Spleen Yang Deficiency

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/tcmpatterns/a/spleen_yang.htm

Symptoms of Spleen Yang Deficiency
Cold limbs
Loose stools with undigested food
Abdominal distension and pain
Symptoms feel better with heat or pressure
Water retention
Difficult urination
Leukorrhea
Feel cold
Fatigue
Poor appetite
Bloating and gas
Weak limbs


Tongue
Pale, swollen, wet tongue

Pulse
Weak, slow and deep pulse

Related Conditions
Gastric or duodenal ulcers
Gastritis
Hepatitis

Herbs Used For Spleen Yang Deficiency
These are just some of the herbs that are believed to help spleen yang deficiency
Cinnamon bark
Dried ginger

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http://taoism.about.com/od/herbsthatwarmtheinterio/g/Rou_Gui.htm

Cinnamon Bark - Rou Gui

In the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, Rou Gui is a Chinese herb that belongs to the category of herbs that warm the interior.
Taste: Acrid, Sweet
Temperature: Hot
Channels Entered: Heart, Kidney, Liver, Spleen

Actions:
(1) Fortifies the yang, warms the Heart yang, fortifies the Spleen and Kidney yang.
(2) Disperses Liver blood stasis.
(3) Disperses deep cold, warms and unblocks the channels, stops pain.
(4) Leads fire back to its source.
(5) Assists generation of qi and blood.

========

http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Deficiency/YangDeficiency.aspx

Yang represents the energy that is responsible for warming and activating bodily functions. When this energy is depleted your body begins to slow down, displaying signs of under activity and sensations of coldness. Foods to tonify yang include;

Grains	Quinoa, sweet (glutinous) rice, wheat germ
Vegetables	Leek, mustard greens, onion, radish, scallion, squash, sweet potato, turnip, watercress
Fruit	Cherry, litchi, logan, peach, raspberry, strawberry
Nuts and seeds	Chestnuts, pinenuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts
Fish	Anchovy, lobster, mussel, prawn, shrimp, trout
Meat	Chicken, lamb, venison, kidneys (both beef and lamb)
Herbs and spices	Basil, black pepper, caper, cayenne, chive seed, cinnamon bark, clove, dill seed, fennel seed, fennugreek seed, garlic, ginger, horseradish, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary, sage, savory, spearmint, star anise, tumeric, thyme, white pepper
Bevrages	Chai tea, jasmine tea
Supplements	Algae, ginseng (American, Chinese, and Korean), pollen, royal jelly

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http://www.eastmountain.ca/3spleenyang.pdf

Digestion in TCM is viewed metaphorically like a pot of soup sitting on a fire. It is
the body’s metabolic ‘fire’ that cooks ingested food, allowing to body to extract
nourishment from the food. With Yang deficiency, this ‘fire’ is weakened and
unable to perform it’s needed functions.

For a Spleen Yang deficiency diet it is best to consume fresh foods that are cooked.
Food that is warmed helps to ensures that the Body’s Yang is preserved and food
is more readily digested and absorbed. Also eating smaller meals more
frequently and enjoying meals by sitting down to relax while you eat and
chewing thoroughly to savor flavors is recommended.

Meals should consist largely of easily digested complex carbohydrates like
grains and starchy root vegetables. 30 - 40% of the diet should be comprised of
cooked vegetables and proteins should comprise only 10 - 20% of the diet.

Warming foods and spices like animal meats and cinnamon are recommended.

Spicy meals that can make a person sweat should be eaten in moderation to avoid
dispersing the digestive systems fire. Cold natured foods such as raw vegetables
need to be avoided to avoid further damaging the Spleen Yang.

Below is a list of recommended foods. You should not limit your diet to only these
foods. Instead follow the guidelines above of the optimum ratios of
carbohydrates, vegetables and proteins, and add the recommended foods from the
list below within your meals. Wherever possible choose organically grown foods.

Specific foods for Spleen Yang deficiency
cooked grains, soups, rice, oats, roasted barley, sweet rice, spelt
parsnips, sweet potatoes, onions, leeks, pumpkin, squash, carrots, yams, peas,
garlic, turnip, stewed fruits
chick peas, black beans, walnuts, chestnuts
lamb, beef, chicken
mackerel, tuna, anchovy, prawns, mantis shrimp
black pepper, dry ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary, turmeric, star
anise, nutmeg, fennel, molasses, rice syrup, barley malt, dates
Foods to restrict or avoid
citrus, wheat grass, raw fruits, raw vegetables, sprouts, salads, tomatoes,
spinach, swiss chard, soybeans, tofu, soy milk, dairy (cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.),
nut butters and other high oil foods
glutinous rice, seaweeds refined sugars, vinegar, doses of vitamin C, peppermint
chocolate, cold foods like ice cream or smoothies, iced drinks including ice water

==============

Yang deficiency in lungs, spleen

http://www.chinesemedicinecure.com/Dyspnea-Chuan-Zheng

Dyspnea

Breathing disorder – shortness of breath, cannot lay down flat, must sit up, must rise shoulders to breath, flapping of ala nazi, purple lips/tongue (pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)

Etiology (causes):
1. External pathogen – invades lung blocking respiratory tract (acute dyspnoea)
2. Internal pathogens – fluid/phlegm retention blocking respiratory tract
3. Emotion- all seven emotions cause stagnation of Qi – causes fluid retention or blood stasis
4. diet- spleen produces phlegm, phlegm blocks function of lung 5. deficiency - Lung and Kidney def.

