Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that removes coating from the surface of the tongue. Ayurveda considers the coating to be an accumulation of toxins. Left untreated, the toxins contribute to bad breathe and diminished taste in the mouth. The process of cleansing the tongue works to massage the area, while improving hygiene and taste.

The tongue is considered an important site for reflexes to the organs. A healthy tongue improves the ability of the stomach and intestine to do their job of digesting food. In this way, we say that cleansing the tongue improves the force of digestion. 

Instructions 

1. Purchase a tongue cleaner also called a tongue scraper. Often these are made of stainless steel but may also be prepared from copper or from plastic. 

2. The instrument is held in one hand and the curved end is placed on the back of the tongue, 

3. Move the instrument from the back to the front scraping off the coating of the tongue. Rinse the instrument as often as needed and repeat 3-5X. 

Nasal Cleansing (Neti Pot)

Nasal irrigation cleanses the nasal passages and sinuses offering many important health benefits to the body and mind. As a result of the practice, dust, pollens and pollutants such as smoke are removed. In those suffering from allergies, cleansing the nasal passages and sinuses often reduces allergy symptoms. The benefits of nasal irrigation, however, go beyond the physical body. The practice also cleanses the mind resulting in a higher level of being alert and awake. 

Note: It is safest to use purified, boiled or distilled water for this practice as there is a miniscule risk of micro-organisms being in the water. There have only been a few cases of infection caused by neti noted in the literature and this has occurred in areas where unusual micro-organisms exist such as the subtropical swamp lands of the South Eastern United States. Even in those cases, however, it is unclear if neti was actually the cause of the infections, but it is possible. It should also be noted that micro-organisms can get into water even after it has been treated, as it flows through pipes. Most people use warm tap water and do not have any problem. To remove any risk, it is recommended that water be purified through microfiltration, distillation or boiling.