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Tongue spirit
舌神 〔舌神〕 shé shén
The general vitality of the tongue manifest in its luxuriance or witheredness. A luxuriant tongue is fresh red in color and is able to move freely; it indicates sufficiency of liquid and humor, and a good chance of recovery from illness. A withered tongue is dull, dark, dry and withered; it indicates exhaustion of liquid and humor and a critical condition. Cao Bing-Zhang in his If it (the tongue) is luxuriant and moist, liquid is sufficient; if dry and withered, liquid is lacking. Luxuriance indicates presence of spirit. As to spirit, [it means] agility and a fresh bright red. If it is present, [the patient] lives; if it is not, [the patient] dies. Brightness and glossiness with the color of blood is [a sign of] life; dryness and dullness without the color of blood is [a sign boding] death.