How to take a well-lit, in-focus photo of your tongue.

When.

Before each appointment, please email a photo of your tongue (preferably before your morning coffee) to natalie@drnatalielewis.com. Please use Patient’s Name in Subject +date+ Tongue Photo (ie. Jane Good: 5/05/2020 Tongue Photo)

How.

(Before your coffee) In front of a mirror with your photo screen facing you, take a photo of your tongue’s reflection. Stick out your tongue, Tap the phone screen to focus on the tongue. Photograph the whole tongue only.

Tips.

Be sure your photo is only focused on your tongue and not focused on your lips/teeth/nose.

Include the tip of the tongue and the root. Harsh overhead light may cast a shadow on the root of the tongue; I want to be able to see as much of the tongue as possible.. Do not point or curl the tongue; allow it to be relaxed. If you have to start over please return your tongue to your mouth,  relax, and try again with your tongue sticking out of your mouth but relaxed/ not tense. Natural light from a window is best when possible.

Good Tongue Photo Examples

Here are a couple of examples of clear, in-focus, well-lit tongue photos, and a couple of not-so-helpful tongue photos below. The clearer your tongue photo is, the more accurate my diagnosis will be. Proper diagnosis leads to a better treatment.

Poor Photo Examples

These are out-of-focus, and key parts of the tongue are left out of the photo.

Why

Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. The value of a well-lit, close-up, in-focus photo of your whole tongue (and just the tongue) is that I can see what is out of balance inside the body. The color and coating tell important information about where and how the body is out of balance.