An Ayurvedic approach to holistic health
As a holistic approach to health, Ayurveda was developed thousands of years ago, with its origins traceable to India. Based largely on the mind-body connection, Ayurveda is a science of life which views the human body as a self-healing design of infinite intelligence, as opposed to the views held by conventional medicine. Now commonly practiced in other parts of the world as a complement to traditional healthcare, Ayurveda offers a plethora of greatly beneficial practices which are simple to adapt into today’s demanding lifestyle.
Justifiably reflecting the latter, oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. Essentially, it is a procedure that involves swishing oil in the mouth for both oral and general health benefits. As shared by the Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine, oil pulling is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, where it is called Kavala or Gandusha and is claimed to cure about 30 systemic diseases, ranging from headaches and migraines, to diabetes and asthma.
Gaining momentum in recent years as an alternative and complementary approach to traditional medicine, research on the practice finds it a powerful detoxifying technique as well as an effective preventative and curative measure for many different health ailments.
Fascinatingly, Ayurveda suggests that the tongue is mapped by organ locations. Basically, this means that each section of the tongue is connected to the kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine. Hence, oil pulling not only purifies the taste-buds, but the entire system, a concept supported by holistic health and new age guru, Deepak Chopra, in his book, Perfect Health.
Likewise, according to this life science, the practice encourages and mimics a soapy environment that cleanses the mouth, as vegetable fat is known to be nature’s emulsifier. In addition to the outlined health benefits, oil pulling effectively expels harmful bacteria and toxins, and reduces overall fungal overgrowth – something that simply brushing with toothpaste fails to accomplish.
Operatively, the most effectively noted practice of oil pulling is done using a tablespoon of organic oil (sesame and sunflower are known to be of greatest benefit) in the mouth and swishing the oil around for approximately 10-15 minutes, then spitting it out – much like how typical mouthwash is used.
Cited by many people who practice this habit on a daily basis, it is found that dental health is substantially improved, allowing those who adopt oil pulling into their routine to frequent the dentist much less, if at all. This is thanks to the fact that once toxins and fungus are ejected from the body, the system is able to regenerate and heal itself – eventually succumbing to its natural inclinations.
As evident, the enthusing aspect of this ancient healing method lies in its simplicity. Embracing the practice of oil pulling may sound too good to be true, but try it out for yourself and witness the marvel of the human body’s ability to self-heal.