TCM Foundations Board: Daily Practice Test

A thick tongue coating with a root in the context of an externally contracted disorder suggests a more serious condition. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the characteristics of the tongue coating provide significant insight into the state of a person's health and the severity of their condition.

A thick coating indicates phlegm, dampness, or heat accumulation in the body, which points to the presence of significant pathogenic factors. The root of the coating refers to how well it adheres to the tongue, and when the coating is thick and rooted, it typically signifies a stronger presence of these pathogenic factors.

In the initial stages of an externally contracted disorder, the presence of a thick coating implies that the body's defensive Qi is struggling to combat the invading pathogen, which can often lead to an escalation of symptoms and greater pathogenic influence if not addressed effectively. Therefore, this tongue presentation is indicative of a more serious health concern that requires attention and treatment in TCM.