Saliva
In the wonderful Five Element Theory of TCM, there is a place for everything. Even saliva. Each element relates to an organ, which in turn relates to a bodily fluid: Metal/lungs/mucus; water/kidneys/urine; wood/liver/tears; fire/heart/perspiration; and earth/spleen/saliva. In Chinese medicine saliva is considered a precious fluid and this prescription was often given: “Frequently press the tongue against the teeth, collect the saliva and swallow it. Let it lubricate the five internal organs and enliven the skin. Such is the way to long life.” Modern science tell us that saliva has many digestive properties. We are told to chew our food thoroughly and mix it with saliva before swallowing. This will aid digestion and neutralize gastric acids. Saliva contains calcium, sodium, chlorine, ammonia, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, proteins, and amino acids. It enhances metabolism, growth and the body’s immunity system. Hormones of the salivary glands delay the aging process and saliva is thought to have an inhibiting effect on carcinogens. Saliva is also important for protecting teeth as it bathes the mouth and washes out food particles. Here is a simple mouth exercise to do at any time, as often as wished:
Move the tongue gently around the teeth, left and right, up and down, along the inner and outer surfaces, 30 times in all. As the saliva increases, push it toward the upper palate with the tongue. When a sufficient quantity has collected, puff the cheeks and rinse the mouth ten times with the saliva, then swallow it in three deep gulps, as if sending it down below the navel.
This exercise can help prevent toothaches and sore throats. It also increases the appetite and aids digestion.