Stick Out Your Tongue

The Surprising HealthBenefits of Sticking Out Your Tongue

Most of us were taught that stickingout our tongue is rude, childish, or something reserved for funny photos. Yet this simple movement is actually used by physicians, speech therapists, yoga instructors, and wellness practitioners to assess and improve health.

In a recent stretch class at the Well,one of our amazing instructors, Vanessa, shared the benefits of sticking out your tongue.  After I dug deeper, I found the facts behind the activity.

Your Tongue: A Hidden Health Indicator

The tongue is one of the strongest and most active muscles in the body. It plays an essential role in breathing, speaking, swallowing, digestion, and even posture.

Think of the last time you went to adoctor’s appointment.  What did they ask you?  

“Stick out your tongue.”

Healthcare providers routinely ask patients to stick out their tongue because it can reveal important clues about overall health. Changes in color, texture, coating, hydration, and movement may indicate nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, infection, inflammation, or neurological concerns.

In many traditional healing systems,the tongue is considered a window into the body's internal health.

Better Breathing Startswith the Tongue

Many people don't realize that tongue position affects breathing.

When resting properly, the tongue should sit gently against the roof of the mouth. Weak tongue muscles can contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, and disrupted sleep.

Exercises that involve extending and moving the tongue can strengthen these muscles and improve awareness of tongue posture. Some sleep specialists and myofunctional therapists use tongue exercises as part of treatment plans for mild sleep-disordered breathing.

A stronger tongue may help support healthier breathing patterns throughout the day and night.

Support for Neck and JawTension

If you spend hours looking at screens, you may be carrying tension in your jaw, neck, and face.  Stretching the tongue activates muscles that connect throughout the jaw, throat, and upper neck. The simple act of extending the tongue can help release tightness in these areas, much like stretching a stiff shoulder after sitting at a desk.

Many people report a surprising senseof relief after just a few repetitions.

The Lion's BreathConnection

Yoga practitioners have long embraced a technique called "Lion's Breath" (Simhasana).

The exercise is simple

1. Take a deep inhale through the nose.
2. Open your mouth wide.
3. Stick your tongue out as far as possible.
4. Exhale forcefully while making a "ha" sound.

The practice is believed to help release stress, reduce facial tension, and encourage a sense of emotional release. While it may look a little silly, many yogis find it energizing and surprisingly therapeutic.

Sometimes wellness requires setting aside self-consciousness and simply having fun.

Improved Speech and Swallowing Function

Speech therapists frequently prescribe tongue exercises for people recovering from illness, injury, or age-related changes.  The tongue must coordinate dozens of movements every day to produce clear speech and safe swallowing. Strengthening these muscles can improve articulation, swallowing efficiency, and overall oral function.

Even healthy adults can benefit from maintaining tongue strength as part of healthy aging.

A Quick Mood Booster

There may also be a psychological benefit.

Sticking out your tongue oftentriggers laughter and playfulness. Research consistently shows that smiling, laughing, and engaging in playful behavior can lower stress hormones and improve mood.

Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is stop taking yourself so seriously.

Try This Simple TongueStretch

The next time you finish a yoga class, sauna session, or meditation practice, try this quick exercise:

• Sit comfortably.
• Stick your tongue out as far as possible.
• Hold for 5–10 seconds.
• Relax.
• Repeat three to five times.

Notice any changes in your jaw, face, neck, or breathing.

The Bottom Line

Sticking out your tongue won't replaceyour workout, meditation practice, or healthy nutrition plan. But this simple movement may help improve tongue strength, support breathing, reduce tension, and promote greater body awareness.

And if it makes you laugh in the process, that's an added wellness benefit.

So go ahead. Embrace your inner child, practice a little Lion's Breath, and stick out your tongue. Your body just might thank you.

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