Oil Pulling, Yes or No?
We all want to feel well, don’t we? I know, it is a sweeping statement, but it is the bottom line. None of us set out in life to become ill or feel less than on top form.
Alas, modern life is not conducive to feeling good, and this is one of the meany reasons the wellbeing industry has exploded into the multi-million Pound phenomenon that it has become. And deciding what may be “your thing” can be overwhelming.
I am a holistic therapist and healer, I firmly believe that looking after our mind, body and soul is not only our right, but also our duty, so we can live our best life. BUT…
Where to start, when the choice is endless and the promises of instant improvement & healing are so many?
Well, there are a number of small habits that, if cultivated over time, will contribute to our overall wellbeing, they don’t require a lot of time or expense, just a little discipline and commitment. You know the old adage, good things come to those who wait?
As an energy worker and healer, I believe that we need to keep the energy within our system flowing in harmony. I also believe that as humans we are so blessed with the physical body that we are gifted with to contain that energy and that, if either our energetic system or our physical system are out of balance, dis-ease will set in, requiring much more invasive and intense intervention.
There are many ways to maintain homeostasis (harmony to you and I) within our system or contribute to it and, today, I want to talk to you about a small, simple, but highly effective habit that we can all develop to keep our mouth and body healthy: Oil Pulling.
If you have never heard of oil pulling, it is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that consists of literally pulling oil through your teeth to cleanse and detox your mouth, in the same way that you would do with a commercial mouthwash, but minus all the harmful chemicals.
It may sound a bit disgusting and, I will be honest, it does take a little getting used to, but it is worth the effort. The benefits are many, including:
- Fresher breath
- Whiter teeth
- Improved oral health (less cavities and gum diseases such as gingivitis)
- Daily blood detox, leading to improved overall improved physical health
- Stronger facial muscles and tauter skin (ie no jawly bits for those of us who know what I am talking about!)
The practice is incredibly simple and should be performed at least once a day, ideally in the morning and on an empty stomach. You can use sesame oil or coconut oil depending on your preference, mine is for coconut oil as I prefer the taste.
This is how you do it:
- Take 1-2 tsp of oil and put it in your mouth
- Vigorously swish it around the mouth, pulling it through the teeth for 10-15 minutes
- Spit it out
- Rinse your mouth out with water
- Floss and brush your teeth as normal
Step 1 & 2 are the ones that require a little perseverance to get used to the consistency and flavour of the oil, but within 2-3 days you should be a seasoned pro.
Step 3 should ALWAYS be done into a tissue that is then placed in a bin as over time the oil could cause problems with your house plumbing if disposed of in any other way.
I understand that for most of us the morning routine is sacred and timed to perfection, so…
How can you find an extra 10-15 minutes in the morning for oil pulling when you are already strapped for time?
Because only your mouth is involved in the process of oil pulling, you could try multi-tasking and do it in the shower for example, or while you choose what clothes to wear (or both?). Alternatively, you could set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier and use the time it takes to do oil pulling to meditate, or gently stretch your body before you get going with your day. Imagine, 10 minutes all to yourself to just be before the madness begins, absolute bliss!
Trust me, making a small change to your morning routine is well worth the effort in the long term and you will soon reap the benefits.
In addition to the main benefits listed above, and according to ancient Ayurveda texts, oil pulling can help to prevent and treat a number of diseases and conditions including headaches, migraines, thrombosis, eczema. diabetes and asthma.
So, if like me, you are keen to introduce more natural ways of looking after yourself, I warmly encourage you to try oil pulling as a way to keep your mouth and body healthy and start introducing one small alternative practice to your daily care routine and explore where this can take you. The possibilities are endless.
Enjoy the Journey!
Main – Photo by Ryan Parker on Unsplash
