Ayurvedic Tongue Analysis – Part 3

If the tongue is covered by a thick coating, it may indicate the presence of toxins in the stomach, small intestine or large intestine. If the posterior part of the tongue is coated, it will indicate that toxins are present in the large intestine. If the middle of the tongue is coated white, the toxins are present in the stomach and in the small intestine.

A pale tongue may indicate an anemic condition or lack of blood in the body. A yellowish coating on the tongue may suggest that excess bile present in the gallbladder or a possible liver disorder. A blue tongue is normally an indication of a heart condition. A whitish tongue indicates Kapha imbalance and mucus accumulation. A red or yellow green tongue indicated a Pitta imbalance. A vata imbalance is manifested by a black to brown coloration on the tongue.

“Periodic detoxification, a pure diet and daily use of a tongue scraper helps to rid digestive toxins accumulated on the tongue,” suggests Dr. Lad. It also massages the entire body in a sense such that it enlivens the circulation and lymphatic systems. Nobody wants a furry tongue and bad breath. Removing the superficial layer of coating and bacteria resting on the tongue lowers the risk of tooth decay, throat infections, bad breath and heart disease, gum disease, according to modern research. It won’t, however, alter the appearance of deep pathological tongue indications.

A healthy tongue should look a kitten’s tongue, it is symmetrically and evenly pink. It is neither too thick nor too thin and oval in shape. When sticking out it’s naturally straight rather than curving to one side. It should remain still, not trembling, flaccid, flat-tipped or stiff. It should have a thin transparent coating coloring the tongue pink. All the taste buds are flat, orderly and is free from strawberry looking bumps, deep cuts, lines, cracks and patches. It should not have foam, hair, fur, be too dry or too wet or have a foul odor or taste. As massage therapists, it’s helpful to know how to detect spinal imbalances such as scoliosis, lordosis or kyphosis just be examining the tongue. When the line in the middle of the tongue is curved or bent to one side when they stick it out, it is an indication of scoliosis. A crack in the front of the tongue near the tip on the right side would be an indication that the client has pain in their right shoulder blade. The same goes for the other side. When the line is very deep and nearly split apart, it can be an indication of deep spinal pain or deep sorrow that is being stored in the spine.