Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of oral hygiene with seemingly endless benefits for overall health and to which much attention has been paid recently in holistic circles. The process is simple and done prior to brushing one’s teeth: 2-3 teaspoons of high-quality organic oil (coconut, sesame, olive) is swished around in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. As a natural fat emulsifier, oil pulling creates saponification or a ‘soapy’ environment in the mouth which cleanses. The lipids in the oil pulls out toxins as it mixes with saliva, eventually becoming a thick, viscous and white liquid in the mouth. This is then spit from the mouth (this can clog some drains!). If done for too long the toxins could potentially be reabsorbed.

Possible oral benefits include:

• Prevention of disease, such as cavaties and gingivitis
• Prevention of bad breath
• Reversal of bleeding gums
• Whitening of the teeth
• Relief of TMJ and jaw soreness

We have known for a long time that poor oral hygiene is connected to cardiovascular disease, memory loss, infection and even rheumatoid arthritis. The key seems to be the removal of most of the bacteria and fungi population before they enter the bloodstream via the gums, having a direct causal effect on the immune system and weakening it. While more studies of oil pulling need to be done to be conclusive, many people have reported:

• Relief from migraine headaches
• Balancing of hormones
• Help with gastro-enteritis
• Reduction of sinus congestion
• Reduction of eczema
• Relief of bronchitis symptoms
• Ease of allergy symptoms
• Improved mental capacity

In addition, tongue scrappers (available at a natural food store) are an inexpensive supplement to the oral hygiene process and do a wonderful job in removing excess plague from the tongue.

Rod Cain, LMT owns and operates Rod Cain Massage Therapy in Burlington, Vermont.