Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic
method for detox and rejuvenation. It’s a simple practice, with quite
remarkable results. Many have heard of it, but never actually dove in to
try it. It definitely has a mystical and exciting vibe around it, which
made me eager to try. But what exactly is it? What does it do?
In a (coco)nut shell:
To
oil pull, simply swish your choice of unrefined, high quality oil in
your mouth; similar to the way you would use a mouthwash. My favorite is
coconut oil.
This can be done anywhere from five to 20 minutes. The process attracts
and removes bacteria, toxins, and parasites that live in your mouth or
lymph system, and also pulls congestion and mucus from your throat and
loosens up your sinuses, which is amazing! With the help of your saliva,
all these scary undesirables bind with the oil, ready to be disposed
of. Pulling also helps re-mineralize your teeth and strengthen your gums
by thoroughly cleansing the area. This sounds good, right? But how
exactly do you do it?
Traditionally, oil
pullers used virgin sesame oil. The reason I prefer to use raw coconut
oil is because it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and enzymatic
properties. This provides the added benefit of killing any unwanted
bacteria that may be residing in the mouth, while leaving behind healthy
probiotic strains. A perfect exchange!
To
start, scoop ½ to 1 full tablespoon of oil into the mouth; if it’s cold,
allow the oil to melt. Now push, swirl, and pull the oil between your
teeth, around your gums, and allow it to touch every part of your mouth
except your throat. You don’t want the oil getting in contact with your
throat because it’s now carrying somewhat toxic material. No gargling!
Have
fun with it, though! Hum a little song, or practice deep breathing
through your nose. Allow this to be a sacred time. Enjoy the feeling of
cleansing, the relaxation with the absence of talking. There’s nothing
quite like the feeling of smiling with a mouth full of oil. Something
about it just feels so right!
Once your time
pulling is over, spit into the trash or toilet, but never the sink — the
oil could solidify and clog your drain. Now rinse your mouth out with
clean water two or three times. Finally, drink a glass of water and
relax. You should be feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
Why
oil pull? A popular reason for oil pulling is to find relief from
congestion in the sinuses and throat. It is unbelievable how quickly
this happens! Immediately after rinsing, you will find yourself blowing
your nose and clearing your throat. I have worked with people struggling
with chronic sinus congestion who experienced relief unlike anything
else, after oil pulling only once! Their condition improved and the
congestion eventually went away completely.
I
began pulling to benefit my gums and teeth, which used to be extremely
sensitive. My gums strengthened, and teeth became much whiter! It also
proved to be beneficial to my skin, which cleared up dramatically, and
became bright and almost glowing. Swishing with coconut oil has also
proven to be beneficial to those with skin disorders such as psoriasis,
and is great for anyone who wants to detox and begin taking better care of their immune system.
Oil
pulling can be done at any time of the day, but for a more thorough
detox, its best to do this in the morning, before eating or drinking. If
you are having a hard time fitting oil pulling into your routine, I’ve
found a nice time to do this is while in the shower. This way, you
aren’t counting the clock until the minutes are up; simply spit when
your shower is done.
I hope you enjoy this healing, divine and sensual experience as much as I do. Love the oil. Love the process. Happy pulling!
