Oil pulling or oil swishing is a traditional folk remedy that involves swishing oil in the mouth. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, where it is called Kavala Gandoosha or Kavala Graha. Ayurvedic literature describes oil pulling as capable of both improving oral health and treating systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or asthma. Studies have shown that it can reduce oral plaque, halitosis, chronic infections, gingival recession, loose teeth, skin disorders, gingivitis and more when included in a regular oral healthcare program.
How to do it?
Rinse your mouth with approximately one tablespoon of oil for 15-20 minutes (on an empty stomach) before eating/drinking and then spit it out and brush your teeth, gums, tongue (softly) and palate thoroughly. Cold pressed (raw) oil is essential for efficacy. Choose from sesame oil (best), sunflower oil, coconut oil (also very good) and olive oil are the most recommended. Oil pulling is usually recommended to be done first thing in the morning, followed by rinsing your mouth with (sea salt) salt water and then brushing your teeth and scraping your tongue. Use a tongue scraper for this and pay attention to what comes off of your tongue.
How to understand what your tongue is telling you:
The tongue is a detailed health map! The same way as the face, the tongue changes colors/shades, shape, and surface texture providing a current health state update. Much like reflexology, all the organs and the entire body can be located on specific regions of the tongue. As a mirror of the body's digestive system, the tongue can reflect what minerals and vitamins may be deficient and can reveal the health of other various organs in the body.
If you come into the office and stick your tongue out at me I will be able to tell you a lot about what is happening in your body and mind! It takes years to learn the intricacies but there are some general guidelines that anyone can use to evaluate general health level/condition: The first thing the tongue shows us is if any one dosha is out of balance. Divide the tongue into three parts; the root is Vata, the middle is Pitta, and the tip is Kapha. Excessive coating in any of these areas shows which dosha is involved.
Generally dosha disturbances show up in the following ways:
- Vata disturbances on the tongue - Small cracks all over the tongue; Dry, dark tongue; Film over the back of the tongue; Rough back area; Small dark pimples; and Black to brown coloration on the tongue.
- Pitta disturbance on the tongue - Red tongue; White cold sores; Bumps or bright red patched areas in the middle of the tongue; Greenish or yellowish film on the tongue; and Film on the middle section of the tongue.
- Kapha disturbances on the tongue - White thick coating tongue; Oily film on the tongue; Depressions or bumps on the front portion of the tongue; and Tip of the tongue whitish or coated.
Some other things to look for:
- Teeth imprints around the contour of the tongue - malabsoprion of nutrients. Your digestive system is not very happy. To stimulate digestion in a natural healthy way, add fresh ginger tea, avoid iced drinks and start paying attention to food combining. I have an article in the office if you are interested in learning more.
- Trembling tongue - a sign of anxiety or fear, possible Vata disturbance. We live in such a high stress society that anxiety can crawl over you without you even being aware of it. It might even be your permanent state and you are so used to it that can't tell the difference. Do you wake up rested and excited to start your day? If not, it's time to take a break from caffeine, have some chamomile tea and nourish your nervous system with warm, easy to digest light soups.
- Thick grayish, yellow, or white coating - Toxins in the colon. This coating means it's time for a detox. Knowing that your colon is full of material that doesn't belong there, that spreads toxins into your blood, makes you sluggish, your skin greyish and your head foggy might be the push you were waiting for. Take a break from heavy, oily and processed foods. No need to fast if you are not ready for it but make it a vegetable day only. Choose foods that are easiest to digest. If you make it a vegetable day, go for steamed not raw. Intermittent fasting and colon hydrotherapy are also great options when combined with detox herbs to clean your tongue.
You take a break from work why not give your digestive system a break also? Oil pulling and tongue scraping are so easy to do and have a high impact on your body's balance.
Here's to your health!
Dr. Keesha
