Title: The Accumulated Frost on the Tongue: A Deep Discussion on Cold and Dampness from the Concept of "White Tiger's Jieji"
Author: Li Mingjiu, a Practicing Chinese Medicine Physician (Practice License No.: 141330522000349). This article is written by Dr. Li Mingjiu and is based on classical Chinese medical theories and clinical experience, intended for popular science reference only. The qualifications can be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
Zhang Jiebin, a medical expert from the Ming Dynasty, recorded a phenomenon in his book "Jingyue Quanshu": "The tongue coating is white and thick, resembling piled-up powder, which regenerates after scraping, and this is not an ordinary exterior syndrome." This phenomenon reminds us of the description in classical Chinese medical texts of "White Tiger's Jieji," which mentions "the internal accumulation of cold and dampness, as if a tiger is gnawing at the bone." In traditional Chinese medicine, a white, thick tongue coating that cannot be scraped off is not simply considered a case of "internal heat" or "excess."
Title: Understanding the Pathology of White and Thick Tongue Coating
The tongue coating is a reflection of the body's internal environment. A white and thick tongue coating indicates the presence of cold and dampness in the body. This condition may be caused by various factors, such as improper diet, lack of exercise, or exposure to cold weather. In traditional Chinese medicine, cold and dampness are considered to be the root causes of many diseases, and they often lead to various symptoms, such as fatigue, edema, and joint pain.
Title: Treatment and Prevention of Cold and Dampness
In traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of cold and dampness focuses on warming the body and removing dampness. This can be achieved through various methods, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage. Additionally, it is essential to adjust the diet and lifestyle to avoid exposure to cold and damp conditions. For example, eating warm, spicy foods and avoiding cold, raw, and damp foods can help to alleviate the symptoms of cold and dampness.