Symptom family: Oral and Throat Ulcers and Sores
Parent symptom: Mouth Ulcers
Explore below more details about what might cause Tongue ulcers according to TCM.
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Common Symptoms: Restlessness Insomnia Mouth Ulcers Cardiac Burning Sensation Hematuria Palpitations Thirst Anxiety
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine | Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Insomnia, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more | Dao Chi San |
Heart Fire blazing | Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San |
Pericardium Fire | Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more
Common Symptoms: Palpitations Thirst Mouth Ulcers Restlessness Anxiety Feeling Of Heat Insomnia Flushed Face
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heart Fire blazing | Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San |
Pericardium Fire | Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine | Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Insomnia, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more | Dao Chi San |
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heart Fire blazing | Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San |
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 |
---|---|---|
Pericardium Fire | Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tongue ulcers, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause tongue ulcers, such as Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Xie Xin Tang | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Zi Xue Dan | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Dao Chi San | Full-Heat in the Small Intestine |
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Heart Fire blazing |
Liang Ge San | Heart Fire blazing |
Suitable for Mind Disturbance patterns that may cause tongue ulcers, such as Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Xie Xin Tang | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Zi Xue Dan | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Heart Fire blazing |
Liang Ge San | Heart Fire blazing |
These formulas are suitable for some tongue ulcers-causing patterns like Full-Heat in the Small Intestine.
One such formula is Dao Chi San, with akebia stem as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Dao Chi San | Full-Heat in the Small Intestine |
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Heart Fire blazing |
These formulas are suitable for some tongue ulcers-causing patterns like Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire.
One such formula is Xie Xin Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Xie Xin Tang | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Liang Ge San | Heart Fire blazing |
These formulas are suitable for some tongue ulcers-causing patterns like Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire.
One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Explore below some acupoints used to address tongue ulcers, organized by meridian.
In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.
On the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adm's apple, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone.
On the palmar surface, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones. When a fist is made, the point is where the tip of the little finger rests.