Why you should start oil pulling?
It is a well known concept that Ayurveda gives importance to the maintenance of health by prevention of ailments and it also helps in curing various ailments using different herbal supplements and various treatment methodologies. There is a separate branch of Ayurveda which deals with the maintenance of health called as ‘Svastha Vritha’ i.e. the Preventive Medicine. So in order to manage a steady state of health Ayurveda has advised ‘DInacharya’ or a daily routine which is to be followed by a healthy person. Though it has a lot of steps involved, this blog is going to discuss ‘Gandusha’ or Oil Pulling.
There are 2 procedures which are described in detail in ancient classics - Gandusha and Kavala Graha which can be correlated with modern day oil pulling. In Gandusha mouth is completely filled with oil such that gargling is impossible whereas in Kavala Graha comfortable lesser quantities of oil is used such that gargling is possible.
Procedure for Oil Pulling as a part of daily regimen
In oil pulling, a tablespoon full of oil is swished around the mouth in the early morning before breakfast and in an empty stomach for about 20-25 min. After that, spit out the oil and mouth should be thoroughly washed with clean warm saline water or tap water and teeth should be cleaned with fingers or routine tooth brushing needs to be performed.
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling generates antioxidants which damage the cell wall of microorganisms and kill them.
Oil will coat the teeth and gingiva and inhibit bacterial co-aggregation and plaque formation.
Teeth become whiter, breath becomes fresher, oral cavity muscles and jaws become stronger with excellent achievement of oral hygiene.
Oil pulling when practiced regularly is believed to freshen and stimulate the mind and strengthen the senses.
It is also beneficial in sore throat, dry face, impaired vision, taste loss and anorexia.
Ideal Oils to be used
Coconut Oil - Using coconut oil can reduce plaque adhesion and accumulation, and possesses cleansing action.
Olive Oil - Using olive oil prevents oral malodor. It also inhibits plaque formation and inhibition.
Sesame oil - Traditionally sesame oil is documented to be preferred oil for practicing oil pulling. It is ideal for detoxification and has antibiotic properties.
Researchers have proved Oil pulling brings improvement in oral hygiene when practiced correctly and regularly.
References -
Shanbhag V. K. (2016). Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene - A review. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 7(1), 106–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.004
