HELLO DEAR TONGUE! Tongue diagnosis is a method that is thousands of years old and plays a central role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is based on the assumption that the tongue reflects the condition of the internal organs and the entire body. When we look at the tongue, we see more than just a tool for speaking and tasting - we see a small window that gives us insights into the internal balance and health of our body. Tongue diagnosis is an art because it requires not only the mere recognition of physical signs, but also the ability to interpret these signs in the context of the entire body system. The tongue can give us clues about disorders in the digestive system, lungs, kidneys, heart and other organs. It shows us if our body is too hot or too cold, if there is too much moisture or if there is a lack of energy. This subtle and precise method requires a deep understanding and sensitivity to the intricacies of the body, which is why it is considered an art. In the West, tongue diagnosis is often seen as a mysterious technique, but in Eastern healing traditions it is a familiar and valued practice. The tongue is considered in TCM to be a miniature map of the body, with different areas associated with internal organs. For example, the tip of the tongue is associated with the heart and lungs, while the middle of the tongue represents the stomach and spleen. The back of the tongue indicates the condition of the kidneys and bladder meridian.The condition of the tongue can change dramatically depending on the state of health. Changes in the color, shape, coating and moisture of the tongue give us valuable information. For example, a pale tongue can indicate a blood or energy deficiency, while a red tongue indicates heat in the body. A thick, white coating can indicate a buildup of moisture and mucus, while an absence of coating often indicates a yin deficiency or a disturbance in digestive functions. But the art of tongue reading does not stop with analyzing the tongue alone. It requires the ability to see these signs in the context of the entire individual. Tongue reading is not an isolated tool - it must be used in conjunction with pulse reading, patient history, and observation of other physical signs. A skilled practitioner can use all of these elements together to paint a comprehensive picture of a person's health. In our modern world, where conventional medicine often relies on technologically advanced diagnostic tools, tongue diagnosis offers a refreshingly simple yet profound method of understanding the state of the body. It does not require expensive equipment, just a trained eye and in-depth knowledge. By observing the tongue, imbalances can be detected and treated at an early stage, before they manifest themselves in serious diseases. This makes tongue diagnosis a valuable tool for preventive health. By regularly observing the signs of the tongue, we can identify possible disorders early on and take targeted measures to restore balance in the body. Tongue diagnosis can therefore not only help diagnose diseases, but also serve as a method of health prevention that helps us maintain our well-being in the long term. The art of tongue diagnosis beautifully combines science and intuition. It requires both precise knowledge of the human body and the ability to subtly respond to the individual differences of each person. Each person has a unique tongue shape, color and texture, and this individuality is reflected in the diagnosis. A good tongue diagnosis practitioner knows that the tongue should never be considered in isolation, but always in the context of the person's overall picture and health history.