Rituals: Oil Pulling

A little over 2 months ago I started doing something that has really changed my life.

I began a little practice called “oil pulling”. Hubby and I do this each and almost every morning. It’s really quite simple and extremely rewarding.

You take a tablespoon of oil, we prefer sesame (organic and extra virgin) and you swish it around in your mouth for 2o minutes. I know it sounds bizaar and highly irregular, but I am telling you things happen when you do this – good things!

The first thing I noticed was the positive effect it has had on my teeth and gums. They are so much whiter and my gums are the perfect shade of pink. My skin is clearer and brighter. The usual body aches and pains I suffered from daily are now much less noticeable, especially my lower back, knee and shoulder/neck issues. My hair is so shiny and healthy, and it’s even beginning to thicken up, something which I thought would never happen because I had lost so much from stress over the past few years. I thought it was never going to grow back, but I can definitely seen new hair growing.

The concept of oil pulling is very old, it comes from Ayurvedic tradition. It has a detoxifying effect because the oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. You can learn more about oil pulling here and here.

And I’ll tell you something else – it’s excellent for arthritis. I have it in my thumbs and since I’ve been oil pulling, my arthritis pain is nonexistent. It’s different for each person, so it may take longer to receive benefits, but I’m telling you at the very least your teeth and gums will thank you for it. Another benefit is the lovely quiet time I get before my day really gets going. I take the dog out for her morning business, I take a shower and I check my email. It makes for a very easy start to the day.

I’ve passed this wonder practice onto many of my friends and work colleagues and I am surprised how many of them have taken it up themselves and are enjoying their own personal benefits from the practice.

If you’d like to ask me any questions about oil pulling, please feel free to leave me a comment and I’ll leave you a reply. xx