Frequent Colds Or Flu in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)

The tongue body is characteristically pale, reflecting the underlying Qi deficiency and its inability to push Blood upward to nourish the tongue. It may appear slightly puffy or soft-textured (what TCM calls 'tender'), and teeth marks along the edges are common because the weakened Qi fails to hold tissues firm. The coating is typically thin and white, which is consistent with a Cold-deficiency pattern rather than Heat. In straightforward Lung Qi Deficiency the tongue is not dry, though if the pattern starts to involve Yin deficiency (a more advanced stage), some dryness may appear.

Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo), Deep (Chen)

The tongue is typically pale, soft, and slightly puffy, reflecting insufficient Qi to nourish the tongue body and a tendency toward fluid accumulation. Teeth marks along the edges are common due to the tongue's swollen, tender quality pressing against the teeth. The coating is thin and white, reflecting the absence of Heat pathology. The tongue tip area (which corresponds to the Heart and Lungs) may appear especially pale or lack vibrancy. There is no significant dryness or redness unless the pattern has begun transforming toward Yin deficiency.

Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)

The tongue is typically pale and slightly puffy or tender in texture, often with scalloped edges from the teeth pressing into the swollen tongue body. The coating is thin and white, which is close to normal but lacks the healthy pinkish-red colour of a well-nourished tongue. In mild cases the tongue may appear nearly normal in colour but with subtle teeth marks. The overall impression is of a tongue that looks soft, slightly enlarged, and lacking vitality. If the tongue begins to show dryness or a peeled coating, this may suggest the pattern is evolving toward Yin or Blood Deficiency.

Empty (Xu), Fine (Xi), Weak (Ruo)

The tongue body is typically pale and puffy or tender-soft, often with clear teeth marks along the edges. This reflects the Spleen's inability to transform fluids, which accumulate and cause the tongue to swell. The coating is thin and white, sometimes slightly slippery or moist, indicating Cold-Dampness from Qi deficiency. In more pronounced cases, the tongue may appear waterlogged or excessively wet. The overall impression is of a tongue lacking vitality and colour.

Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)

The tongue is characteristically pale, puffy, and moist, often with teeth marks along the edges. The coating is thin and white, with a slippery or wet quality reflecting the accumulation of fluids that the weakened Lung Yang cannot transform. In more severe cases, the tongue body may appear slightly darkish-pale (淡暗), suggesting that Yang deficiency is also affecting circulation. The overall impression is of coldness and fluid excess rather than dryness.