What Does Your Tongue Say About Your Health? (2024)

What is your tongue trying to tell you? Learn with Jivha Pariksha

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic practice, believes the tongue is a gateway to overall health. Diagnosing it for its shape, size, color, texture, and more is a science called Jivha Pariksha, or tongue reading, a time-honored practice that delves deeper into your overall health status.

Just as your face shows your emotions reactively, your tongue can reveal your body’s internal state. Ayurvedic practitioners have used this technique from time immemorial to understand imbalances in the body.

So, the next time you wake up and head to brush your teeth, take a moment to look at your tongue!

Where on Your Tongue?

Here’s a quick recap of the three body types (doshas) that govern our body type—vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water), and kapha (water and earth). Just like our body, our tongue is also divided into sections that correspond to each dosha. If you know your dominant dosha, it can help you interpret your tongue’s clues.

Tip of the tongue: linked to the heart and nervous system.

If you’re a vata, dryness and cracking with a pale color might indicate heart palpitations or breathing difficulties. For pitta folks, look out for redness or soreness which might mean heartburn or breathing issues. Meanwhile, a thick, white coating could suggest congestion or mucus buildup for kapha body type.

Middle of the tongue: Linked to the digestive system.

Irregularities or dryness in vata might mean you’re due to get digestive upsets, like bloating or constipation. Redness and inflammation in pitta signal acidity, which could lead to ulcers. A thick, white coating for the kapha body type can suggest indigestion.

Back of the tongue: Connected to the kidneys and intestines.

Dryness might signal kidney issues or constipation in the vata body type. A yellowish coating can indicate liver and gallbladder issues, while a thick, white coating for kapha could suggest sluggish kidney congestion.

Color Code: What Your Tongue’s Hue Reveals

• Pink and moist. The ideal tongue color; shows that your body is as healthy as ever, with great overall health and digestion.
• Red. Red usually is an indication of danger, and in the tongue’s case, it holds good. A red tongue suggests excess heat or inflammation in the body. This could be because of spicy food, alcohol consumption, or simply underlying conditions like acid reflux.
• Pale. If your tongue is pale, be sure to check for signs of anemia, poor circulation, or nutrient deficiencies. A pale tongue also suggests your immune system is taking a hit.
• Yellow. Yellow in itself is known to be recognized as a sickly color and is associated with digestive issues—liver, and gallbladder in particular. It also indicates a buildup of toxins in the body.
• Purple or bluish. If you have a purple or bluish tongue, have it checked out immediately. This color indicates poor circulation, low oxygen levels, or underlying heart or respiratory issues.

Shape Matters: Understanding Tongue Form

The shape and structure of your tongue is also an important aspect to look into.

1. A healthy tongue is gently rounded at the edges and lays flat in the mouth. This is the normal shape and indicates good health in the body.
2. When there is excess fluid retention, which might indicate problems in the kidney or poor blood circulation, the tongue tends to swell up and get thicker in your mouth.
3. On the other hand, a thin and cracked tongue can be associated with vitamin B deficiencies and dehydration.

The Layered Look: Insights from Tongue Coating

1. A thick white coating points to poor digestion, and is a sure case if accompanied by bad breath. This is also an indication that there is excess mucus production in the body.
2. If your body has inflammations in the digestive system and you feel acidic, your tongue will secrete a yellow substance, indicating an issue with the liver or gallbladder.
3. Brown or black coating is a typical sign of severe digestive disturbances or chronic constipation. Don’t forget to consult a healthcare professional.

Surface Stories: Deciphering Tongue Texture

1. If your tongue lacks papillae or tiny bumps that can be found on the surface, it can most definitely affect the sense of taste. Get tested for vitamin deficiencies or certain other medical conditions.
2. Besides dehydration, cracked tongues can also be linked to nutritional deficiencies, especially iron and B vitamins.
3. Papillae can become inflamed due to irritants, allergies, or infections, and manifest as angry red bumps. If they persist, consult a dentist or doctor.

Keep Your Tongue in Top Shape

• Use a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue gently. There’s no need to scrub like you’re cleaning a pan with burnt-on food.
• Water is always the answer to many ailments. Drink plenty of water to keep your tongue moist.
• Nourish your body with whole foods to support overall health. Your tongue needs nutrition just like every other organ in your body.
• And as with everything else, stress can affect your tongue’s appearance, so find ways to relax.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you find your tongue acting, looking, feeling, or smelling funny.

Remember, a healthy tongue is usually a sign of a healthy body! If you notice any persistent changes, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. So, next time you look in the mirror, don’t forget to give your tongue a quick check-in.