Description: Tongue scraping is recommended in Ayurveda as a crucial part of the morning routine (Dinacharya) to remove toxins, known as ama, that accumulate overnight on the tongue’s surface. Ayurveda advises using specific metals for the tongue scraper, which vary depending on one’s dosha, to maintain doshic balance and oral healt

• Ideal Materials for Tongue Scrapers:

  • According to Ayurvedic texts, the best materials for tongue scrapers are gold, silver, copper, and brass. Each metal is chosen based on its properties and how it interacts with different doshas:
    • Gold: Helps stimulate the taste buds and is beneficial for individuals with Vata dosha due to its warmth and grounding qualities.
    • Silver: Known for its cooling properties, silver is suitable for those with Pitta dosha and helps maintain a balanced mouth environment.
    • Copper: Effective in eliminating bacteria, copper is ideal for Kapha dosha, as it can help remove excess mucus and clear the oral cavity.
    • Stainless Steel: In modern practice, stainless steel is widely used and is suitable for all dosha types because it’s durable, non-reactive, and effective.

• Method:

  • The tongue scraper should be approximately 10-12 fingers in length and should be soft or flexible enough to avoid injuring the tongue.
  • Gently scrape from the back to the front of the tongue, applying even pressure to remove the coating without causing discomfort.
  • This should be done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, before drinking water, to remove toxins that accumulate on the tongue overnight.

• Frequency:

  • Ayurvedic tradition recommends scraping the tongue daily as part of the morning routine (Dinacharya), which also includes teeth cleaning, oil pulling, and mouth rinsing.

• Sloka:

  “जिहानिळेखनं हेम राजतं ताप्रज तथा ॥
  पाटितं सड तत्काष्ठ भ्रदुपचमय तथा।
  दक्ांगुळं मदु स्निग्घं तेन जिह्वां लिखेत्सुखम्‌ ॥ २७॥”

  Translation: "The tongue scraper should ideally be made of gold, silver, copper, or smooth wood, 10 fingers in length, and should be gently applied to cleanse the tongue comfortably."

1. Reduces Toxins (Ama) and Bacteria:

   • Tongue scraping helps remove the buildup of toxins and bacteria on the tongue’s surface, which, if left, can lead to bad breath, poor digestion, and imbalance of doshas.

   Sloka:

   “तेनास्यमलवेरस्यगत्धाजिह्वास्यजा गदा: |
   रूचिवेश्द्यळघुता न भवन्ति भवन्ति च॥ २८ ॥”

   Translation: "Scraping the tongue eliminates toxins, bad breath, and coating from the mouth and tongue, leaving the mouth feeling fresh, clean, and light."

2. Improves Digestion:

   • In Ayurveda, digestion begins with the perception of taste. Removing the tongue coating enhances the ability to taste food, which in turn helps trigger the digestive enzymes, preparing the stomach for optimal digestion.

3. Prevents Oral and Systemic Diseases:

   • The removal of bacteria and toxins supports oral hygiene and prevents diseases in the mouth, teeth, and gums. According to Ayurveda, oral health has a significant influence on systemic health.

4. Balances Doshas:

   • The metals used in tongue scrapers are chosen for their specific effects on each dosha:
     • Gold (Vata) strengthens and grounds.
     • Silver (Pitta) cools and soothes.
     • Copper (Kapha) dries and clears excess moisture.

Contraindications for Tongue Scraping

• Individuals with mouth ulcers or sore throats should avoid tongue scraping until these conditions heal.
• Avoid scraping if there is extreme sensitivity on the tongue or any recent oral surgery.

Summary

In Ayurveda, tongue scraping is a crucial practice to ensure oral cleanliness, digestive efficiency, and dosha balance. It’s simple yet highly effective, with metals selected to support individual doshic needs and promote overall health.