Ayurveda Secrets to Optimal Tongue Health
In the traditional Indian system of holistic medicine, Ayurveda, the tongue holds significant importance as a diagnostic tool for understanding the subtle imbalances in the body. From dietary habits to tongue scraping, Ayurveda offers techniques for tongue health rooted in balancing our body’s doshas (energies), promoting healthy digestion, and avoiding imbalances that can lead to harmful bacteria.
Let’s take a closer look at Ayurveda’s perspective on tongue health.
What Should Your Tongue Look Like?
Sometimes, tongue changes are among the first signs that something is amiss with your body, so it’s essential to pay close attention to the color and texture of your tongue.
A healthy tongue should be a pinkish color and covered with small bumps called papillae. These bumps cover the majority of the upper surface of the tongue and are responsible for detecting flavors. The shade of pink may vary from person to person, but it’s generally a healthy shade that indicates good blood flow and circulation.
The underside of the tongue also has bumps, though they may be less visible than those on the upper surface. Overall, a healthy tongue should look clean and free of any unusual colors, bumps, or coatings.
Large patches of white, brown, black, or another color, pain when eating, or new lumps and bumps might indicate an unhealthy tongue and a specific health issue affecting your overall well-being.
The Potential of the Ayurveda Diet on Tongue Health
The Ayurveda diet emphasizes natural, whole foods and balances the body’s different systems, including the tongue.
Consuming iron-rich foods like spinach, red meats, seafood, and poultry, (in moderation of course) as well as foods with anti-microbial components like onions, ginger, garlic, and coconuts, can help reduce inflammation, balance the doshas, and keep the tongue healthy.
Adequate hydration, achieved through warm or room temperature water consumption, helps maintain tongue moisture.
Additionally, mindful eating practices, such as thorough chewing and savoring each bite, further contribute to a healthier tongue.
Benefits of Scraping Your Tongue
When combined with a healthy Ayurveda diet, tongue scraping can do wonders for your oral health by removing harmful bacteria and toxins that can lead to bad breath and other tongue-related problems. A few of the specific benefits are:
Balancing oral bacteria: While bacteria in our mouth is essential for the protection of our teeth and gums, an imbalance of this can lead to a host of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Improving digestion: Tongue scraping is believed to stimulate agni, the digestive fire essential for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, by removing any coating or debris that may obstruct its functioning.
Improving taste: The build-up of toxins on the tongue can dull your taste buds and make it difficult to appreciate the flavors in food. By removing this build-up, you may find that your sense of taste becomes more acute and enjoyable.
Overall well-being: In addition to fresher breath, improved taste, and better digestion, removing the toxins from the tongue can boost our immunity, making us less susceptible to infections and illnesses.
How to Scrape Your Tongue
If you’re new to the practice and wondering how to scrape your tongue properly, here are some easy steps to get you started.
The best time to scrape your tongue is in the morning, right after waking up and before brushing your teeth or consuming anything.
Choose a tongue scraper made of non-toxic materials like copper or stainless steel. Avoid using a toothbrush for tongue cleaning as this will only move the bacteria around your tongue, and Ayurveda recommends avoiding plastic scrapers.
Stick your tongue as far out as possible and hold the scraper firmly with both hands.
Scrape from back to front: Starting from the back of your tongue, gently scrape the surface in one smooth motion towards the front. Apply gentle pressure without causing discomfort or irritation.
Repeat the scraping motion 5 to 10 times or until your tongue is clean and pink, rinsing the scraper under running water between each scrape.
After scraping, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any remaining debris.
Then, brush your teeth and proceed with your regular oral hygiene routine.
Finally, drink a glass of warm water to further cleanse your mouth and support hydration.
Remember, consistency is key. Aim to incorporate tongue scraping into your daily oral care routine for optimal results.
Conclusion
Remember that good health begins with paying attention to your body’s subtle cues, including that of your tongue. So, incorporating Ayurvedic practices like tongue scraping, eating a balanced diet, and keeping hydrated into your lifestyle can help achieve a happier and healthier you.
