Eliminate Toxins (Ama) from the Tongue – First Step

In this article, you will learn how to eliminate toxins from your body. The tongue is a unique organ. Located between the inner and outer world, it has a direct connection to the digestive system, especially the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. It is a map and a diagnostic tool that can be used to find imbalances and discover the constitution. The tongue is an incredible sensory organ that detects the taste of all the nutrients we ingest.

According to Ayurveda, for balanced nutrition, the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent) must be present in every meal. These tastes establish the basis for deep nutrition in all our tissues. The different parts of the tongue are responsible for supporting the digestion of each of these tastes. Nerve signals from various areas of the tongue are captured by the nerve fibers of one of the four cranial nerves, and these impulses travel to the brain, initiating the digestive process and preparing the digestive organs to process food.

Ama (toxins) is a heavy, sticky substance that forms through poor eating habits and weak digestion. Over time, ama tends to accumulate in the body and block the body’s channels, causing a variety of symptoms and disturbances in our health. The tongue is one of the first signs of this process, and keeping a clean and healthy tongue is vital for the digestive process to function at its best.

It is common practice in Ayurveda to clean the mouth first thing in the morning upon waking. When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, eliminating ama from our body by depositing it on the surface of our tongue. The use of a tongue cleaner (pictured) to scrape off this accumulated coating goes beyond the simple benefits of oral hygiene. The tongue is the first line of defense of our immune system. Scraping the tongue prevents toxins from being reabsorbed into the body and strengthens immune functions in general. In Ayurveda, the root of all diseases begins with poor digestion and accumulation of ama. Scraping the tongue first thing in the morning is a way to kick-start the digestive process by stimulating the taste buds.

This daily Ayurvedic routine for maintaining oral health and reducing ama is most beneficial when performed regularly. It is practiced upon waking in the morning on an empty stomach. A tongue cleaner is a long, thin, flat piece of metal that is bent into a “U” shape. To use, stand in front of a mirror and stick out your tongue. Place the scraper as far back on the tongue as possible, and holding both ends of the scraper with both hands, pull it towards the tip of the tongue. With firm but gentle pressure, scrape the surface of the tongue in one long stroke. Rinse the scraper and repeat until your tongue is clean and free of coating (usually between 5 and 10 times).

After cleaning your tongue, rinse your mouth with warm water. Then, drink a glass of warm water with lemon, which will cleanse the body and help awaken the digestive system. Oil rinsing (oil pulling) is another Ayurvedic practice that supports oral health and works hand in hand with tongue cleaning.