Why Tongue Scraping is a Must-Try
Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that not only supports oral hygiene but also promotes whole-body wellness.
Tongue scraping supports healthy digestion and detoxification, which can lead to clearer skin by reducing the buildup of internal toxins that often manifest as skin issues like acne or dullness.
Ayurveda teaches that the tongue reflects the health of vital organs, and this practice helps remove toxins that affect digestion and immunity. Adding it to your daily routine can enhance your oral health and elevate your overall well-being.
In Ayurveda, the tongue is viewed as a mirror of your internal health, directly connected to organs like the heart, liver, stomach, and kidneys.
Toxins, known as ama, can build up on the tongue due to weak digestion, stress, or environmental factors. By removing these toxins daily with a tongue scraper, you prevent them from being reabsorbed into the body, boosting your immune system and supporting better organ function.
How It Works
This simple yet powerful practice involves gently using a U-shaped tool to scrape the surface of your tongue and remove dead cells, bacteria, and toxins.
Overnight, saliva production decreases, causing toxins to build up, which, if not cleared, can lead to bad breath, poor digestion, and weakened immunity. Tongue scraping also stimulates taste buds, improves digestion, and supports a balanced oral microbiome, which is essential for overall health.
According to Ayurveda, regularly cleaning the tongue activates connected organs and enhances the body’s ability to digest food properly. When taste buds are clear, they can signal the brain to release the necessary enzymes for proper digestion, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. The result is a healthier digestive system, clearer skin, and improved vitality.
Benefits of Tongue Scraping
In addition to its digestive and immune-boosting effects, tongue scraping provides several other significant health benefits. These include fresher breath, enhanced sense of taste, and improved oral hygiene, complementing your brushing and flossing routine. It also promotes a deeper awareness of your body’s internal balance, as changes in the tongue’s appearance can signal shifts in your health.
Here are some key benefits:
- Removes toxins (ama) and bacteria from the tongue
- Freshens breath by eliminating the source of odor-causing bacteria
- Stimulates connected organs
- Aids in overall digestion
- Improves the sense of taste by clearing debris that blocks taste buds
- Helps boost immunity by removing toxins that otherwise stress the system
How to Incorporate It Into Your Routine
1. To get started with tongue scraping, simply use a stainless steel or copper tongue scraper every morning on an empty stomach.
2. Extend your tongue, place the scraper as far back as is comfortable, and gently pull it forward, rinsing the tool after each pass.
3.Repeat 3-5 times, and follow with oil pulling or brushing your teeth for a complete oral health routine.
Copper tongue scrapers are preferable because copper has natural antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria on the scraper, promoting better oral hygiene and reducing the risk of reintroducing bacteria to the mouth.
