Oil pulling is a super simple healing process for the oral cavity and the entire human body. The results of this healing process may cause astonishment, but by experimenting with oil pulling therapy, everybody can see results on their own. For acute infections the results are very quick, but for chronic health challenges, one may have to practice oil pulling for months before long term results are noticed.
Deepak Chopra promotes the practice in his 2001 book, Perfect Health. He writes that oil pulling is one of many Ayurvedic techniques valuable for purifying and strengthening the body. According to Ayurveda, organ meridians are present in the tongue just as they are in key points such as the hands, feet, ears and teeth.
Many of us already know that every organ in the human body is connected to other parts of the human body. We also know that each tooth is associated with specific organs. As you heal the tooth and its environmental structures, the meridian associated organs will also heal.
Investigation of the oil pulling method has suggested that its use will pull toxins from the mucus membranes of the mouth via the meridian system allowing for a complete body detoxification. That makes the tongue integral for diagnosis. (Ask for your personalized Tongue Reading at your next dental visit). More importantly, care of the tongue is critical for preventing and treating illness. Oil pulling will promote tongue health.
Traditionally, oil pulling has been used with sesame or sunflower oils, but has been modified recently to accommodate other oils and their healing properties. For dental and general health purposes, I will focus on coconut oil, as I have found that it has been more therapeutic than others. Coconut oil is ideal due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties. And as we all know, the oral cavity is full of bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is also a cooling oil and will work wonders on pulling out heat /congestion and therefore relieve infections, fevers, burns, cold sores, oral herpes outbreaks, and reduce overgrowth of Candida in the mouth. It may also alleviate the pain associated with these oral conditions.
This is how you use it:
After thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums, place approximately one tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil in your mouth. The oil is put in the mouth, with chin tilted up, and slowly swished, sucked, chomped and pulled through the teeth for 15–20 minutes.
The oil changes from oily consistency to thin, white milky foam before spitting out. It is best to do it on an empty stomach, usually first thing in the morning before eating/drinking. (If the oil is still oily, it has not been pulled long enough).
Then spit it out in the garbage or toilet. Do not spit the oil down the sink, as the oil will eventually clog your drain. Thoroughly rinse and wash your mouth with normal tap water.
This procedure is typically performed daily.
Note: Coconut oil is solid when the room temperature is below 76 degrees. It will melt in your mouth and turn liquidy in your mouth very quickly since you are 98.6 degrees.
Oil pulling should be done at least once a day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach. No more than twice. Time constraints may be a factor, so it is a good thing to do in the shower, watching TV, reading, doing housework etc.
There are other benefits to coconut oil pulling:·
· May stop tooth decay due to its antibacterial effects
· Will support periodontal health, may reverse gum infections
· Will help eradicate yeast infections in the mouth due to the presence of caprylic acid.
· May whiten your teeth
· Facilitates absorption of calcium by the body; it helps in getting strong teeth and bones
There has been anecdotal evidence for improvements in joint pain, arthritis, migraines, sinus infections, skin disorders such as eczema and persistent rashes, allergies, digestive problems and just about any bodily health issue.
However coconut oil may not be the oil of choice for these other conditions.
Sunflower, sesame, olive and flax oils have been used with varying results. Best to try each of these oils for a short time period to see which works best for your specific condition.
It is extremely surprising that one could achieve such success and healing results with this totally harmless, biologically compatible healing method. But, yes you can. Give it a try for one week and see if you don’t feel like a healthier you!
Dr. Idelle Brand is the director of The Brand Wellness Center, an integrative dental practice in midtown Manhattan. She is a health educator and lecturer on Enlightened Dentistry