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Tongue scraping (jihwa prasadana)
जिह्वा प्रसाधन
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: India · Tradition: An Ayurvedic daily method · Daily habits & sleep
What it is
The habit of gently taking the coating from the surface of the tongue with a dedicated scraper or a spoon. It is also used today as an adjunct for breath and mouth hygiene.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- In the morning, with a soft scraper, draw from the back of the tongue toward the front several times. Do not scrape hard.
- Keep the tool clean.
- Do not use it in place of brushing.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Mouth care
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read
There is dental research on tongue cleaning reducing substances involved in bad breath. A whole-body “detox” effect has not been shown.
Sources
Safety notes
Do not injure the tongue enough to bleed. Watch for a gag reflex.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- A wound in the mouth, or a bleeding tendency in which bleeding will not stop