Objective To explore the regulation of Chinese medica l syndrome through observing the distribution characteristics of tongue image in 996 human immu nodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome（HIV/AIDS） patients in Yu nnan Province.Methods A total of 996 HIV/AIDS pat ients from 9 cities in Yunnan Province were selected.The color and shape of the tongue and the co lor and nature of the fur were observed.The relationship between tongue image wi th area

gender

HIV/AIDS grouping and habits and customs were analyzed.Results There was higher proportion of red tongue

purple tongue

ecchymosed tongue

fissured tongue

enlarged tongue

tongue bearing dental impressions

slimy fur

moist fur and peeling fur（P<0.05）.Comparing with the males

there was h igher proportion of pale red tongue

thin fur

white fur

fissured tongue and ecchymo sed tongue in the females（P<0.05）.The yellow fur was common in smokers（P<0.05）.The crimson tongue

fissured tongue and peeling fur were common in alcoholics（P<0.05）.The pale tongue

pale red tongue

crimson tongue and moist fur w ere c ommon in HIV patients（P<0.05）.Conclusion The pathogenesis characteristics of A IDS are deficiency of vital qi

damp turbidity

static blood

evil heat and exterior-interior combination according to Chinese medicine.The distribution of tongue im age varies with gender

area and habits and customs.