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Show Notes

Reading the body’s signals is an essential part of your TCM Diagnosis. Back when I was in TCM college, my diagnosis teacher used to say: “Practice, practice, practice as much as you can and everywhere!”

I took his words to heart, and from that moment on, I started practicing my observation skills EVERYWHERE! For example, I looked at people on the bus and thought to myself: “Oh, that woman with the red cheeks has Yin deficiency. That man with his puffy face has dampness!” Similarly, I observed people at the gym, the grocery store, the bank, the beach, on a hike, a run, or even just sitting at a coffee shop!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: did people notice me ogling them? Yep! Occasionally, it was a little uncomfortable, but I would just smile. In one instance, I think a guy even thought I was flirting with him! Hahahaha!

In addition to that, I often asked friends to show me their tongue, but to my surprise, it seems people are very private about what’s inside their mouth. Even close friends refused! On the other hand, everyone agreed to have their pulse taken. Apparently, tongue observation proved to be much more difficult to practice. Who knew?!

Understanding Body’s Signals & Body Types in TCM

The five elements in TCM each correspond to specific body types and personalities, though they don’t always align perfectly. Still, they offer valuable insights that can enhance our diagnostic toolkit.

🌎 Earth Body Type
Characterized by a pear shape and a tendency for water retention and circulatory issues, individuals with this body type benefit from light cardiovascular exercises. For instance, walking, hiking, or biking can improve circulation without the strain of high-impact activities, making them particularly effective.

🔥 Fire Body Type
Typically identified by smaller extremities, like hands and feet, and a heart-shaped face, Fire body types excel in short, high-intensity sports. For example, sprinting or high jumping suit them well, whereas endurance sports might not be ideal due to their natural inclination for bursts of energy rather than sustained effort.

💎 Metal Body Type
Defined by broad shoulders and a trim waist, reminiscent of muscle-bound figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Metal body types tend to have strong upper bodies. As a result, swimming and exercises that emphasize upper-body strength can be particularly beneficial. However, maintaining balance is essential to support overall strength and prevent imbalances.

🪵 Wood Body Type
With a naturally small frame and a bony structure, these individuals often have a thin, wiry build. Because of this, they benefit from gentle, nurturing exercises. Yoga and tai chi, which offer low-impact, mindful movements, align well with their need for soft yet strengthening activity.

🌊 Water Body Type
Naturally rounder in appearance and prone to water retention, these individuals may find it challenging to build defined muscles. Nevertheless, they are often noted for their enduring vitality. As such, long, steady exercises like cycling or endurance hiking suit them best, allowing them to harness their natural stamina.

 

Observation Techniques for Reading the Body’s Signals

Observation in TCM extends beyond physical shape to include facial and bodily features that reveal much about a person’s health. Here are key aspects to consider:

 

Skin and Body Color

Different hues on the skin, lips, or even nails can indicate varying conditions. For example, redness might suggest heat, while yellowish skin can denote dampness. The presence of purple or blue hues often signals blood stasis or cold conditions, respectively.

    • Blue: blocked channels, blood stasis
    • Red: heat (excess or deficiency)
    • Yellow: Dampness, water retention, Sp deficiency
    • White: Qi or Yang def. or blood def., internal cold.
    • Black: KD def., internal cold, pain, water retention, blood stasis

 

Body’s Signals of Hair

    • The state of the hair is related to the condition of blood & KD essence
    • Premature greying or loss of hair: Kd essence declining
    • Falling hair: blood def. or heat in blood (due to stress)

 

Facial Features

Observation of the eyes, nose, and lips offers insight into underlying conditions. For example, pale lips might suggest chi deficiency, whereas red, cracked lips could point to yin deficiency or heat.

 

Eye Observation

The area around the eyes tells stories about organ health and the mind (Shen). For instance, dark circles can indicate kidney issues or blood stasis, while redness in the sclera may reflect liver or lung heat. Dull-clouded eyes: mind & Essence are disturbed or weak.

    • Areas of the TCM eyes: Upper lid (SP), Lower lid (ST), Pupil (KD), Iris (LV), Inner canthus (HT), Sclera (LU)
    • Red colour in eye inner corner: HT Fire
    • Red sclera: LU Heat
    • Yellow sclera: Damp-heat
    • Whole eye infected: red, painful, swollen: LV fire or wind-heat invasion
    • Pale dull sclera: blood deficiency
    • Swelling or black circle under the eye: KD deficiency

 

Nose

  • Blue: pain. 
  • Yellow: Damp-heat. 
  • Pale: blood deficiency
  • Red: LU heat. 
  • Grey: water retention, extreme KD exhaustion
  • Dry nose: ST or LI heat
  • Nasal discharge: clear watery (cold pattern), yellow thick (heat pattern)

Ears

The ears reflect the strength of the KD.

  • A long-full lobe: strong KD.
  • A thin-small lobe: weak constitution

 

Mouth & Lips

You can read my post all on observation of the lips here.

 

Tongue Diagnosis 👅

A standout feature in TCM is tongue diagnosis, which provides insights into the internal state of organs. The tongue is a fantastic example of reading the body’s signals. The tongue is examined based on:

  • Colour: indicates the condition of blood, Qi & Yin organs. Red, purple, pale, or blue hues each suggest different conditions ranging from heat to deficiency or blood stasis.
  • Coating: indicates the state of the yang organs and pathogens. The presence, texture, and colour of the tongue’s coating can reveal excesses or deficiencies in dampness and heat.
  • Shape and Moisture: Shape indicates the state of blood & Nutritive Qi. Moisture indicates the state of body fluids. Additionally, swollen or thin tongues, along with varying levels of moisture, help diagnose conditions such as yang deficiency or body fluid depletion.

Characteristics of Tongue Body’s Clues to Look for

  • Thin: Blood or Yin deficiency
  • Swollen (Fat): dampness (red body: damp-heat; pale body: Yang def.)
  • Stiff: interior Wind (precursor of stoke!) extreme heat in HT, Phlegm retention
  • Flaccid: Body fluids deficiency, LV & KD Yin extreme exhaustion (if the coat is dry & body deep-red)
  • Long: HT heat
  • Short: interior cold stagnation, or if body red & no coat: extreme Yin deficiency
  • Cracked: Horizontal (ST Yin def.), Midline long crack reaching the tip (HT Yin def.), shallow crack not reaching the tip (ST Yin def.)
  • Deviated: interior Wind
  • Tremor-like (shaking): interior Wind
  • Quivering: SP Qi def.
  • Teeth-marks: SP Qi def., Yang def. (if pale body & wet coat)
  • Prickled (strawberry-like): Excess Toxic heat

 

body's signals tongue 5 body colours

body's signals tongue observation coating

Application of these observational skills, and reading the body’s signals coupled with case studies deepens understanding and refines diagnostic accuracy. To support this process, my book, Chinese Medicine Made Easy is a resource that utilizes colourful visuals and practical cases to improve your skills and support your practice.

Additionally, if you feel like reviewing your TCM Foundation, or your TCM diagnosis, click here!

Disclaimer

The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

 

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