Oil Pulling!

Oil Pulling?? You must be wondering if you got it right. For most of us, this is the first time we are coming across this term; while, for some, this is a part of their everyday routine. Oil pulling is an ancient traditional technique that is known to have numerous health benefits. Curious? Read on to find out about oil pulling.

Oil pulling is an ancient technique also known as "kavala" or "gundusha," in Ayurveda used to cleanse and detoxify your body. It is a simple technique of rinsing your mouth with one teaspoon of oil for 20 minutes.

How do you Oil Pull?

Vegetable oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil or coconut oil any one of these oils can be used for this practice. It should be done early in the morning on an empty stomach. Oil pulling is easy to do and involves just a few simple steps.

Here are the 4 simple steps to do oil pulling:

• Measure one tablespoon of oil, such as coconut, sesame or olive oil.
• Swish it around in your mouth. Starting with swishing for just 5 minutes and increasing the duration until you're able to do it for a full 15–20 minutes, being careful not to swallow any.
• Spit the oil into a trash can once you're done. Avoid spitting it into the sink or toilet, as this can cause a buildup of oil, which may lead to clogging.
• Rinse your mouth well using water before eating or drinking anything. Brushing is advised after the oil pulling procedure to ward off the oil taste from the mouth.

Repeat these steps a few times per week or up to three times daily.

Note: Swishing for 20 minutes is important. Spending lesser time on it won't be effective, and going overboard can lead to reabsorption of toxins back into the body.

Benefits:

Oral health is benefited the most from oil pulling. It reduces bad breath, plaque, tartar, gingivitis, mouth ulcers and prevents oral cancers as no other medicine does. This technique is highly recommended for people who have had habits of smoking and tobacco chewing. Other health benefits include: Relief from joint pain, relief from sleep problems, sinus and nasal congestion, alleviation of headaches, hangovers and skin issues (reports have shown improvement in acne, psoriasis and eczema), regulates the menstrual cycle.

Now it is time for us to explore and experience the ancient techniques to prevent diseases and maintain good health.