One of my favourite non-negotiable daily practices is scraping my tongue. Having a daily routine is one of the most important pillars of Ayurveda. As the body becomes accustomed to the predictability of doing the same things at roughly the same time every day, the nervous system begins to relax. Incorporating tongue scraping to start each morning is simple and absolutely game-changing.
Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins from our food, beverages, and the environment; even our own metabolic wastes and unresolved emotions can lead to toxicity. When toxins are not properly digested and eliminated, they accumulate in the body and begin to compromise our well-being and immunity. In Ayurveda, we refer to these toxins as Aama.
Ayurveda, uses tongue diagnosis as a window into the internal workings of the body. Different parts of the tongue are related to different organs in the body. A tongue scraper gently removes toxins from the tongue itself and simultaneously stimulates, massages, and cleanses the associated organs and deep tissues. You can see the result of toxin build up reflected on your tongue as a coating (typical whitish or yellow depending on your imbalances).
Choosing a Tongue Scraper
I love the one from Banyan Botanicals https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/tongue-cleaner/ because it mirrors the design of the tongue scrapers that have long been used in India. Its made of stainless steel, which is naturally antimicrobial and tridoshic (for all constitutions). Cooper ones are also lovely, and available from many sources. My main suggestion is to avoid purchasing a plastic one, because of all the obvious reasons of why plastic is awful and because it will be more absorbent of toxins.
Why should we scrape our tongues?
Clears toxins, bacteria, and dead cells from the tongue to prevent bad breath
Enhances the sense of taste
Promotes overall oral and digestive health
Gently stimulates the internal organs
Increases your awareness of your state of health
How Do I Scrape MY Tongue?
Ideally, a tongue cleaner is used every day, upon rising, and on an empty stomach.
Hold the two ends of the tongue cleaner in both hands.
Extend the tongue and place the tongue cleaner on the surface of the tongue, as far back as is comfortable.
Gently pull the tongue cleaner forward so that it removes the unwanted coating.
Repeat 7-10 times, rinsing the tongue cleaner