The Hidden Power of Proper Tongue Placement
In our pursuit of better health and improved posture, we often focus on more obvious factors like exercise, diet, and lumbar support. However, there's one often-overlooked element that plays a crucial role in our overall well-being – the placement of our tongue. Just as small adjustments can make a significant difference in our breathing and posture, proper tongue placement can have far-reaching effects on our health and physical well-being.
The Importance of Proper Tongue Placement
Photo courtesy of @stopchasingpain
Proper tongue placement involves positioning the tongue firmly but gently along the entire upper palate, which is the roof of the mouth. This goes beyond the common notion of the tongue being behind the front teeth. When we achieve this optimal tongue posture, several remarkable benefits become apparent:
Lymphatic Drainage: A surprising connection exists between tongue placement and the lymphatic system. The tongue's position allows it to facilitate the flushing of lymph ducts located just above it. Every time you swallow, your tongue helps the lymphatic system drain from your brain. This is a vital function, as effective lymphatic drainage can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Posture Enhancement: The strength and posture of your tongue aren't isolated; they have a significant impact on your overall posture. Proper tongue placement influences the position of your neck, which, in turn, affects the alignment of your spine and the rest of your body. It may even help reduce the appearance of a second chin, highlighting the aesthetic aspect of good posture.
Diaphragmatic Benefits: Proper tongue placement aligns with diaphragmatic breathing, which is essential for optimal oxygen exchange and overall well-being, as well as maintaining healthy function through your core and pelvic floor. When the tongue is in the right position, the various diaphragms throughout your body align better, supporting the efficient drainage of the entire lymphatic system. This can have a profound impact on your health, as a well-functioning lymphatic system is crucial for immune function and toxin removal.
Pelvic Floor Connection: One of the most fascinating aspects of tongue placement is its connection to the pelvic floor muscles. There's an embryological link between the muscles of the tongue/throat and the pelvic floor muscles, which may affect their resting tone and posture. Maintaining the proper resting tone of the tongue can help maintain the same for the pelvic floor muscles. This connection can have profound implications for issues related to pelvic health!
Tongue Placement in Breathing
You might have heard the advice to "remove your tongue from the top of your mouth" during specific breathing exercises, especially when striving for 360-degree diaphragmatic breathing. I use this cue with my postpartum clients, all the time. This seemingly counterintuitive instruction is rooted in that embryological connection between the tongue and the pelvic floor muscles. When the tongue is relaxed off the upper palate, it allows the pelvic floor muscles to relax slightly, as well, helping with the perception of movement during breathing exercises. In other words, this can help you to feel the movement through the pelvic floor that much better when working on those muscles specifically. However, it's important to note that the tongue eventually returns to the resting tone we desire, again this should be firmly and gently pressed into the roof of the mouth most of the time.
Conclusion
Our bodies are intricately interconnected, and small adjustments can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. Proper tongue placement is one of these adjustments that often goes unnoticed but holds the potential to unlock a host of health benefits. From promoting lymphatic drainage to enhancing posture, supporting diaphragmatic breathing, and contributing to pelvic floor muscle health, the benefits of correct tongue placement are worth the focus and effort. So, the next time you find yourself focusing on your health and posture, don't forget to consider the hidden power of your tongue's placement.
If you're unsure about your current tongue posture or need guidance on how to improve it and utilize its placement during exercise, professional instruction can provide the personalized support you need. Don't leave your oral health to chance—set up an appointment today to learn the proper techniques and start seeing positive changes.
