By observing the coating's viscosity we may determine the progression of pathogenic dampness and yang qi. excess heat lifting turbid Stomach qi upwards damp heat, acute febrile disease, dysentery internal carbuncle due to excessive pathogenic factor this coating is soft, loose, and has a thick crust that is easily scraped off the tonguecrusty the coating is thick and lumpy like mold, bean curd (tofu), or cottage cheesemoldy (curdy) festered rotten damp, phlegm or food stagnation can all cause stagnation of yang qi The greasy coat is fine, dense, evenly distributed and difficult to scrape off. It looks like spread peanut butter. Viscosity greasy By observing the coating's moisture, we may determine the condition of the body fluids in the interior of the body. yin deficiency or disorder of qi transformation leading to an accumulation of water not reaching the tongue coat body fluid impaired by excess heat the dry coating looks dry and will not reflect lightsdry external internal yang deficiency with phlegm accumulation attack of cold damp the moist coating looks wet and reflects light in the room Moisture moist external internal By observing the tongue coating, we may determine the location of the disease or its severity and development. damp, phlegm, or food stagnation external patholgenic factor moving from exterior to interior The thick coating prevents one from seeing through the coating to the tongue body proper.thick external internal deficiency of defensive qi superficial, or mild attack in which the defensive qi has not been impaired The thin coating enables one to see through the coating to the tongue body proper. Thickness thin IndicationsCoats and Modifiers external internal indications indications