What does a flaccid tongue resembling a dog's indicate?

A flaccid tongue resembling a dog's is indicative of an extreme deficiency, especially of Qi or blood, which is why this choice is considered correct. In traditional Chinese medicine, the state of the tongue can provide valuable insight into a person's overall health and specific imbalances within the body.

A flaccid tongue often denotes a lack of strength and vitality, reflecting insufficient energy reserves. In cases of extreme deficiency, whether of Qi (the vital life force) or blood (which nourishes and moistens the body), the tongue may lose its firmness and demonstrate a pale color or a swollen appearance. This symptom signifies an inability to support the body's functions effectively.

This is in contrast to conditions characterized by an excess of Qi or blood, which would more likely present with a swollen or bright red tongue. Similarly, a heat condition would manifest through changes like a red tongue with a yellow coating, displaying signs of excess yang energy rather than deficiency. Yang excess conditions would often present a tongue that is red and/or has a thick coating, further distancing the characteristics from those seen with a flaccid tongue.

Understanding the connection between tongue appearance and underlying deficiency helps practitioners assess and treat conditions more effectively. Thus, the indication of a flaccid tongue resembling a dog's