After brushing the teeth, tongue cleaning has been explained thus in

the “ashtangasangraha”.With sunset, the metabolic and catabolic activities of the body
begin to slow down, and like the setting sun, the fire in our body that aids all processing, dies
down to its embers in preparation for the restful night.As the new day begins, brushing the
teeth followed by tongue cleaning rekindles the “jatharagni” – the digestive fire at the core
of our body, situated almost at the navel.Has it been your experience that if you don’t brush
your teeth or clean your tongue, you feel less hunger?Therefore, according to Ayurveda,
tongue cleaning is the signal to our system to rekindle our digestive
processes. Samhitas advice a tongue cleaner made of gold, silver, copper or veins of palm
leaves for cleaning the tongue.
After dantadhavanam, the process next explained is “anjanavidhi” – application of
collyrium to the eyes. Collyrium, traditionally referred to as ‘souviranjanam’ is a mineral
which is commonly available as surma. Kohl, made by collecting soot of herbal origin, may
also be used as a substitute.Lining the eyes with collyrium or kohl ensures that vision remains
clear, eyelashes that protect the eyes remain lush, and the three colours of the eye – the white
of the sclera, the black of the pupil and the colour of the lens remain intact throughout one’s
life. Thus, the understanding that lining the eyes was a health practice than a cosmetic one.
Men and women applied collyrium to the eyes.
After anjanavidhi, processes called “nasya” and “gandhoosha” are to be practiced.
“Anu tailam tatho nasyam tatho gandhoosha dhaaranam”
– using anu taila, do nasya and gandhoosha.
Nasya is application of medicated oil into the nostrils. 1-2 drops of oil are to be warmed and
put into both nostrils followed by swirling medicated oil in the mouth, which is
called “gandhoosha”.In recent times, this age old practice has gained popularity as oil-
pulling. Anu taila may work out a little expensive for gandhoosha, so a practical good
substitute may be cold pressed coconut oil or sesame oil.Anjanavidhi is meant to cleanse,
protect and improve vision. Nasya cleanses the sinuses and strengthens the sinus cavities and
ensures better functioning of the sense organs. Gandhoosha or swirling oil in the mouth
activates and strengthens the brain and the nervous system.After these processes, one is
advised to apply oil of choice to the whole body, with special attention to the head, ears and
soles of the feet. Ayurveda recommends sesame oil to be the best.
Depending on our geographical location and skin condition, coconut oil and mustard oil may
also be used. Oiling of the body, termed “Abhyanga” ensures youthfulness, flexibility,
mobility, and better functioning of the body.After oiling the body, we are advised
to exercise the body to promote agility and strength.
Whatever the form of exercise we engage in, the acharya warns us not to exceed more than
half the tolerance capacity of our body. Here, he gives a beautiful example of how the lion
succumbs after killing an elephant, and explains this would be our fate if we exercise beyond
half of our body’s capacity. Exercising beyond our natural capacity may also be the answer
for many of the post exercise heart failures amongst exercise buffs, marathon runners and
others engaged in intense sports.The logic of exercising after lubricating the body is to ensure
that the dosha called vata is not aggravated in the body.