3 Ways to Better Understand your Health.

3 Ways to Better Understand your Health.

We have previously addressed the public approval of integrative health care; how medications, herbs and supplements effect various body systems.  We have addressed several ideas about how to take charge of your own health. 

When we think of health 'testing' we often think of invasive testing, such as blood tests, but there are many non-invasive ways to understand what is happening inside your body.  Here are three, simple, non-invasive and economical home diagnostics that you can do to get an idea if a certain organ needs some attention.

#1: Your tongue

Consider your tongue an extension of and mirror into your digestive system.  Tongue analysis remains common in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Herbalism. While it was, in the past, more commonly a part of Homeopathy, it is less so now. The healthy tongue is relatively nondescript: pale pink, not too moist, not too dry; it is free of crevices, lines, tooth marks, and colours aside from light pink. It is not trembling or slanted when stuck out. It is not coated with yellow, brown, purple, or creamy colours. 

Localized parts of tongue may be indicative of certain organ health:  

Back of tongue on sides - kidneys.  

Sides of front of tongue - lungs.  

Middle of front part of tongue - heart. 

See more here. For further information, here are some links which provide more on understanding of your tongue and you:

http://www.spinachandyoga.com/ayurvedic-tongue-analysis/

https://minnesotaherbalist.com/2013/09/11/introduction-to-tongue-assessment-for-the-western-herbalist/

https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/diagnosis-chinese-medicine/get/tongue-diagnosis-chinese-medicine

If you notice any obvious marks of concern about your tongue, you may wish to see a health practitioner who uses tongue analysis in her or his work.

#2. Your teeth.

The Center for Natural Dentistry has published an interactive user-friendly chart which tells us quickly which teeth and organs are on the same meridians. This is useful as the health of teeth may indicate the health of organs along the same meridian. A struggling tooth may be a sign of a struggling organ.

#3 Home urine analysis.

Areta produces a useful, simple 10-panel urine test. Follow the instructions and it can provide initial indications of any possible concerns regarding glucose levels, liver and kidney function, acid/alkaline balance, and immune function.

Here is a PDF link elaborating on the same information.

Other non-invasive diagnostic testing may be done through reflexology, iridology, live blood analysis, and hair analysis. More on these next time!

Edited by Ivy Lishman, Staff Writer for Lisa Torres, Homeopath