What tongue manifestation corresponds to cold invading the large intestine?

The manifestation of a thick-white coating on the tongue is indicative of cold invading the large intestine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition reflects an internal blockage caused by cold accumulation. The presence of a thick, white coating suggests a substantial interaction of cold with the body's fluids and digestive processes, leading to stagnation.

In cases of cold invasion in the large intestine, the digestive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, often accompanied by a sensation of cold. The thick white coating on the tongue signifies excessive moisture and heat stagnation due to the cold, demonstrating how the digestive system is being affected by this external factor.

A red tongue with a greasy-yellow coating would typically be associated with heat or damp-heat conditions rather than cold. Similarly, a pale or red dry tongue without coating could indicate deficiency patterns, while a pale tongue without coating would suggest a deficiency of yang or qi, but not specifically cold invasion. Thus, the presence of a thick-white coating effectively points to the excess nature of cold obstructing the large intestine.