Dry Heat in Lung Dry symptoms with dyspnoea, sore/dry throat, dry tongue, hoarse, fever Tongue - red, yellow coat P - rapid

Principle of Treatment: clear heat, lubricate lung
Herbal Medicine Formula: San Xing Tang

Deficient Lung and Spleen Qi Shortness of breath, weak voice, bright white complexion, no appetite, loose stools, lung and spleen Qi deficiency signs Tongue - pale, puffy P - empty Principle of Treatment: Nourish spleen and Lung Qi
Herbal Medicine Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Sheng Mai San

Kidney Yang Deficiency Shallow inhale, difficult to catch breath, kidney yang deficiency symptoms frequent urination, edema of lower extremities, coldness, cold/weak back Tongue - pale Pulse - deep

Principle of Treatment: warm up kidney yang Qi

Herbal Medicine Formula: Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency Reproductive system deficient symptoms, dry mouth at night, night sweats T- red, peeled Pulse - thin, rapid

Kidney Yin Deficiency

Principle of Treatment: nourish kidney yin
Herbal Medicine Formula: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

===========


http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=10647

When you determine there is a yang deficiency, the next step is to decide what organ is primarily involved. It could be Spleen, Kidney or Heart, (capitalized to distinguish the Chinese view of these organs as an orb of influence, rather than what we commonly think of in the West). Actually, yang deficiency could be a progression from qi deficiency, such that organ patterns look the same, but with the addition of cold symptoms.



Spleen Yang Deficiency includes any of the broad symptoms listed in the first chart (above), keeping in mind that there must also be cold symptoms because of the relative lack of yang. Various digestive problems also manifest, such as lack of appetite; a puffy, tired feeling after eating; or loose stools. This is an indication that the Spleen's transportation and transformation function is impaired. For the same reason, if the Spleen can't convert the qi in food to a usable form, a person feels tired, listless or has trouble waking up in the morning. Fluids also will build up, because they aren't being transported and distributed properly (another function of the Spleen).

Poor diet is the primary cause of Spleen yang deficiency. Eating excessive cold, frozen, raw or sweet foods will damage the Spleen. Irregular eating habits; under- or overeating; eating too quickly; or eating while working or driving all can damage the Spleen. Is it no wonder that this is such a common syndrome is our society! Taking too many Chinese herbs with a cold nature also can cause Spleen yang deficiency, so if the patient is taking herbs, make he or she is seeing a qualified herbalist.

To evaluate Kidney Yang Deficiency, check for at least a few of the symptoms in the chart above. There may also be problems with the lower back and/or knee pain, both of which can be relieved by warmth. The Kidneys are closely related to Ming Men Fire, which emanates from the area of the lower back. When it fails to warm the body, the lower back feels cold. Whenever there is cold, there is pain, as the cold contracts and obstructs the free flow of qi. In addition, Kidney yang gives strength and support to the bones of the back and knees, so a deficiency will cause weakness in those areas.

The warmth of Kidney yang is needed for sexual function and fertility so a deficiency causes problems such as impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation or decreased sexual desire. Kidney yang also enervates the zhi, which is the spirit housed in the Kidneys. A deficiency will cause lassitude and a lack of motivation or willpower. Patients with Kidney yang deficiency feel they don't have the energy to do anything, or that they have used up all of their reserves -- which indeed they have!

Kidney yang deficiency often develops from Spleen yang deficiency, so you see symptoms such as edema in the legs, caused by lack of fluid transformation. For the same reason, fluids build up in the tongue, causing it to become swollen.

Kidney qi actually holds the urine in place, but since a deficiency of Kidney qi is often a precursor of Kidney Yang deficiency, you will see symptoms of nocturia (getting up at night to go to the bathroom), dribbling after urination or incontinence (in severe cases).

The causes of Kidney yang deficiency include chronic, longstanding illness; excessive sexual activity; a constitutional deficiency; or a decline of the Kidneys with advancing age. Some medications, such as those used for high blood pressure, will also deplete Kidney yang.

=================

http://www.agelessherbs.com/KidneyYangQi.html

Yang deficient patterns will present with slowed metabolic processes such as hypo thryroidism, and even shallow breath. It is common to experience a dull ache lower back, soreness of the knees, and weak lower limbs. Social withdrawal, a tendency to catch colds easily, impotence, infertility, and loose morning stools are also indications of Yang Deficiency. Frequent urination and edema are also common signs of Kidney Yang Deficiency.

