Geographic tongue: treatment and causes of spots on the tongue

Is called “geographic tongue” to an inflammatory disorder that causes the tongue to present an irregularly peeled coat, not covering the entire surface. In these areas there are no papillae and this makes them appear as smooth red spots similar to islands on a map –hence their name–. The spots can constantly change.

Although it is a harmless disorder according to traditional medicine, for Chinese medicine it has a transcendental meaning, since tongue coating is an important sign of health for this oriental medicine. Specifically, according to Chinese medicine, the geographic tongue indicates that we should take more care of the stomach.

What is geographic tongue and what causes it (according to Chinese medicine)

According to Chinese medicine, the tongue reflects the five vital organs of the body in their different zones.

Various meridians reach the tongue to nourish it and, at the same time, in it the energies of the corresponding meridians and organs are reflected.

is the “heart flame” (fire element) and is nourished by the chi of the spleen/stomach.

The layer reflects more vigorously the chi (energy) of the spleen / stomach, because it is the one that nourishes the whole body, the one with a terrestrial base. Therefore, if the tongue coating is peeling it means that the spleen/stomach chi is insufficient.

That’s why so much is given importance of having a good appetite when a sick personbecause if you lose it, it means that you lose he chi spleen / stomach and will have a poor recovery due to lack of energy.

Obviously, our body is too complex to venture a definitive diagnosis based on a partial comment: Depending on the area where the peeled layer is located, the picture can change a lot.

However, initially To solve this problem, I would take care of the diet a little more.

What color is a healthy tongue

Languages ​​are like people, no two are the same.but in general terms there are smooth, cracked, swollen, deviated, swollen with dental marks, rough, large or thin, tender, old tongues… However, the coating of a healthy tongue should be thin, white and transparent, and cover the entire tongue except the edge.

When acupuncturists observe the tongue, what we look at in general are: the color and shape, the color of the layer, its thickness and hydration. Then we look at where the signs are located. It is a widely used method. to aid diagnosis.

In the color of the tongue, the balance of yin and yang is manifested above all (xue and chi).

A healthy tongue is reddish in color and covered by a thin, white, transparent coating. that allows to see the color of the language itself. The body of the tongue should be smooth and hydrated.

From the tongue it is mainly observed the chi (energy) and xue (blood), general condition of the chi of the spleen/stomach, the yin and the yangheat and cold, dryness and humidity, deficiency and excess…

Geographic tongue: treatment

To solve it, you have to take care of the stomach.

The cold and raw foods make the stomach work more than necessary, because you have to heat them up quickly before you start digesting them.

The body regulates itself if the operation is prolonged, the chiwhich weakens the spleen and stomach.

Eat slowly chewing well is another simple way to care for stomach chi. Remember that digestion begins in the mouth.

I do not advise you to eat foods that are very aggressive for the palate (sour, spicy, too hot, cold or salty…)but do chew your food well and keep your oral hygiene adequate.

If the spots worsen during ovulation then they are related to an energy imbalance. Neither ovulation nor menstruation should cause any disorder. If this happens, it is because the body is indicating that we must tune it up.

In case you have any other discomfort, you can See a Chinese medicine specialist for a checkup and regulate what is unbalanced.