Many practitioners of natural medicine believe that any illness is rooted in two causes; toxins in the body and malnutrition. Ayuvedic oil pulling does add some nutrition but it is best used as a treatment against illness because of its detoxifying properties.
Oil Pulling as Medicine
While very few modern medical studies have been done on oil pulling (this is probably due to the cost of doing such a study on a relatively unknown treatment) there has been one published in an Indian dental journal that proved oil pulling as being equally beneficial in treating bacteria and plaque in comparison to conventional mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine.
Ayurveda has suggested oil pulling or gargling with oil as part of a daily routine to promote optimal health and prevention of disease for hundreds of years. Many ayurvedic practitioners swear by oil pulling for detox as the mouth is one of the areas of the body where toxins are released and dumped through daily detoxification (this same concept is behind the act of tongue scraping).
Oil Pulling was made popular by Dr. F. Karach at the all-Ukrainian Association and Academy of Sciences of the USSR. He explained the process of using cold-pressed oils to pull illness from the body through the mouth. He encouraged his peers to at least try this method and considered it as a competitor against modern drugs and surgery.
The Oil Pulling Method
Oil pulling is very easy. Simply place a tablespoon of cold-pressed (preferably unrefined, organic) vegetable oil in the mouth and swish for 10-20 minutes. By using gargling, swishing, sucking and pulling motions with mouth muscles, the oil is sure to coat all surfaces of the mouth.
When the time is up, the oil should be thoroughly mixed with saliva and now a thin liquid. Most practitioners warn against swallowing this oil as it will put the pulled toxins back into the body. The oil, upon being spat out, should be white. If it is yellow it has not been swished around enough to collect the bacteria and toxins.
Most methods of oil pulling are followed by cleansing the mouth with warm water, certain salts, baking soda, and sometimes a rinse of specialized herbs. Usually a simple rinse with salt water and brushing with a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste will be enough.
The Oils
Any natural, organic, cold-pressed vegetable oil can be used for oil pulling, honey has even been used for this method. The most popular oils include:
- Sesame Seed
- Sunflower Seed
- Coconut
- Extra Virgin Olive
- Safflower
- Walnut
- Castor
Pull Out the Toxins
Oil pulling is a great, simple method to add to a detox routine. Many health experts include this practice along with tongue scraping, fasting and colonics. Raw foodist Elaina Love Joy recommends oil pulling and does this herself after yoga and before her morning nutritional green juice.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend oil pulling after tongue scraping and a gentle brushing of the teeth followed by rinsing the nose, ears and eyes with flower waters, honey and specialized oils for complete cleansing of the sense organs.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
- Oil Pulling: A Wonderful Therapy is the simplest website on the oil pulling method, which includes information on Dr. Karach and the most popular oils for this practice.
December Fields - I am a student of herbalism, aromatherapy, alternative health, alternative subculture, and life. I Chose Health ...
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