Common Yang Tonic herbs include cordyceps, cistanche, epimidium, cuscuta, cynomorium, fenugreek, drynaria, morinda, alpinia, psoralia, cardamon, eucommia, dispacus, and astragalus seed. There are a few Western and Native American herbs that would serve as Yang tonics; Examples of herbs that are commonly used in Western herbalism (although from throughout the world) that have Yang characteristics would include damiana, cinnamon, saw palmetto, calamus root, fennel seed, rosemary, bayberry, sassafras, juniper berry, sarsparilla, horseradish and garlic.

 ==========

http://www.empowher.com/holistic-health/content/kidney-yang-deficiency-use-warming-foods-and-moxibustion

Kidney Yang Deficiency: Use Warming Foods and Moxibustion

In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney signifies not only this small organ and its operation, but also has a larger interaction with our energy reserves. Kidney yang warms the body and regulates healthy function in the body's organs and tissues.

This Article

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Kidney yang involves the reactive sympathetic nervous system. Kidney yang deficiency causes endocrine, or hormonal, dysfunction.

Kidney yang deficiency is analogous to adrenal insufficiency, chronic lower back pain, depression, hypothyroidism, nephritis (kidney inflammation) and forms of sexual dysfunction. It can be caused by chronic illness, the aging process, or excessive sexual activity. There are drugs like medications for hypertension for instance, that can drain kidney yang.

Kidney yang deficiency can cause an aversion to cold, and a tendency to feel chilled easily. The arms and legs and feet may be cold.

Though it sounds contradictory to the general tendency to feel chilled, excessive perspiration without an apparent cause is often a symptom. The knees and lumbar region may be sore.
Dull pain in the abdomen may be present. There may be problems of different kinds having to do with urination, including getting up frequently in the night.

Edema and low libido are common. A general exhaustion and listlessness may prevail.

Kidney yang deficiency can be treated in part with a diet of warming foods. These foods should be fresh and cooked.

Small meals should be eaten frequently through the day, rather than one or two large meals eaten far apart.
Complex carbohydrates are recommended, with about 30 percent of the diet provided by grains and starchy root vegetables. Make frequent use of beans and legumes. Warming herbs should be used often.
About ten percent of the diet should come from protein and seafood.
Stay away from raw fruits, vegetables and sprouts and cold drinks. Dairy products, soybeans and other soy products are not beneficial to kidney yang. Avoid the use of too much salt, vinegar and sugar.
Applying heat from moxibustion below the second lumbar vertebra can have a beneficial effect on the "life-gate fire".

Excessive Yang, excessive heat - Chinese medicine

=========
http://www.mybodywisdom.net/pdf/Nutrition_for_Kidney_Yin.pdf
Kidney Yin Deficiency - Signs and Symptoms
(from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine by Giovanni Maciocia)
Dizziness Vertigo Tinnitus
Poor memory Deafness Night sweating
Dry mouth at night 5-palm heat Thirst
Sore back Ache in bones Nocturnal emissions
Dark-scanty urine Constipation
Tongue: Red, no coating, cracks Pulse: Empty and rapid
Key Symptoms: Dry mouth at night, night sweating, red-peeled tongue


Key Foods To Build Kidney Yin
The key piece of nutritional wisdom is to focus on tonifying foods that moisten, along with some
mildly cooling foods, and to resist a temptation to overdo cooling foods that may put out a fire
that’s not as strong as it seems.
A wide and varied diet – Kidney Yin is about the deep reserves in the body including nutritional
reserves. Suggest a varied diet that provides a broad array of vitamins, flavonoids, carotenes, trace
elements, minerals, and amino acids. This is not the time to eat the same foods over and over
again.

Water – Since Yin is about moisture, suggest ample water throughout the day.

Salty flavored foods: miso, sea salt, tamari, salted raw sauerkraut or kimchee (Korean cultured
vegetables). Each of the five elements in TCM has a flavor attributed to it, and the Water flavor
which governs Kidneys is salty. To support the Water element, recommend a healthy amount of
salt, as too much salt will have the opposite effect. Check to make sure your client is not getting
too much, and that she has replaced commercial table salt with sea salt.

Kidney shaped foods: black beans, kidney beans, most beans – Because beans are kidney shaped as
well as seeds with potential for new life, these foods have long been considered especially
nourishing to the Kidneys.

Blue and black foods: Blueberries, blackberries, mulberry, black beans – The colors blue and black
correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys. It is possible to strengthen the Water element by
eating blue/black foods.

Seafood: fish, shrimp, seaweeds – all support the Water element.
===============

 http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/chinese/traditional-chinese-medicine-internal-organ-syndromes4.htm

