12 Dec Oil-pulling: An Ancient Oral Cleansing Technique

Mentioned in the Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, oil-pulling is a powerful yet simple detoxifying therapy that is both curative and preventative, and is claimed to treat a range of diseases, ranging from headaches to asthma. The Ayurveda advises oil gargling to purify the entire system; as it holds that each section of the tongue is connected to a different organ such as to the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, small intestines, stomach, colon and spine.

Still today, oil-pulling, using either sesame, coconut or sunflower oil, is traditionally used as folk dental remedy to treat oral hygiene (reducing bacteria, plaque and infection), bleeding gums, dryness of the throat as well as to strengthen the teeth, gums and jaw.

There are two techniques to oil-pulling, which the Ayurveda refers to as ‘Gandusha’ (holding) and ‘Kavala Graha’ (swishing). Gandusha involves filling the mouth completely with oil, so that gargling is impossible. The oil is then held for about 3-5 minutes and is then released. In Kavala Graha, a tablespoon of oil is retained with the mouth for about 3 minutes and is then gargled.

As the mouth is home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins that cause germs and gum disease, tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease, these two ancient techniques ‘pull’ out bacteria and other debris, and as simple as they are, they are equally powerful and detoxifying. When carried out, they not only significantly improve oral health and brighten your smile, but also enhance the senses, bring out about a feeling of freshness and invigorate the mind. They can also banish bad breath, reduce inflammation, heal cracked lips, relieve exhaustion, anorexia, alleviate headaches and hangovers, loss of taste, sooth dry throat, improve acne and clear sinus.

So why not try one of these ancient dental techniques today?