Kriya translates to "completed action". Kriyas are ancient Ayurvedic techniques which help cleanse the body.
There are a few different ways in which you can clear your body and removing debris and gunk can enhance your yoga practice, reduce illness and bring vitality to your life.
Tongue Scraping + Kriya
You brush your teeth daily (hopefully twice daily) but did you know, you should also be tongue scraping just as often?
In Ayurveda, the condition of your tongue says a lot about you.
If your tongue has a heavy, white coating, this can signify a Kapha imbalance in your body. You should also note that your tongue is the gateway for your sense of taste. Cleaning your tongue heightens this sense which makes eating even tastier and more fulfilling.
Cleaning your tongue also improves your digestion and the ability to assimilate nutrients. This is really important for the body and your overall health.
When you remove bacteria from your tongue it does not allow them to be re-absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Removing bacteria can also stop digestive imbalances from occurring.
Here's how you do it.
With your gunkii tongue-scraper, place the curved part at the back of your tongue. Only place the scraper as far back as you feel comfortable. Pull the tongue scraper down towards the tip of your tongue until nothing is coming off your tongue.
Use this practice everyday, before brushing your teeth.
Some people use the back of a plastic toothbrush to clean their tongues. First of all - just say not to plastic and second of all, use the traditional tool and right tool for the job.
A traditional tongue scraper covers more surface of the tongue, making tongue scraping more efficient than the brush.
Tongue scraping is easy to do, and whilst it may take a while to get used to, is not an unpleasant sensation.
Remember this - the tongue is thought to be a muscle and an organ, it's a vital part of the body and paying more attention to it