Liver Syndromes

Liver syndromes are commonly seen in clinical practice, since the stress and toxicity of modern life (poor diet, chemicals in our food and environment, stress, overwork, etc.) take a toll on the liver. Since the liver plays the central role in the smooth flow of qi and emotion in the body, disharmony of the liver can affect any of the other organs. Typically, disorders of the menstrual cycle or stress-related ailments indicate a problem with the liver.
Liver Qi Stagnation: This is one of the most common diagnoses in traditional Chinese medicine. When the qi of the liver is stuck, symptoms of frustration, irritability, depression, anxiety, fullness in the chest, menstrual disorders, and indigestion can occur. This excess condition can also arise in a person who has experienced long-term depression or frustrations, creating a vicious cycle of cause and effect. Some Western conditions that fit this pattern are premenstrual syndrome, depression, hepatitis, or chronic fatigue. Treatment with acupuncture often has an immediate effect in relieving the symptoms. A classic formula known as Xiao Yao Wan ("Free and Easy Wanderer Pills") is also very effective in rectifying this liver syndrome.
Liver Fire Uprising: This excess heat pattern mainly affects the upper body, since heat rises naturally. The entire face is red, with additional signs and symptoms of red eyes, anger, headache, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), bitter taste in the mouth, insomnia, constipation, dark urine, red tongue with a yellow coat, and a full, rapid pulse. The condition can arise from long-term stagnation of qi due to anger, alcoholism, or chronic liver imbalances that develop into heat patterns. Some corresponding Western diagnoses are hypertension, alcoholism, hyperthyroidism, acute hepatitis, gallbladder infection, ear infection, and conjunctivitis. Treatment involves clearing heat and regulating the liver with acupuncture and herbal formulas such as Long Dan Xie Gan Wan.
Liver and Gallbladder Damp Heat: When dampness accumulates in the body and combines with heat in the liver and gallbladder, this excess syndrome develops. Its symptoms are jaundice and dark urine, which are caused by a stagnation of yellow bile that backs up and is excreted through the skin and urine. Additional symptoms include a lack of appetite, an aversion to greasy food, digestive problems, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, burning diarrhea, a red tongue with a thick, greasy yellow coat, and a slippery, rapid pulse. In Western medicine, most of these symptoms are typical of acute hepatitis or gallbladder infections, but this pattern can also correspond to herpes, vaginal discharges, testicular pain, and eczema. The treatment principle is to clear heat and drain dampness with herbs such as rhubarb root (da huang), gentian (long dan cao), and Artemisia (yin chen hao).
Liver Wind Moving Internally: Since the liver is in charge of the smooth flow of qi, any abnormal body movements are typically related to liver imbalances due to wind. This internal wind is considered an excess pattern, but it can arise from a variety of causes, such as blood deficiency, excess heat, or liver yin deficiency. The cardinal symptoms involve abnormal movements such as shaking, spasms, tics, rigidity, and convulsions. Dizziness, headache, and difficulty in speaking may also occur. The tongue and pulse signs depend on which underlying pattern has caused the stirring of wind, but the pulse is usually wiry, a typical sign of liver imbalance. This pattern is seen in stroke patients and those with Parkinson disease and cases of seizures associated with a high fever, tetanus, and hypertension. Acupunc­ture can be a very effective treatment, as are herbs that clear liver wind and heat, such as Gastrodia (tian ma), Uncaria (gou teng), and Chrysanthemum (jua hua). If the problem is caused by depletion, the underlying deficiency must be tonified. For example, if wind is due to deficient liver yin, treatment must both tonify the liver yin and subdue the wind.
Cold Stagnation in the Liver Channel: The liver meridian encircles the genital area, so localized disorders in the reproductive organs are often traced to a blockage in that meridian. This syndrome is characterized by pain in the groin, lower abdomen, and testicles and is relieved by application of heat. This pattern typically corresponds to a hernia but may also be present in cold-type menstrual disorders and infertility. Treatment involves warming with moxa and using herbs that regulate qi and warm the liver meridian, such as Galangal (gao liang jiang) and lychee seed (li zhi he).
Liver Blood Deficiency: This syndrome has the typical symptoms of blood deficiency: pale face and tongue, dizziness, dry skin, and thin pulse. The condition of the eyes and nails are clues to the state of the liver, so symptoms may include pale, cracked nails, blurred vision, itchy eyes, night blindness, and visual distortions such as spots and floaters. Menstrual flow may be scanty or nonexistent, and lack of nourishment to the tendons from liver blood deficiency can lead to pain, numbness, or cramping in the legs. Possible Western diagnoses are anemia, malnutrition, hypertension, menstrual disorders, and eye problems. Treatment involves tonifying the blood with standard blood tonics such as Angelica sinensis (dang gui), cooked Rehmannia (shu di huang), and Polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu), along with herbs that specifically nourish the liver such as Lycium fruit (gou qi zi).
Liver Yin Deficiency: This syndrome exhibits the usual signs of "five palm heat": red cheeks, night sweats, red tongue with no coat, and a thin, rapid pulse. Additional symptoms specific to the liver are dizziness, irritability, and dry, irritated eyes. Treatment involves tonifying liver yin and clearing heat with formulas such as Chrysanthemum, Lycium, and Rehmannia Pills (Qi Ju Di Huang Wan).
Liver Yang Rising: If liver yin deficiency continues without treatment, the deficiency heat rises to the head. Known as liver yang rising, it produces additional symptoms of headache and anger. It is an intermediate syndrome -- more severe than a simple yin deficiency but less severe than liver fire. Some Western diagnoses are anemia, chronic hepatitis, hypertension, eye problems, menopause, and menstrual disorders. Treatment involves sedating the excess liver yang with formulas such as Gastrodia and Uncaria Combination (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin). If the yang rising symptoms are especially severe, heavy herbs that settle yang, such as oyster shell (mu li), are added.
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http://www.chinesenaturalherbs.com/bulkherbs/clear_heat.htm

a)    Herbs That Clear Heat and Reduce Fire

Herbs that clear heat and reduce fire are mainly indicated for syndromes of heat in the Qi level due to exogenous pathogenic heat invasion manifested as high fever, sweating, thirst, delirium, irritability, scanty and brown urine, yellow and dry tongue coating, surging and forceful pulse, excessive heat in the lungs, excessive heat in the stomach and excessive heat in the heart.

