Tongue Scraping and Warm Water: An Ayurvedic Morning Routine
A quick two-step practice to support oral hygiene, digestion, and overall daily balance.
What It Is
This Ayurvedic morning ritual combines tongue scraping with drinking warm water, ideally done first thing after waking up. It’s simple, takes just a few minutes, and can help remove toxins from the mouth, stimulate digestion, and gently wake the body.
How to Do It
Scrape your tongue 5–7 times using a metal tongue scraper (copper or stainless steel). Start at the back of the tongue and gently pull forward. Rinse the scraper between strokes.
Rinse your mouth with water.
Drink a glass of warm water, plain or with lemon, depending on your constitution.
When to Do It
Best time: Immediately after waking up, before eating or brushing your teeth
Frequency: Daily
Adjustments by Dosha
Vata: Add a small slice of ginger or a pinch of ginger powder to the warm water
Pitta: Use plain warm water or a splash of aloe vera juice
Kapha: Add lemon, ginger, or a pinch of cayenne for stimulation
Why It’s Helpful
Removes coating and bacteria from the tongue
Stimulates the digestive system (agni)
Encourages hydration first thing in the morning
Helps reduce bad breath and oral dryness
Simple to maintain as a long-term daily habit