Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic

Key Points

The white and thick tongue coating is often misunderstood as a sign of cold and dampness, leading to excessive use of warming and drying methods. However, this can exacerbate the condition. Understanding the true nature of tongue coating is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Title: Why Does the Tongue Coating Appear White and Thick, and Cannot Be Scratched Off?

Author: Fan Li, Assistant医师 of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Practice License Number: 241411381000562) This article is written by Dr. Fan Li and is based on classical theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical experience. It is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. The practice qualifications can be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.

A seemingly paradoxical beginning: Is the white tongue coating due to cold or heat?
When the tongue coating is white and thick, and cannot be scratched off, many people's first reaction is that there is "excessive cold and dampness," so they desperately drink ginger tea and apply moxibustion. However, the tongue coating becomes even whiter and stickier, and even leads to dry mouth and a dry tongue. Why is this the case? Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that tongue coating is formed by the ascending steam of stomach Qi onto the tongue surface.

Title: The Reason Behind the White and Thick Tongue Coating

The white and thick tongue coating is often attributed to excessive cold and dampness in traditional Chinese medicine. However, when people try to alleviate this condition by drinking ginger tea and applying moxibustion, the tongue coating becomes even thicker and stickier, and sometimes even leads to dry mouth and a dry tongue. This is because the tongue coating is a reflection of the internal condition of the body, and its formation is closely related to the balance of Yin and Yang and the five elements.

Title: The Importance of Understanding Tongue Coating

Understanding the tongue coating is crucial in diagnosing and treating diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The tongue coating can reflect the internal condition of the body, such as the balance of Yin and Yang, the five elements, and the function of the organs. Therefore, it is important to observe and analyze the tongue coating in order to make a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
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