Ayurveda Simplified Series By Urban Veda
When thinking about Ayurveda, one is immediately faced with the weight of an ancient tradition that stretches back thousands of years and encompasses an extraordinary range of teachings, practices, and philosophies, all of which were originally designed to support the health and harmony of the human body in alignment with the natural world. For many people in the present day, however, this vastness can feel overwhelming, since the texts are extensive, the routines are detailed, and the recommendations often appear difficult to apply within the pace and structure of modern life, where time is short and distractions are constant. The purpose of this little series, "Ayurveda Simplified" is to take these time honoured practices one by one, to explore their essence without unnecessary complexity, and to present them in a manner that is clear, practical, and immediately usable for anyone who wishes to introduce the wisdom of Ayurveda into daily living. By breaking down each practice into its origins, its current relevance, and its simplest form of application, the series will create a bridge between ancient knowledge and contemporary needs, so that rather than being intimidated by the breadth of Ayurveda, readers can discover straightforward and meaningful ways of making it part of their everyday routines.
In this article, we will be looking at the importance of tongue scraping and how to bring it into daily life.
Origins & History
In Ayurveda, tongue scraping is known as Jihwa Prakshalana or Jihwa Nirlekhan, and it has been an essential part of Dinacharya, the daily cleansing routine, for thousands of years. This simple yet purposeful ritual was viewed as a vital step in maintaining overall health, not merely as a cosmetic act of cleaning the mouth. According to ancient Ayurvedic teachings, a coating on the tongue is a visible sign of ama, the toxic residue of undigested food and imbalance within the body. By gently scraping this coating away each morning, one could remove impurities, stimulate digestion, awaken the taste buds, and restore clarity to both body and mind. For those living in ancient India, this practice held deep symbolic and physical meaning. It represented the clearing of what no longer served the body, preparing it for nourishment and vitality throughout the day. The tongue was regarded as a gateway to the internal organs and a reflection of one’s overall health, making its care essential to preserving harmony within the system. In this way, tongue scraping became a daily act of renewal, a small yet powerful gesture that reinforced the Ayurvedic understanding that true wellness begins with conscious, consistent attention to even the simplest parts of our routine. Take a look at how the ancient scrapers used to look below.. yikes.
How to Tap into this Magical Principle in Your Daily Life
Tongue scraping is one of the easiest Ayurvedic rituals to build into your routine because it naturally fits alongside habits you already practise, such as brushing and flossing your teeth. It takes only a few seconds but can have a lasting impact on how fresh and balanced your mouth feels throughout the day. We recommend scraping your tongue every morning before brushing your teeth to remove any buildup that has accumulated overnight and to help awaken your senses for the day ahead.
Step 1: Place the curved edge of your tongue scraper at the back of your tongue, being careful not to go too far back.
Step 2: With light, even pressure, draw the scraper forward from the back of the tongue to the tip in one smooth motion. Rinse the scraper after each pass to remove any residue. Repeat this motion five to seven times, or until the surface of your tongue looks clean.
As with all Ayurvedic rituals, the goal is not perfection but consistency. The beauty of tongue scraping lies in its simplicity and sustainability, a small daily action that can make a meaningful difference over time. By incorporating this gentle ritual into your morning routine, you nurture both oral health and overall wellbeing, proving that ancient wisdom can thrive effortlessly within modern life.
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Make sure to follow this series to continue discovering how to simplify Ayurveda and bring its ancient wisdom into your daily life through small, practical, and meaningful rituals. Each instalment will guide you towards applying timeless Ayurvedic principles in simple ways that nurture balance, wellbeing, and harmony in your everyday routine.
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