Gypsum (Shigao)
Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu)
Reed root (Lugen)
Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen)
Bamboo leaf (Zhuye)
Lophatherum (Danzhuye)
Capejasmine (Zhizi)
Prunella spike (Xiakucao)
Pipewort (Gujingcao)
Butterflybush flower (Mimenghua)
Celosia seed (Qingxiangzi)

b)    Herbs That Clear Heat and Dry Dampness

Herbs which clear heat and dry dampness are characterized as bitter and cold.  They are indicated in damp-heat disorders manifested as fever, sticky tongue coating, scanty urine, jaundiced, dysentery and diarrhea, furuncles, eczema, abnormal vaginal discharge and turbid urine.  The herbs in this category are likely to weaken the stomach and consume Yin.  The should be used with caution in cases with weakness of spleen and stomach, or deficient body fluids.  If necessary, the herbs can be combined with herbs that nourish Yin.

Scutellaria root (Huangqin)
Coptis root (Huanglian)
Phellodendron bark (Huangbai)
Chinese gentian (Longdancao)
Flavescent sophora root (Kushen)

c)    Herbs That Clear Heat and Cool Blood

Herbs that clear heat and cool blood are indicated in syndromes due to excessive heat at the blood level.  The clinical manifestations are shown in various hemorrhagic diseases, including epistaxis, bloody stool, blood in the urine, functional uterine bleeding, vomiting or spitting up blood, coughing up blood and bleeding of the gums.  These herbs are also used for fever with loss of consciousness, deep red tongue and rapid pulse.  This category of herbs tends to be bitter and sweet-salty in taste and cold in property.

Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao)
Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang)
Scrophularia (Xuanshen)
Moutan bark (Mudanpi)
Red peony (Chishao)
Arnebia (Zicao)

d)    Herbs That Clear Heat and Release Toxins

The category of herbs that clear heat and release toxins is indicated in syndromes caused by excessive toxic heat, including boils, carbuncles, furuncles, maculopapule, erysipelas sore throat and dysentery.  Some of these herbs may help arrest cancerous growth and release poison from snake bites.

Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua)
Honeysuckle stem (Rendongteng)
Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao)
Dandelion herb (Pugongying)
Viola (Ziguadiding)
Isatis leaf (Daqingye)
Ox gallstone (Niuhuang)
Houttuynia (Yuxingcao)
Dittany bark (Baixianpi)
Globethistle (Loulu)
Natural indigo (Qingdai)
Pullsatilla root (Baitouweng)
Portulaca (Machixian)
Green chiretta (Chuanxinlian)

e)    Herbs that Clear Heat Caused by Yin Deficiency

Herbs that clear heat caused by Yin deficiency are indicated in deficiency of Yin with heat syndrome manifested as fever, afternoon fever, feverish sensation in the palms, soles and chest, night sweating, red tongue proper with scanty coating and thready, rapid pulse. These herbs are often combined with herbs that nourish Yin to strengthen the function of clearing heat caused by Yin deficiency.  In addition, some of these herbs are indicated in the late stage of febrile disease caused by invasion of exogenous pathogenic heat, in which Yin and body fluids are damaged and pathogenic factors remain inside.  The commonly seen manifestations are fever, fever at night, and fever subsiding in the morning without presence of sweating. In general, these herbs are not suitable for fever due to common cold and cases of deficiency of Yin and blood without heat signs.

Sweet wormwood (Qinghao)
Swallowwort root (Baiwei)
Wolfberry bark (Digupi)
Stellaria root (Yinchaihu)

Thick white coating on the tongue

http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-papers/what-the-tongue-tells-us/

Tongue conditions
The remedies suggested in the box are only possible treatments and can only be verified by considering the totality of symptoms and their full repertorisation.

