12/19/2025
At my recent in person class, my yoga friends were gifted a tongue scraper. This may be somewhat intriguing or even a little (ALOT) weird however all of my family members will tell you that a Christmas without a new tongue scraper would be more weird!
Tongue scrapping is a practice I started years ago after first studying Ayurveda, yoga's sister science. Once you start, it's hard to stop!
Every morning, your tongue tells a story. Overnight, the body’s natural detox processes leave behind a coating. Known as ama in Ayurveda or "sludge” of undigested food, stress, and toxins which can dull energy & digestion. The good news is that this gunk will lessen overtime if you practice consistently.
Purpose of Tongue Scraping:
• Clears away this buildup so your taste buds can truly awaken.
• Supports oral hygiene by reducing bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Signals wakefulness to your brain so your day can begin with tender care and intention.
Benefits You’ll Notice:
• Fresher breath & support oral health
• Enhanced sense of taste (food feels more vibrant!)
• A gentle daily ritual that supports digestion and overall vitality
Ayurveda’s Perspective:
In Ayurveda, scraping away ama each morning is like sweeping the threshold of your home; it clears stagnant energy and invites clarity. By removing this “sludge,” you’re not just cleansing your tongue, you’re supporting the body’s deeper rhythms of balance and renewal.
A few mindful strokes with a tongue scraper can transform your morning routine into a ritual of cleansing (dinacharya), self-care & lead to overall wellness (decrease dis-ease).
