Life Beyond the Tongue
Picture it. We’re coming together to explore a variety of assessment techniques. It’s a fun, lively workshop. Lots of good humor, banter and everyone is excited to learn! Most probably, at some point in our trainings as herbalists, we’ll learn that there is much to be gleaned from looking at a person’s tongue.
For example we’re trained to assess the vitality of the tongue, its spirit and color; its shape and coatings and its moisture. We come to know too that we look both at the upper surface and its edges as well as the underside.
Mirror, mirror …
In my practice, I keep a framed 5x7 inch mirror on my desk. When I do ask to see a client’s tongue, I offer the mirror so that we can explore together. We talk about the tongue’s spirit and color; shape, any coating and its topography, moisture too. I remind us both that the color of the tongue is affected by foods and beverages and more generally by hydration as well as pharmaceuticals, and emotional aspects. We talk about the changeability of the tongue and how its appearance may alter from morning ‘til night, or day to day.
And then?
What often happens after this first introduction is that during a follow-up appointment, a client will offer a recap of their observations from between our meetings. Both fortunately and unfortunately, this is often the very first time a person is being introduced to their tongue. And like many herbalists, they look no further. “That’s all there is, Folks”!
But that’s not all there is
There’s the whole mouth. What a palate! Yes, it’s an excellent opportunity to begin to get to know the mouth. While exploring the tongue, it’s so very easy to observe the lips, the insides of the cheeks, the teeth and oh yes, the gums.
A bazillion possible questions emerge
From dry cracked lips (e.g., mouth breather? sinusitis? dehydration? B vitamin deficiency?), to pale mucus membranes (smoker? another sign of dehydration, poor circulation/stagnation?); from chipped or irregular teeth (nutrient extraction? sport accident or other injury?, social involvement?), to the buildup of plaque (e.g., access to care, daily habits? foods? pharmaceutical use?); from a clicking jaw (TMJ? accident or injury? tension? sleep quality? grinding?), to a hidden smile (shyness? embarrassment?); from halitosis, or bad breath, to an array of old fillings or a dry mouth … for each and more, there is a story and likely holistic herbal support.
We can tell so very much from taking time to explore the mouth. Often we are introducing a client to their mouth for the very first time!
And the temple is ourself
So many of us grew up with the notion that digestion begins in the mouth. We can also say that the mouth is the gateway to the temple.
If the mouth is a gateway, then there is surely a connection. This connection is multi-faceted. It’ll blow your mind!
For those wishing to accrue clinical hours, I offer opportunities to work alongside me with new clients, developing holistic protocols and moving forward on a case-by-case basis, with the agreement of each client. Of course too, as new clinicians begin to develop and expand their practices, I am often asked to accompany them as they work with their own new clients.
If you have an interest in learning about the medicinal properties of herbs, even if you are unsure about where to start, or how to go forward, let’s set a date to meet and chat. I’ll look forward to it.
