Does oil pulling really work?

Despite being a novelty in Western society oil pulling has many thousands of years history in the East. It was mentioned in the classic and most esteemed textbook of Ayurveda, the Caraka Samhita. Some more or less accurate details of this ancient Indian practice are circulating around. Quite recently I have been approached by many people seeking advice on the technique thus I decided this post is in order.

It is believed that oil helps the lymphatic system of the body as harmful bacteria are removed and beneficial microflora is given a healthy environment to flourish. Because of this holistic perspective, oil pulling has been used as a preventative health measure for many other conditions.

My personal journey with Ayurveda started way back when I was living in Europe. However it proved to be virtually impossible to learn about it in Ireland. Luckily when I went travelling to Asia I met individuals with extensive knowledge of Ayurveda. Also visiting Ayurvedic doctors helped me to find out more about this way of living and healing. I have learnt about the oil pulling practice while on one of my first visits to Ayurvedic Clinic. And since that time it became an unquestionable health detox daily routine of mine.

Our immune system becomes often overloaded with excessive stress, poor diet and environmental toxins. This chronic inflammation causes the toxic waste spreading throughout the body and resulting in disease and illness. Oil pulling helps target this at its very start, and prevents toxins from further entering the body and allows the body to detox completely.

This practice seemed challenging but only at the beginning. What made me stick to it was the long list of benefits on the horizon. It has been credited to improved oral health (cavities, gingivitis, bad breath etc), relief from allergies and sinus issues, and reduction in overall pain, migraines and headache. Just to name a few. It does sound like a bit of a miracle remedy but in my case it does exactly what it is meant to.

My oil pulling rules are pretty simple. I oil pull every morning after waking up. During the winter I use organic sesame oil. It has a warming properties and is particularly high in the antioxidantssesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin. It also holds a high concentration of Vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These antioxidants have been found to stop the absorption of negative forms of cholesterol in the liver. The multiple studies have shown the antibacterial capacities of sesame oil. It also moistens and nourishes your body from inside.

During summer months I switch to cold pressed organic coconut oil. Just opposite to sesame oil it has cooling properties and is perfect to chill the body from the inside in this season. Moreover it has a strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties.

Both sesame oil and coconut oil are used in Ayurveda regularly to detoxify or ‘pull’ toxins from the skin that they are applied to. The theory is the oils are lipophilic, meaning they attract other oils. The fatty layers in our skin are well-known dumping grounds for fat-soluble toxins.

Some of the fat-soluble toxins that we are regularly exposed to are:

• pesticides
• environmental toxins
• preservatives
• heavy metals
• additives
• hormones

When applied to the skin, these oils may attract toxic fat molecules to the surface, cleansing them through the body’s largest detox organ which is the skin.

Personally oil pulling helped me to tackle and completely clear out reoccurring sinus infections. I was constantly struggling with it. It was caused by an air conditioning that I was continuously exposed to while travelling in hot climate. Oil pulling is also my remedy for any unexpected headaches or toothaches. Not to mention the fact that oil pulling for 6 months has improved my dental hygiene to a point that a routine check up at the dentist’s turns to a social event not a painful memory.

How to do it right?

Take a spoon of oil and swish it around your mouth. Remember not to just hold it in your mouth. It is necessary to do this work otherwise you will only waste 20 minutes of your precious time. What happens first, is the oils mix with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oils begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, it continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, spit it out before the toxins are reabsorbed (Do not spit it to the sink. You can clog your drains by doing so). 20 minutes is just a perfect amount of time to do your dry skin brushing and to have a shower — if you work on the clock in the morning.

Next, it is crucial that you rinse your mouth throughout several times with warm water. Never ever swallow the oil. It will be packed with harmful toxins that you are trying to get rid of. The best way is to brush your teeth afterwards. And perhaps have a glass of warm water with lemon. Trust me this way you incorporated 3 amazing ways of detoxing your body with virtually no effort and before breakfast time. Oil pulling is a great way to achieve full-body detox and it complements well dry skin brushing and starting your day with a glass of warm water with lemon which alkalizes the body and stimulates the liver.

If you are still not convinced wait for the next attack of cold or flu. Then incorporate oil pulling up to three times a day. Make sure to do it first thing in the morning and the last thing before going to bed and before brushing your teeth. You will be surprised how quickly you return to health and I am sure you will continue this practice forever.

However it is good to keep in mind that your symptoms might intensify before they will all go away entirely. It is a normal course of the body reaction when using natural ways of healing. Persistency is a key here. Some people also notice a detox reaction for the first few days of using oil pulling. This can include mild congestion, headache, muscos drainage, headaches or other effects.

Give it a fair try and take up a 30 day oil pulling challenge! I would love to hear from you.

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