Immunity has always been a cornerstone of a healthy and disease-free body. One ancient Ayurvedic practice that plays a significant role in enhancing immunity and promoting overall health is oil pulling.
What Is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling, known as Kalava in Ayurveda, is an age-old practice that has been used for centuries to improve oral health and boost immunity. This method is believed to help prevent more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly.
The oral cavity harbors billions of microorganisms, some of which contribute to the development of systemic diseases. Oil pulling involves swishing edible oil around the mouth continuously for 20 minutes, similar to using a mouthwash. According to Ayurveda, the tongue is connected to every organ in the body. Swishing oil in the mouth for an extended period draws out impurities before they can recirculate and spread throughout the body.
How To Do It?
Oil pulling is simple, has no side effects, and requires just one ingredient. Here’s how you can do it:
- Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
- Swish it around in your mouth, between teeth, over gums, tongue, towards the cheeks for 20 minutes.
- Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth well with water.
Caution: Oil may thicken and clog your drain, so it’s best to spit it into a dustbin. Also, children should avoid this practice as they may accidentally swallow the oil.
If you find it difficult to swish oil for the full 20 minutes initially, start with 5 minutes and gradually build up to 15–20 minutes. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has proven anti-inflammatory properties and can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The best time to practice oil pulling is early morning before drinking water, as the body detoxifies during sleep, and the tongue gets coated with a white film full of toxins and microbes.
Benefits Of Oil Pulling On Oral Health
Oil pulling is highly beneficial for oral hygiene as it reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is particularly helpful for conditions such as:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Plaque
- Cavities
- Oral candidiasis
- Gingivitis
- Tooth pain
- Dry mouth, sore throat and chapped lips
- Whitening teeth, pinker lips and healthier gums
Benefits For The Skin
Oil pulling not only benefits your oral health but also positively impacts your skin by exercising your facial muscles and encouraging blood flow to your face. This practice can:
- Reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dry face and other signs of aging
- Improve skin elasticity
- Reduce double chin
- Define your jawline
Additional Benefits
Beyond oral and skin health, oil pulling offers several other advantages, including:
- Improving gut health, metabolism, digestion, and immunity
- Detoxifying the mouth and body
- Enhancing energy levels and sleep quality
- Balancing hormones
- Reducing acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems
- Alleviating headaches and migraine
- Providing relief from stiff joints and allergies
We hope you try this ancient Ayurvedic method of detoxifying your mouth and body. Do share your experience with us. For more articles on health and wellness, check out Healthy Reads.
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