Symptom family: Tongue Symptoms
Explore below more details about what might cause Pale tongue according to TCM.
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Common Symptoms: Spontaneous Sweat General Weakness Generalized Fatigue Weak Voice Pale Face Shortness Of Breath Palpitations Dizziness
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Qi and Blood Deficiency | Pale tongue, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ba Zhen Tang |
Protective Qi Deficiency | Pale tongue, Spontaneous sweat, Recurrent colds, Bright pale face | Yu Ping Feng San |
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Qi and Blood Deficiency | Pale tongue, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ba Zhen Tang |
In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Protective Qi Deficiency | Pale tongue, Spontaneous sweat, Recurrent colds, Bright pale face | Yu Ping Feng San |
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
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Protective Qi Deficiency | Pale tongue, Spontaneous sweat, Recurrent colds, Bright pale face | Yu Ping Feng San |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pale tongue, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause pale tongue, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zhen Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Yu Ping Feng San | Protective Qi Deficiency |
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause pale tongue, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some pale tongue-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some pale tongue-causing patterns like Protective Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Yu Ping Feng San, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pale tongue, organized by herb category.
Pale tongue can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pale tongue, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ba Zhen Tang |
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Yu Ping Feng San |
Pale tongue can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pale tongue, like Ba Zhen Tang.