Lana Farson, M.S., L.Ac., Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

Is your tongue healthy?

A healthy tongue is pink in color, with a thin white coating.  This means that the body of the tongue (the part under the coating) is pink.  This is because adult tonguethe color of the tongue relates to the circulation and strength of the body’s energy. We look at the tongue because it is our version of a CAT scan as it allows us to see into the body and pinpoint the location and nature of an imbalance.  One client asked me what she can do in her daily life to help encourage a pink tongue.  I wrote a list for her and here it is.

  1. Exercise to move the blood, especially exercises that are aerobic or that invert the body like handstands, dancing
  2. Choose bike rides and walking, rather than car transportation
  3. Acupuncture and herbs make healthy qi and blood, and contribute to healthy tongue color
  4. Maintain regular and continued breathing throughout the day, especially through awkward moments, new situations, & difficult emotions such as fear & worry
  5. Allow yourself to laugh as much as possible; it makes the qi flow!
  6. Process your emotions – it prevents the liver from becoming slow and stagnated (which can lead to a dusky-purple tongue)
  7. Avoid toxic smells that damage the Lung Qi (hold breath to avoid inhalation)
  8. Take advantage of smelling healthy things (fresh air, flowers, nice scents…)
  9. Sing whenever possible – this opens the Lung Qi
  10. Take fresh air often, especially after meals (outside and in the house by having windows open)
  11. Reduce the use of air conditioners and excessive heating
  12. Allow the body to rest at some point during the day – a short nap perhaps…  (this protects the qi and body’s immunity)
  13. Eat fresh, healthy foods.  Thoroughly chew food, until it is an even consistency – helps the body convert nutrition into healthy Qi
  14. Honor evening rhythms and reduce evening activity by 11pm (especially computer activity). This will prevent adrenal burn-out and depletion of kidney and liver energy

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