(4)        The Peeling Fur:  this refers to the sudden peeling of fur, fully or partially, revealing the texture of tongue.  If the fur is completely depleted, it is known as the mirror-like tongue, or glossy tongue.  This is usually caused by the depletion of stomach Yin, and stomach Qi.  Whatever the colors, this spells a serious condition of depletion of stomach Qi (a life force).  If it is a partial peeling of fur, with a flowery pattern, it is known as flowery-peeled fur, a result of deficiency in stomach Qi and Yin.  From furry tongue to depletion of fur indicates deficiency of stomach Qi and Yin, and dwindling of healthy Qi (life force); but after the disappearance of all the fur, if a white thin layer of fur is reformed, it means the receding of the pathogenic and recovery of the life force Qi, including the stomach Qi and Yin.  Nonetheless, it is worth noting that a sudden depletion or return of the fur are not healthy sign of recovery.