Tongue diagnosis
according to TCM in Basel
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tongue diagnosis—also called tongue diagnostics—is considered a key diagnostic tool. With a trained eye, we analyze the tongue in our Basel practice for color, shape, coating, and moisture. Because the tongue reveals a great deal about the energetic state of your internal organs—long before conventional medical findings become apparent.
What does tongue diagnostics show?
The tongue is divided into four diagnostic areas:
Tip of the tongue: heart and lungs
Middle of the tongue: spleen and stomach
Edges of the tongue: liver and gallbladder
Root of the tongue: kidneys and bladder
Changes in these areas can indicate imbalances in the organism or energetic disturbances in the sense of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
For example, the color, shape and mobility of the tongue can provide information about the state of Qi (life energy), blood and the functional cycles of the internal organs.
The coating on the tongue also provides important diagnostic clues: Its texture, color, and distribution can reveal external influences such as heat, cold, wind, or humidity. Furthermore, the condition of the coating can indicate the progression of a disease—for example, whether a pathology is in its early stages, has progressed, or is already in remission.
Procedure for a TCM tongue diagnosis in Basel
For a meaningful tongue diagnosis, the tongue should:
be stretched out loosely
not recently cleaned or discolored by food
be free from tobacco or strong coffee/tea consumption
In our TCM practice in Basel, we examine both the tongue body (color, shape, consistency) and the tongue coating (color, thickness, moisture). Together, they provide a detailed picture of your constitutional condition.
Typical findings of TCM tongue diagnostics
Bright red, tender tongue with a thin, even coating:
This finding indicates a harmonious balance of yin and yang, as well as a free flow of qi and blood. In such cases, no therapeutic intervention is necessary, or preventative measures are taken—for example, to strengthen the immune system or reduce stress.Red, tense tongue with yellow coating:
This indicates heat in the body, often caused by internal irritation, inflammation, or emotional tension. Treatment aims to dissipate heat, for example, through cooling herbs, acupuncture points to clear heat, or dietary adjustments.Pale, swollen tongue with teeth marks:
An indication of Qi deficiency, possibly also a blood deficiency. Typical accompanying symptoms are fatigue, listlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Treatment aims to strengthen the spleen and stomach, for example, through strengthening acupuncture and a nourishing diet.Cracked tongue or tongue without coating:
This indicates dryness in the body or a yin deficiency, often accompanied by inner restlessness, sleep disturbances, or hot flashes. Treatment aims to nourish yin and restore the body's fluids—with gentle, moisturizing measures such as yin-tonifying herbs, a customized diet, and acupuncture for calming relief.
Tongue diagnosis in treatment
By observing your tongue's shape, color, coating, and mobility, we gain a holistic picture of your current health. We use this information to tailor your treatment to your individual needs.
Depending on the diagnostic findings, we use different forms of therapy:
Cupping (Ba Guan): Cupping involves applying glass spheres to specific areas of the body under negative pressure. This method stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow, eliminates pathogenic factors such as cold, dampness, or stagnation, and strengthens the immune system. Cupping is particularly helpful for muscular tension, chronic pain, or the accumulation of cold and dampness in the body.
Nutritional advice based on the five elements to have a healing effect on the body through daily food – whether for cooling internal heat, building up Qi and blood, or dehumidifying.
Tuina massage , a manual therapy form to promote energy flow, for relaxation or for the targeted treatment of pain and tension.
Tongue diagnostics not only accompany the start of treatment but also serve as an ongoing follow-up: Changes in the tongue's appearance show us whether the chosen therapy is working and whether adjustments are necessary. This ensures that your treatment remains optimally tailored to your current condition at all times.
How can I book an appointment for tongue diagnosis in Basel?
You can easily make an appointment with us by phone at 061 202 77 12 or directly online.
To do so, book a 60-minute acupressure appointment directly on our website. We look forward to working with you to achieve your goal of freedom from symptoms.