Knowledge Base/Diagnostics/Tongue diagnosis
Educational and cultural reference only — not medical advice. We do not diagnose, do not prescribe, do not recommend medicines or doses, and make no claim to treat or cure any condition. Nothing here should delay you from seeking care. If you have a health concern, consult a licensed healthcare professional.
诊法

Tongue diagnosis shé zhěn · 舌诊

The practitioner notes the tongue body (colour, shape, moisture, movement) and the coating (colour, thickness, distribution). In the model, body colour is read as reflecting deeper, longer-standing states and the coating as reflecting more recent digestive and fluid conditions.

Lighting, medication, coffee, smoking and even toothpaste change what is seen — which is why practitioners view the tongue as one input among four, never a verdict.

医者观察舌质（颜色、形态、润燥、动态）与舌苔（颜色、厚薄、分布）。在模型中，舌质反映较深、较久的状况，舌苔反映较近的消化与津液状况。

光线、用药、咖啡、吸烟乃至牙膏都会改变所见，因此舌象只是四诊之一，从不单独作为结论。

Classical method
Tongue appearance is affected by many non-TCM factors.
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