CONDITION	REMEDIES
Cuts	The tongue is considered to be the fastest healing organ in the body. Wounds should respond within 48 hours with correct treatment, otherwise consult a physician. May be treated with a mouthwash of Calendula mother tincture or a mixture of equal volumes of Calendula and Hypericum mother tinctures (Hypercal), 10 drops in a half a cupful of water. If there is suppuration, give Hepar sulph. 6c also.
Bites/ Bitten Tongue	Ledum 6c for puncture wounds with imprints of teeth, or as for cuts. Hydrastis. Merc. cor, Merc. sol. or Rhus tox. may also be considered. All at 6c or 30c.
Coloroation
Red Tip of Tongue	Usually a dietary problem with excessively acid foods. Reduce acidity by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and give Natrium carb 6x, Belladonna 6c, Natrium phos. 6x, Arg. nit. 6c, Rhus tox. 6c or Sulphur 30c.
White	Salivation and bad, slimy taste. White ‘thrush’ tongue. Give Kali carbo 6x or Kali mul: 6x. Bryonia 6c or Taraxacum 6x might also be useful. For white patches, Taraxacum 2x.
Dry. thick white	Coating is a sign of toxification. Give drainage remedies. Berberis vulgaris 6x for kidney dysfunction, Chelidonium 6c for liver dysfunction, or Kali sulph. 6x or Taraxacum 2x. Water intake should be increased. Also consider Baptisia 6c or Arsen. alb. 6c. For con- stipation, give Senna 6x.
Greyish-white mapped tongue	Swelling. Tongue feels dryish or slimy. Give Kali mur 6x or Natrium mur 6x.
Smooth, pale tongue	May suggest a nutrional deficinecy; the healthy tongue is rough. A healthy, balanced diet is necessary. Give the biochemic remedy Kali phos. 6x.
Purple	Lachesis 30c. Consider also Petroleum 30c.
Red edges	Give Merc. sol. 6c Consider also Arsen. alb. 6c, Chelidonium 6c or Lycopodium 30c
Reddish with pale edges	(And possibly tiny white spots). Indicates a liver problem. Give Natrium sulph. 6x, Chelidonium 6x, Berberis vulgaris 6x or Solidago 6x.
Black or blackish	Consider Merc. sol. 6c, Carbo veg. 6c, or Arsen. alb. 6c. If black at the centre consider Phosphorus 30c. The tongue can also be brushed gently night and morning using a Calendula mouthwash.
Blue	Antim. tart. 6x or Arsen. alb. 6x. Possible heart condition. Lips may be blue. Give Digitalis 6c or 30c. Consider Convalleria 6c or Crataegus in mother tincture.
Brown	Give Arsen. alb. 6c or Baptisia 6c. If worse in the morning, give Rhus tox. 6c.
Red	Give Belladonna 6c. If swollen, Rhus tox. 6c. If fiery red, give Apis med. 6c. Rhus tox. has fiery red triangular tip. A strawberry tongue indicates Belladonna.
Grey or greyish-yellow	Ambrosia 6c
Grey-green	Give Natrium sulph. 6x or Nat. phos. 6x. A thick grey-green coating may suggest severe constipation. Give drainage remedies, including Senna 6x and increase water intake to 2 litres a day minimum.
Yellow Thick, dirty coating	Give Chelidonium 30c if a liver problem is suspected. Consider Rhus tox., Kali bich. or Spigelia, all in a 6c potency.
Multicoloured	Lachesis 6c
Appearance
Mapped tongue	Natrium mur: 6x but see Coloration
Twitching tongue	Give Glonine 6c or 30c.
Trembling tongue	Give Lachesis 6c or Merc. sol. 6c. If the tongue is protruded and trembling, give the Lachesis. If accompanied by stammering choose Stramonium 30c or Arg. nit. 6c.
Tongue tremor	This condition could indicate hyperthyrodism, and a blood test would be required. Other symptoms include weight loss, bulging eyes, insomnia, restlessness and depression. Meanwhile Kali phos. 6x can be given.
Wrinkled tongue	Consider Calc. phos. 6x or Phosphorus 6c.
Swollen tongue	An enlarged tongue may indicate thyroid enlargement, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Other symptoms include weight gain and lethargy. Give Fucus. vesiculosus 6c. This remedy, prepared from sea kelp, is high in iodine content, the major constituent of thyroxine. Alternatively you can give Iodium 6c. Other remedies to be considered are Anacardium and Pulsatilla, both at 6c. A swollen, flabby tongue where the teeth leave marks would indicate Merc. sol. 6c. See also Cuts or Bites.
Smooth tongue	Accompanied by redness and soreness. This indicates anemia, in particular iron deficiency anemia. There may be an earthy taste. Give Ferrum phos. 6x. In the morning or on waking, Opium 30c, Pulsatilla or Rhus tox. At night, Nux moschata 30c (also for the ‘sensation as if’ dry).
Dry Tongue	A dry tongue may be caused by stress or nervousness, for example, before addressing an audience or before an examination. The client feels tongue-tied, unable to speak. Take Arg. nit. 6c the night before and 1 hour before the event or consider Gelsemium 6c or 30c. Drink plenty of water.
Itching Tongue	Give Apis mel. 6c. Dulcamara 6c or Sulphur 30c.
Tongue in constant motion	Loquacious, but in motion even when not talking. Tongue may be protruded. Give Phytolacca 6c or Hyoscyamus 6c and follow with Lachesis 6c or Phosphorus 6c.
Mucus/saliva	If this is sticky, give Arg. nit. 6c., Sepia 30c or Nux moschata 30c. If it is bitter, give Chelidonium 6c.
Pain in tongue:
On swallowing	Give Calc. phos. 6c or Phytolacca 6c.
On talking	Give Kalmia 6c or Lycopodium 6c.
On puffing out	Give Phytolacca 6c or 30c.
Burning pain (smarting)	Give Arsen. alb., Iris vers., Sanguinaria or Veratrum vir. (all 6c). Aconite could be given initially (one dose).
Soreness	Give Nitric acid 6c or Thuja 6c.
Paralysis	Difficult articulation of speech. Give Causticum 6c or 30c, Gelsemium 30c, Lycopodium 30c or Opium 200c (left side). See also Trembling tongue.
Sensitive tongue:
At tip of tongue	Give Croton tig. 6c. If the tip is sensitive and red choose Arsen. alb. 6c, Phytolacca 6c or Sulphur30c
Whole tongue	Taraxacum 2x
Blisters	Gums may bleed. Give Zinc. met. 6c.
Numbness	Natrium mur 6x is indicated, particularly if associated with a tingling sensation. Also consider Gelsemium 6c or Aconite (initially).
Hot tongue	Give Belladonna 6c or Apis mel. 6c.
Inflamed tongue	Give Apis mel., Lachesis or Croton-c. all 30c.
Coatings:
Frothy	With bubbles on side of tongue. Natrium mur 6x. See also Coloration.
Greyish film	May be caused by excessive use of antibiotics. Give Ambrosia 6c or Kali carb 6c or Chelidonium 6c.
Ulcers:
White ulcers	Give Kali iod. 6c. Tongue may have greyish-white coating.
Small ulcers	Give Merc. sol. 6c. May be the result of stress. A vitamin C supplement may be helpful. Possibly follow up with Psorinum 1M.
Bleeding ulcers	Give Merc. sol. 6c or 30c. Ulcers at edges of tongue may be treated with Nitric ac. 6c or, if under the tongue, with Lycopodium 30c.

