Integrative view of the tongue’s role in oral posture and Qi

The tongue is an important organ in everyday life; as phonetic communication tool, helps with proper food intake and digestion, differentiate and enjoy dining experiences with taste buds on the tongue. When the tongue and oral posture is in ultimate position and swallows correctly, it will aid the maxillary bone to reach its proper genetic potential growth -having all teeth naturally straight without wearing braces. Also, good oral posture improves the pharyngeal airway patency. Orthodontic braces are in some cases needed for better function and smile, while the oral posture and tongue position needs to be assessed and retrained to allow correct swallowing, resting the tongue at the spot (the gum ridge behind the upper front two teeth) to maintain good teeth position and preventing relapse.

The tongue also plays an important role in keeping the Qi properly flowing. We have 14 primary meridian channels in our body; 6 pairs of Ying channel and 6 pairs of the Yang channel located at the limbs connected to the body and inner organs. There are 2 midline channels; the Du or Governor is a Yang channel located at the back of the trunk (in the back of the body) and the Ren or Conception channel is a Yin channel located at the front side of the trunk which starts at the Perineum (crotch) and ends in the oral cavity. Qi, the vital energy resides in fascial layers. Fascia is the connective tissues wrapped around all organs and tissues of our body and connects us from head to toe, inside and out, from the beginning of conception to a full-grown person that is one miraculous and complex network. Usually, the acupoints (the specific gates to enter the meridian system) are found within the abundant connective tissues. For example, our head and neck has 8 meridian channels. Distribution and proper function of the head and neck plays an important role of general health and wellbeing.

Illustration shows: Upper jaw area: Du meridian (Yang-meridian)/ Lower jaw area: Ren meridian conception (Yin-meridian).

Du (Yang) and Ren (Yin) will connect when the tongue’s resting position is touching the upper jaw (spot), pressing and rolling against the palate. Stretching the tongue like this stimulates the acupoints on and beneath the tongue: Juquan, Jinjin, Yuye and Haiquan which also is beneficial for the salivary gland function. This in combination with lip-sealing (upper and lower lip touching each other) while breathing through the nose, results in proper oral posture, which leads to better Qi flow and enhanced Yin Yang balance. Aside from this technique, when there are other symptoms, imbalances in this area, light energy is a “secret weapon” that can be used to stimulate and activate the meridian channels, as well as stimulate the salivary glands.