How to do Oil Pulling

I’ve added another little ritual to my morning routine – OIL PULLING...

Oil pulling was recommended to me recently by my friend Prajakta, as a morning ritual for clearing bacteria from my mouth and promoting oral health and hygiene.

Apparently, our mouths host some 600 species of bacteria, some of which are good bacteria, and some of which are not. The latter cause issues like tooth decay, bad breath, and bleeding gums etc…

I found an interesting article online that explained what happens during oil pulling. It helps us get rid of the unwanted bacteria, because when we swish the oil around in our mouth the bacteria detach from the soft tissues, attaching to the oil, and eventually get flushed out when we spit the oil out. A similar process to how detergent removes dirt molecules from clothes.

Morning is the best time to do it, before brushing your teeth and scraping your tongue (I haven’t tried that yet) and on an empty stomach.

While I use coconut oil, there are other options available, such as sesame oil. The article I read described coconut oil as having excellent antimicrobial properties, and of course it’s readily available in supermarkets and health stores.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

Oil pulling is performed by swishing the oil around your teeth, tongue and gums, and while it takes a bit of getting used to, it’s now just a part of my morning routine.

I have a jar of coconut oil and a teaspoon in the shower, and once I’ve said the Four Agreements aloud, because it feels more powerful that way, I take a small teaspoon full of coconut oil and begin swishing while I do my shoulder exercises.

I continue with the oil pulling once I’m out of the shower, and spit it into a bin once I’m done, which is usually about 15 minutes. Don’t spit it into the sink as it will solidify and cause problems with your drains.

The article I read, said to use one tablespoon of oil, but I haven’t got to that point yet, I’m still working with about one teaspoon. It also said not to eat anything immediately afterward, which I don’t, but I do have my one cup of coffee for the day pretty much straight after it, and hopefully that’s okay.

Oil Pulling is believed to…

• Promote healthy teeth and gums
• Freshen our breath
• Support detoxification
• Promote healthy sinus

As I mentioned in a recent blog, I’ve chosen to make the first two hours of my day about self-care and self-love, doing even the most basic things like drying myself after my shower, dressing and applying make-up, and brushing my hair etc… in a mindful way, giving myself the best chance of enjoying a happy and productive day.

← Next Post Previous Post →