In Ayurveda, the tongue is more than a tool for taste, it’s a mirror reflecting the state of your inner health. As part of daily Dinacharya (ritual), observing the tongue can help detect early imbalances in the body before they manifest into more serious concerns. From coating to colour, texture to moisture, your tongue offers a window into your digestion, doshas, and overall wellbeing.
Here’s how to begin your own tongue diagnosis ritual at home.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Tongue Diagnosis
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First Thing: Examine your tongue first thing in the morning, before brushing or eating. This gives the most accurate reading of overnight detoxification.
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Use Natural Light: Stand by a window and look in a mirror. Natural light helps you clearly observe colour and coating.
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Look Closely: Note the colour, coating, texture and shape. A healthy tongue is soft pink, moist and has a thin white coating.
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Use a Tongue Cleaner: Gently scrape the tongue from back to front using a copper tongue cleaner. This removes toxins (ama) and reveals any lingering signs.
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Record Observations: Notice patterns over time. Daily observation is a powerful way to stay in tune with your body’s needs.
What the Signs Mean & How to Respond
Yellow Coating
Sign of: Excess Pitta – too much heat and inflammation in the body, often linked to poor liver function or high stress.
Balance it: Embrace cooling foods like cucumber, coriander and aloe vera juice. Avoid spicy, fried foods and excessive caffeine. Sip coconut water and try a cooling herbal tea to restore inner calm.
Purple or Bluish Tongue
Sign of: Kapha imbalance or circulatory stagnation. Can also indicate lymphatic sluggishness or fluid retention.
Balance it: Stimulate circulation with daily dry brushing, a brisk walk, or yoga twists. Include warming spices like ginger, turmeric and black pepper in meals. Mauli’s Body Oils offer a beautiful way to invigorate and energise the lymphatic system.
Cracked or Dry Tongue
Sign of: Vata imbalance - dehydration, stress or nutrient deficiencies, particularly magnesium or essential fatty acids.
Balance it: Hydrate with warm water throughout the day, prioritise grounding rituals like Abhyanga (self-massage with oils), and eat warm, nourishing meals. Our Sleep Dharma Ritual is ideal for calming excess Vata.
Make Tongue Health An Everyday Ritual (Dinacharya)
Here is the ritual we recommend for optimal tongue health:
- Tongue Diagnosis – Look for signs (cracks, coating, colour) that reveal the state of your inner balance
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Oil Pulling – Swish a tablespoon of organic coconut oil in your mouth for 5–10 minutes to help draw out toxins and awaken the senses. Spit, rinse, and feel the freshness return.
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Tongue Scraping – Using a copper tongue cleaner, gently scrape from back to front 5–7 times. This clears the overnight buildup and helps reset your digestion for the day ahead.
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Abhyanga (Self-Massage) – Warm your favourite Mauli oil and massage from head to toe using long, sweeping strokes. This sacred practice grounds the nervous system and nourishes your whole being.
