"Skinny tongue" refers to a specific tongue exercise aimed at developing control and precision of tongue movements. The goal is to be able to alternate between narrowing the tongue to a point and relaxing it. The purpose of this exercise is to achieve a steady point inside the mouth, followed by a state of relaxation.
Understanding the Skinny Tongue Exercise
The "skinny tongue" exercise involves intentionally narrowing the tongue. This ability to control tongue shape and tension is valuable for various reasons, including:
- Improved articulation: Precise tongue control is essential for clear speech.
- Musical instrument performance: Many instruments, such as the flute or clarinet, require specific tongue movements.
- Oral motor skills: Essential for swallowing and other oral functions.
How to Perform the Skinny Tongue Exercise
While the provided reference doesn't detail the exact steps, the exercise likely involves the following:
- Start in a relaxed position: Ensure your jaw and tongue muscles are relaxed.
- Narrow the tongue: Attempt to make your tongue as narrow as possible. You can try pointing the tongue.
- Hold briefly: Maintain the narrowed tongue position for a short period (e.g., a few seconds).
- Relax: Release the tension and return your tongue to a relaxed state.
- Repeat: Repeat the narrowing and relaxing sequence multiple times.
The goal is to achieve consistent, controlled narrowing of the tongue and the ability to quickly transition between the narrowed and relaxed states. Regular practice of this exercise can lead to improved tongue dexterity and control.