Recommended potencies are a general guide only and may be higher for persistent or chronic conditions

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http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/White_Thick_Coating_Tongue_Treatment__General_Conventional_and_TCM_Perspectives_a1163.html

B. Causes
There are many causes of white coat furry tongue in traditional Chinese medicine, the below are some of them, please consult with your Chinese medicine practitioner for corrected differentiation
1. A white thin furry coat tongue coating is defined as health condition of external cold patterns 2. A thicker white furry coating is a health condition of can indicate damp-cold
3. A dry white furry coating tongue is an indication of cold turning to heat, causing dry mouth,
the 2 and 3 are due to spleen, stomach and kidney deficiency. In case of the presence of excess heat, the white furry coating turns yellow.

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http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/tongue.html

CHINESE MEDICINE DIAGNOSIS OF THE TONGUE

07/22/2009: Kevin from Vancouver, BC writes: "I am an acupunturist.

Usually a white tongue or coating mean cold is inside.

Yellow means heat is inside. I know these terms seem a bit out there but using the idea of yin and yang is or cold and hot is more sophisticated than trying to figure out a single cause when the body is an orchestra or functions.

So for a white toungue one would suggest Hot or warming food. For example ginger or cinnamon or cayenne. I would also suggests other tonic herbs like ginseng but only if there is not thick coating. A thick coating means excess or too much and so to build that would make it worse. You need to decrease the thickness. This is done by taking herbs that help to clear dampness usually bitter ones or astringent like orange peel for example.

There is a whole study of toungue coating and colour out there that is foundational to chinese diagnosis. Your toungue is a great indicator of health.

So to recap white toungue means cold so get warm and the toungue will change. Literally and with warming food. DO not eat ice cream or drink cold drinks with a cold tongue."

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 http://altmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/bl_TongueDiagnosis.htm

What is the Tongue Color?
Normal tongue color is light red, indicating that a person's vital energy (called qi) is strong. It also reflects the health of the internal organs and blood circulation. Changes in the tongue color usually reflect chronic illness.

Tongue body color	May be a sign of
Pale	Excess cold, especially if thick white coating. Spleen qi deficiency, especially if thin white coating Blood deficiency, especially if dull, pale face and lips
Red	Excess heat, especially if there is a thick yellow tongue coating. Yin deficiency, especially if tongue body is thin and coating is thin, absent or peeled.
Purple	Stagnant qi Stagnant blood if dark purple tongue body and/or red spots on the tongue

What is the Tongue Shape?
Normal tongue shape is not too thick or thin, and the tongue body is smooth with no cracks. Changes in the tongue shape usually reflect chronic illness involving blood, qi, or body fluids.

Tongue shape	May be a sign of
Swollen or puffy	Spleen qi deficiency, especially if teeth marks on the sides Damp heat
Thin	Blood deficiency Fluid deficiency
Trembling	Spleen qi deficiency
Elongated	Heart heat
Sides curled up	Liver qi stagnation If the sides are swollen and red, it may indicate Liver Fire
Cracks	Excess heat or yin deficiency Heart imbalance, especially if there is a crack down the middle of the tongue to the tip

What does the Tongue Coating Look Like?
Normal tongue coating is thin and white. A pale yellow and slightly thicker coating at the back of the tongue may also be normal. The tongue coating often indicates the health of the spleen and stomach. It also provides a good indication of acute illness, such as colds and digestive problems.

