The Study Of Objective Characteristics About The Tongue-images Of Yang-qi Deficiency Constitution

ObjectiveBy applying TCM tongue-image acquisition and analysis system, the paper is to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis on tongue-image of patients with Yang-qi deficiency constitution, to explore tongue-image characteristics of patients with Yang-qi deficiency constitution, to further explore specific indexes of Yang-qi deficiency constitution and to provide an objective basis for normalized, efficient and noninvasive diagnosis of Yang-qi deficiency constitution.MethodsCross-sectional study was adopted. Solicited volunteers aging from 18 to 65 years old according to TCM Constitutional Classification and Determination. Selected Yang-qi deficiency constitution population and mild constitution population, including 60 cases of patients in Yang-qi deficiency constitution group and 35 cases of patients in mild constitution group Analyzed distribution characteristics of Yang-qi deficiency constitution population, conducted tongue-image acquisition on subjects incorporated in (national patent No.: 200610150872.1) through tongue-image acquisition and analysis system, analyzed characteristics of tongue-image, including tongue RGB color index (R:red; G:green; B:blue, dividing into 266 gradient, presenting in integer from 0-255.0 indicates Min. color indexing, no color existed; 255 indicates Max. color indexing and Max. saturation), tongue color percentage, tongue geometrical characteristics, and analysis of physical material characteristics, and conducted correlation analysis on Yang-qi deficiency constitution grade and tongue body volume size.ResultsThe research incorporated 60 cases of patients in Yang-qi deficiency constitution group, and 35 cases in mild constitution group.There are more female subjects in Yang-qi deficiency constitution group. The married and the older are prone to form Yang-qi deficiency constitution. In terms of tongue-image characteristics:(1) Statistical analysis of tongue RGB and specific values. While compared with mild constitution group, the Yang-qi deficiency constitution group:in tongue area 0 (tongue tip part), the R, G/B value are small. P values are 0.08,0.06 respectively, closing to 0.05; in tongue area 1 (right tongue root), the R value is small. P=0.05; in tongue area 2 (left tongue root), the R value is small. P=0.07, closing to 0.05. (2) In terms of statistical analysis of tongue color percentage composition, the white percentage of patients in Yang-qi deficiency constitution group is big compared to mild constitution group,P=0.05. (3) Statistical analysis of tongue geometric features. While compared with mild constitution group, tongue length, volume, and area of Yang-qi deficiency constitution population is big. There are statistical differences existing on length and volume comparison. In terms of area comparison, P=0.06, closing to 0.05. Yang-qi deficiency score and tongue volume present positive correlation with statistical difference (Spearman’s rho=0.28, P=0.03<0.05). (4) Statistical analysis of tongue physical substances reveals that while compared with mild constitution group, most person in Yang-qi deficiency constitution group have teeth marks on tongue with significant statistical difference (P<0.01).ConclusionFrom characteristics of tongue length, volumetric characters and teeth marks on tongue, it can be applied to recognize tongue-images of Yang-qi deficiency constitution group and mild constitution group. It is possible to compare tongue size through the score of Yang-qi deficiency constitution. Due to insufficient sample size, no statistical difference exist on R value of 0,1,2 of tongue, white percentage and tongue size. The P values, however, are very close to critical point.Further exploration is to be conducted to determine whether there is a statistically significance.