Tongue is one of the sense organs; it is the organ of taste. But Ayurveda sees it as a far more important tool that can be used for diagnosis. It is considered the window of the inner system and that is why tongue assessment is an important part of Ayurvedic diagnosis.
In Ayurveda, a tongue assessment helps to recognize the following conditions:
- Health of organs
- Dosha imbalances – Vata, Pitta, or Kapha
- Accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body, particularly in the regions where they are accumulating, can lead to various health issues.
- Tension and emotions held in the spine, shoulders or organs
- Inflammation in the body
- Disorders of thyroid gland
- Anaemia
- Difficulty in absorption of nutrients
- Parasitic infection
Any Ayurvedic doctor can clearly see the imbalances of the body and hence digestion by looking at it. You can also do a self-assessment.
Regularly checking your tongue helps you identify when toxins are being accumulated in your body, when certain foods you consume are causing negative reactions to your system, or when other indications of disorder arise.
Tongue Assessments
- Yellowish, cracked, rough
If your tongue is yellowish, cracked and rough, it denotes a Vata imbalance.
- Red, blue or black, bitter taste
Your tongue shows shades of red, blue or black and if you experience a bitter taste often, it denotes a Pitta imbalance.
- White, clear, watery
If you have a white, clear, watery, it implies Kapha imbalance.
Do a self-assessment
You may wonder – oh! my tongue always looks a certain way; therefore, how do I figure out if it has any abnormalities? Just like how you take a BP or do a self-examination of the breast, it is important to check it for a range of days to look for signs of digestion.
Tongue analysis is something you can do by yourself. I advise my patients to take a photo of their tongue every morning before brushing; consequently, they should send it for 15 days. Do this for 15 days. If, however, you notice any abnormalities, it could be an indication of poor gut health.
If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.