Tongue coating	May be a sign of
Thick	Excess
Yellow, thick, glossy	Damp Heat
Dry, yellow	Excess heat
Peeled or absent	Deficient yin Heart yin deficiency if it's on the tip of the tongue Kidney yin deficiency if it's all over the tongue or at the back of the tongue and the tongue body is red.

Are there any Specific Problem Areas?
Each area of the tongue is connected to specific internal organs.

• sides of the tongue - liver
• tip of the tongue - heart
• center of the tongue - spleen
• back of the tongue - kidney

Other Tongue Tips

• Some disorders don't show up on the tongue.
• Tongue is usually examined for no longer than 15 seconds at a time. If it's extended for longer, the tension may alter the shape or color.
• The tongue should be examined under natural light.
• Before examination, don't eat foods that may discolor the tongue, such as coffee, beets, vitamin C, and foods made with artificial food coloring.

This article is meant for information only. An accurate tongue assessment using the Chinese medical system can only be made in person by a qualified practitioner.


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http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2002/09/07.html


The second drawing shows a true full-heat condition -- yang consuming yin.
In this instance, you see symptoms such as a rapid pulse, which signifies heat, but it's also thin or empty, which indicates yin deficiency. If it were rapid and full, it would indicate excess heat. With an excess heat condition, the tongue is deep-red, but with yin deficiency, it's red or even light-red. You will also notice that due to the depleted yin, there will be patchy areas or no coating. A full heat will cause the face to be all red, but with yin deficiency, only the cheeks will be red (called "malar flush" in Chinese-English). A full heat will cause someone to be hot all of the time all over his or her body. On the other hand, yin deficiency will cause mild heat, mainly in the afternoon or evening, night sweats and/or warm hands, feet and chest (called Five-Centers Heat).
Yin-deficient people find that they are thirsty but they don't really feel like drinking a lot, or they take small sips. They want to drink mostly in the afternoon or at night. Those with full heat want cold drinks and have a dry mouth all of the time. Both will have scanty dark urine and suffer from constipation (from being dried up), but those with full heat may have pain as well.
Emotionally, heat causes restlessness, but yin-deficient people experience vague anxiety and are not really able to pinpoint why in particular they feel edgy. They could even be defensive. A person with an excess heat condition is much more obviously agitated, and sometimes arrogant. Any heat will cause difficulty falling and staying asleep, but yin deficiency heat keeps people waking frequently during the night or early morning, whereas with a full heat, their sleep is extremely restless and dream disturbed.
All of these are general yin deficiency signs and symptoms. A person doesn't have to have all of them to be considered yin deficient. Become familiar with them in contrast to an excess heat and then look more deeply to figure out which organ is involved and what the etiology could be.
Yin Deficiency/ Empty Heat Excess Heat/ Full Heat Principle Signs and Symptoms Afternoon, mild fever High fever Night sweating Feeling of heat all day Five Centers Heat Hot all over Scanty, dark urine Scanty dark urine Dry stools, no pain Constipation, pain Thirsty with no desire to drink, or just small sips Thirst for cold beverages Dry mouth and throat at night Constant dry mouth & throat Mentally restless but tired, vague anxiety, fidgety Extreme restlessness, agitation or manic behavior Defensive Offensive or arrogant Waking frequently at night Dream-disturbed and very restless sleep Red line inside eyelid Red eyes Mild red, painless spots Red skin eruptions, burning pain Overextended Driven Complexion Red cheeks/ Malar flush Whole face ted Tongue Red with little coating, or peeled Red with yellow coating Pulse Rapid, thready, empty, floating Rapid, full Treatment method Nourish yin Clear heat

Comparison of Yin Deficiency and Full Heat
	Yin Defiiency / Empty Heat	Excess Heat / Full Heat
Principle Signs and Symptoms	Afternoon mild fever Night sweating Five Centers Heat Scanty, dark urine Dry stools, no pain Thirsty, with no desire to drink, or just in small sips Dry mouth and throat at night Mentally restless but tired, vague anxiety, fidgety Defensive Frequent waking during night Red line inside eyelid Mild red, painless spots Overextended	High fever Feeling of heat all day Hot all over Scanty, dark urine| Constipation, pain Thirst for cold beverages Constant dry mouth and throat Extreme restlessness, agitation or manic behavior Offensive or arrogant Dream-disturbed or very restless sleep Red eyes Red skin eruptions, burning pain Driven
Complexion	Red cheeks/malar flush	Whole face red
Tongue	Red with little coating, or peeled	Red with yellow coating
Pulse	Rapid, thready, empty, floating	Rapid, full
Treatment Method	Nourish yin	Clear heat

There are five common types of yin deficiencies, and three types of excess heat/fire. You will find others described in texts. In part 2 of this article, I will discuss what I see most frequently in my practice. The beauty of making yourself familiar with the general symptoms for a large category like yin deficiency is that all you then need to memorize are a few key symptoms for each organ/meridian, instead of a long list for each different pathology. In the next issue, I will be able to discuss many syndromes in fewer words, because now you know the basics!



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