Your mouth is a rich environment containing nerve pathways & information regarding the entire health of your body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tongue is used as a method of diagnosis (see picture below). Tongue diagnosis is a very revealing & reliable form of reading the patterns of disharmony regarding a patients health. Chinese medicine places significant emphasis on observing the appearance of the tongue, specifically its body shape, colour and coating. The condition of the tongue body provides insights into the flow of energy (Qi) and the quality of one's Blood within our body. The coating of the tongue indicates the strength of the digestive system and any harmful influences on the body, such as pathogens. By carefully examining the tongue body, colour, size, shape and coating, a Chinese medicine practitioner can gain valuable insights regarding the patient's nutritional and metabolic status at that present time.
Your tongue is also integral in providing signals to your nervous system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine your tongue, and the inside of your mouth, is said to energetically relate to every organ channel in your body. Taste buds on the tongue are responsible for detecting different tastes, such as sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. These flavours relate to the Five Element system of Earth, Wood, Fire, Water and Metal.
Your ventral vagal nerve, when activated, helps your body stay calm and relaxed. It's like the "rest and digest" mode of your nervous system that connects and helps regulate various bodily functions, including your heart rate, digestion, and the way you respond to stress. In yoga asana and pranayama (conscious breathing), ventral vagal harmonising techniques providing health benefits and are regarded pillars of these ancient practices.
To enhance benefit, it is believed that when you place your tongue against the roof of your mouth, it activates a subtle energy system within your body. This system includes energy channels called nadis and energy centers known as chakras. By creating this connection, called Jivha Mudra or tongue posture, it is thought that the flow of life force energy, or prana, is directed and channeled more effectively throughout the body. This practice can therefore help bring balance and harmony to the entire energy system.
It makes sense then to have your tongue in the ideal placement throughout your Meditation & Pranayama practice, if you want a quality meditation experience and to enhance your health in a variety of ways.
In pranayama, the techniques Jivha Mudra and Jivha Bandha (tongue-to-palate position and tongue-strengthening lock) creates a closed circuit within the mouth, which can help enhance the cultivation of energy/prana during pranayama practice. This closed circuit is said to facilitate the retention of prana and prevent it from dissipating through the mouth. By maintaining awareness of the tongue's placement, practitioners can also enhance their focus and concentration during pranayama. This heightened attention to detail is an essential aspect of the practice.
In some yogic traditions, the tongue's position is believed to stimulate the Ajna chakra, often associated with the pineal gland, sometimes referred to as the "third eye." This connection is thought to facilitate inner awareness and intuition.
It's important to note that the significance of tongue placement can vary among different pranayama techniques and traditions. Some pranayama practices may emphasize tongue placement more than others, and individual experiences and interpretations may also differ. It is advisable to learn pranayama techniques from a qualified yoga instructor who can provide guidance and ensure correct alignment and practice.
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