Tongue Protrusionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Tongue Symptoms
Did you mean? Tongue Deviation Tongue Thrusting
What is tongue protrusion?
Tongue protrusion is a condition characterized by the involuntary or persistent extension of the tongue beyond the lips. This abnormal positioning can occur due to various underlying causes, including neurological disorders, muscular issues, or certain genetic conditions. Tongue protrusion may be temporary, occurring only during specific activities, or it can be a constant state. In some cases, it's associated with developmental disorders or can be a side effect of certain medications.
The severity of tongue protrusion can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe, potentially affecting speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene. When observed, especially if sudden or persistent, tongue protrusion can be an important diagnostic sign for healthcare professionals, potentially indicating issues with cranial nerve function or other neurological conditions.
How does TCM view tongue protrusion?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches tongue protrusion through the lens of pattern diagnosis, viewing it as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems. In TCM, the tongue's position and movement are closely associated with the function of the Heart, Spleen, and Kidney.
This holistic perspective considers not just the physical protrusion of the tongue, but how it relates to overall bodily functions and energy flow. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy. For tongue protrusion, patterns might include Heart Fire blazing upwards, Spleen Qi Deficiency failing to govern the muscles, or Kidney Essence insufficiency. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to restore balance and improve tongue function more comprehensively than treating the protrusion in isolation.
Acupoints for Tongue Protrusion
In the treatment of tongue protrusion, Traditional Chinese Medicine often employs acupuncture as a key therapeutic modality, with specific acupoints targeted to address the underlying imbalances and promote healing. A crucial acupoint recommended for this condition is Futonggu KID-20, located on the Kidney Channel. This point is positioned 5 cun above the umbilicus and 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Futonggu KID-20 is renowned for its actions of regulating the Middle Burner and opening the chest to transform Phlegm.
By stimulating Futonggu KID-20, practitioners aim to influence the energy flow in the upper body, potentially addressing imbalances that may contribute to tongue protrusion. While this point is not directly on the tongue or face, its connection to the Kidney channel and its ability to regulate the Middle Burner can have far-reaching effects on the body's overall balance. The action of transforming Phlegm is particularly relevant, as accumulation of Phlegm in TCM theory can lead to various disorders, including those affecting the tongue. However, it's important to note that in TCM practice, this acupoint would likely be used in conjunction with other points that more directly address the tongue and the underlying patterns of disharmony identified in the individual patient.
See more details below about Futonggu KID-20, an acupoint used to address tongue protrusion.
- By Meridian
- Kidney Channel
