Tips for Examination 

1. The early birds get the tongue.

The best time to inspect your tongue is before breakfast.

2. Go easy on the brushing.

If you must brush your teeth before the inspection, don’t brush your tongue—this would disturb the tongue coating.

3. Avoid coffee, tea and sweets.

Before the inspection, don’t eat or drink anything that might stain your tongue.

4. Sunlight is the best light

Inspect your tongue in natural light for a more accurate diagnosis.

5. Don't stick out your tongue for more than 15 seconds

The longer you stick out your tongue, the darker it will appear. If you need to "reset" your tongue colour, just pull your tongue back in for a few moments.

This simplified guide to tongue examination for reference only. For a proper diagnosis, always consult an accredited TCM physician.