Tongue analysis is an integral part of an Ayurvedic examination. Traditionally, there are eight areas that an Ayurvedic practitioner observes in a client. They include examining the pulse, skin, face, frame, urine, feces, eyes, and tongue.
Oh my! I can see the eyes rolling. Everything sounded reasonable until we got to urine and feces observation. Don’t worry, your practitioner will probably not ask you to bring in a urine or stool sample, but there is definitely essential health information that can be garnered from both.
What can your tongue tell you about your health? A lot! Your tongue says a mouthful about your health. Sticking out your tongue can give you insight into the following:
- Ayurvedic body type (dosha)
- Imbalance in the body
- Digestive health
- Organ health
- Spine-health
- Emotional life
- Stress level
- Whether or not you need to detoxify your colon and body
Listen to what your tongue tells you! There are three main body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They each reflect certain qualities and these can be observed on the tongue.
The Vata Tongue
A Vata tongue tends to be smaller and thin in size and pale in color compared to than the other body types.
Vata imbalance
Vata imbalances often stem from an irregular digestive fire. This can be a result of many factors including missed meals or irregular eating patterns as well as cold, dry and other Vata aggravating foods, environments, mental, and emotional states.
Signs Of Vata Imbalance
When there is a Vata imbalance, it can show up on the tongue in several ways. The tongue can become dry and rough. There may also be teeth impressions on the sides and it may quiver unsteadily.
Signs To Detox
There may also be a white coating in the area of the tongue that corresponds with the large intestines. This might indicate the need to detox the colon.
A Glimpse Into The Emotions
Vata imbalances can make the individual anxious, nervous, and hesitant to speak.
The Pitta Tongue
The Pitta tongue and personality is sharp. The tongue is typically medium in size, often pink in color and pointed at the tip.
Pitta Imbalance
Pitta body types, when in balanced are usually blessed with a strong digestive fire. However, excessive heat from spicy, processed and fermented foods, fiery emotions, or excessive exposure to hot environments can create imbalances.
Signs Of Pitta Imbalance
When there is a Pitta imbalance, the tongue and mouth can be irritated with blisters or ulcers. It can also be sensitive to allergic reactions.
Signs To Detox
You may even find red bumps, especially in the area of the tongue that corresponds to the liver. This might indicate the need to flush the liver.
A Glimpse Into The Emotions
Pitta imbalances can make the individual sharp-tongued and their words are critical and cut.
The Kapha Tongue
The Kapha tongue is usually thick, smooth, and round in shape. The tongue is typically larger than the other body types.
Kapha Imbalance
Kapha imbalances are often associated with a sluggish digestion. This often stems from an excess of cold, heavy, sticky foods as well as eating when you are not hungry or eating in excess. In addition to exposure to cold and damp environments can also contribute to an imbalance.
Signs Of Kapha Imbalance
When there is a Kapha imbalance, the tongue may appear wet and heavy.
Signs To Detox
A Kapha tongue is usually slimy and heavily coated with a thick white film. This might indicate the need to detox the body.
A Glimpse Into The Emotions
Kapha imbalances can make the individual reluctant to express emotions as well as unwilling to forgive.
Challenge
Now that we have an idea of how observing the tongue can help you understand your body type, try the following exercise:
- Stick out your tongue and see if you are able to recognize your body type. Does it look like a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha tongue?
- Next, try and identify the dosha where there may be an imbalance using the information from the blog that falls under how the imbalance shows up on the tongue, signs to detox and a glimpse into the emotions sections.
- Then match it with the results of your Know Your Dosha Quiz.
| Type | Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
| Tongue Characteristics | |||
| Imbalance | |||
| Signs Of Imbalance | |||
| Signs Of Detox | |||
| Emotions | |||
| Results |
