Swollen Tongueaccording to TCM

What is swollen tongue?

A swollen tongue, or macroglossia, is a condition characterized by abnormal enlargement of the tongue. This swelling can affect the entire tongue or specific areas, potentially causing protrusion from the mouth or pressure against the teeth. Patients often experience discomfort and difficulty with speaking, chewing, or swallowing. Causes range from allergic reactions and infections to more serious underlying health conditions. In some cases, a swollen tongue can be a medical emergency, particularly if it interferes with breathing. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely, making professional medical evaluation crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How does TCM view swollen tongue?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views swollen tongue as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems. In TCM, the tongue is closely associated with the Heart and Spleen meridians, and its condition reflects the overall state of these systems. A swollen tongue is often seen as a result of Dampness accumulation, Heat, or Blood Stagnation in the body. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial as it guides the treatment strategy. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to resolve the swelling and restore balance more comprehensively than treating the symptom in isolation.

Causes of swollen tongue according to TCM

In TCM, swollen tongue can arise from various patterns of disharmony. One significant pattern is Blood Stagnation, manifesting in swelling, a purplish tongue color, and possibly visible distended veins. TCM practitioners view this as a result of impaired Blood circulation in the tongue area.

Another important pattern is Dampness accumulation, characterized by a swollen tongue with teeth marks, a thick greasy coating, and possibly accompanied by heaviness in the body and poor appetite. In TCM theory, Dampness obstructs the smooth flow of Qi and fluids, leading to swelling. These patterns reflect TCM's nuanced approach to understanding the root causes of swollen tongue.

Acupoints for Swollen Tongue

Key acupoints for treating swollen tongue include Extra Points in the Head and Neck region: Haiquan EX-HN-11, Jinjin EX-HN-12, and Yuye EX-HN-13. These points clear Heat, reduce swelling, generate Body Fluids, and benefit the tongue. Futonggu KID-20 on the Kidney Channel helps regulate the Middle Burner and transform Phlegm. Shaochong HE-9 on the Heart Channel clears Heat, calms the Mind, and benefits the tongue. These acupoints aim to address various aspects of swollen tongue, from reducing inflammation to balancing the body's energy flow.

Explore below some acupoints used to address swollen tongue, organized by meridian.

Futonggu KID-20

5 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Shaochong HE-9

On the radial side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

TCM Herbs for Swollen Tongue

For Blood Stagnation, a key herb recommended is Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong), known for invigorating the Blood and reducing swelling. For Dampness accumulation, herbs with drying properties like Poria (Fu Ling) or Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) might be used. TCM treatment is highly individualized, with herb choices varying based on the patient's specific presentation and overall constitution.