.
A distinctly white coating on the entire surface is associated with low acidity or insufficient production of gastric juice. Foam on the sides of the tongue may indicate rheumatism, and a thick curdled coating over the entire surface with an unpleasant odor indicates a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Yellow plaque is usually associated with dyskinesia (poor mobility) of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Unevenly distributed plaque in the pattern can be associated with zoning of the tongue. Pay attention to zones thickening of plaque and determine which area requires close attention.