oil pulling – the amazing Ayurvedic practice for oral hygiene

According to Ayurveda, an imbalanced Agni (digestive fire) is the root of all diseases. Therefore, Ayurveda gives utmost importance to digestion and the mouth is the starting point of digestion. That’s why maintaining oral hygiene is important and the best way for that is to do oil pulling!    What is oil pulling?    Oil pulling is an age-old Ayurvedic practice that involves retaining oil in the mouth for some time before spitting it out. It is a Dinacharya (daily routine) mentioned in Ayurvedic texts or Samhitas. It promotes oral hygiene and thus, overall health.    Which oil is the best for oil pulling?    Online sources and big brands often endorse coconut oil for oil pulling. But none of the Ayurvedic texts or Samhitas recommend coconut oil.       Organic black sesame oil is universally acceptable. It is suitable for all Prakriti (body types) and is great for oil pulling.       If you don’t like oil, you can even also use hot water instead.   How to do oil pulling?      You can follow the following steps to do oil pulling:   Give a light massage to the head, neck and shoulders  Steam face, neck and shoulders   Keep the face a little lifted up   Gargle/hold the recommended liquid in the mouth – You can either hold the oil entirely in your mouth and not move it around or you can take about 2 spoons of oil and swish it around.   Spit it out   Lightly massage and foment again    How long should you do it?      Ayurvedic texts mention that you must do it until you experience oozing from your nose and eyes or when your mouth is filled with saliva. This typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. You can then spit it out.       If you do not have time, just hold the oil in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.    When should you do it?      “Shall I do oil pulling before or after brushing my teeth?”  I get this question often.      Different Ayurvedic texts mention different ways. But I personally prefer doing oil pulling before brushing.    If you decide to give it a try, be patient and consistent with the routine. It can be a part of your oral care routine, but remember, it is not the complete solution for your oral health. Other steps for proper oral hygiene, like brushing, tongue scraping and having a balanced diet are also equally important.    Want to learn more about Dinacharya practices?  Download my latest ebook – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO AYURVEDIC MORNING ROUTINE for FREE today!       You can join our  Health Programs for mind and body detox. And If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a  consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries,  contact us. You can also   visit.

What is the Importance of Dinacharya ?

Ayurveda promotes quality living by maintaining good health and curing diseases. Dinacharya is one of the ways by which you can achieve the goal of maintaining your health. Ayurvedic texts emphasise the importance of Dinacharya.  Dinacharya is a Sanskrit word that translates to daily routine. It is a way to organize your life, and thereby, remain healthy without medicines and live a long, happy life. Here are the routines you can make a part of your daily regime.   Wake up earlyWake up 1.5 hours before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta).   Visit the looThe time before sunrise is Vata Kala and hence, you can instinctively pass bowels during this time (If you have constipation, do take note). Pass urine, empty bowels and clean well.   Clean your face, teeth and tongueWash your face with water. Then face east and brush your teeth. The toothpaste you use should be of pungent, bitter and astringent tastes, and never sweet. Then, do tongue scraping and later, do oil pulling.   Eyes and noseSplash your eyes with room temperature water. Then, apply kajal (medicated eyeliner). Also, instil 2 drops of Anutaila in the nose. Inhale the medicated fumes and exhale through the mouth.   Oil massageMassage your body with warm sesame oil (good for all body types). Also, massage your head and feet. You can apply a few drops of sesame oil in the ears as well. If you have excess fat in your body, do a dry powder massage instead of an oil massage.   Final stepsAfter body massage, do moderate exercise. Later, take a shower, and have a warm cooked breakfast. Then, wash your feet and wear protective shoes, and you can go on with your day.   You do not have to start all of these routines in one go, See what suits you the best and start incorporating it slowly into your daily regime.   Importance of Dinacharya   Following Dinacharya helps you to have a balance in your lifestyle as well as your body. It is also beneficial for your overall physical and emotional health. Dinacharya helps you stay connected with nature. It makes you conscious of your natural surroundings and makes sure that your lifestyle is in harmony with nature. It helps you to maintain a healthy lifestyle, thereby improving your immunity and protecting you from diseases. You fall into a routine of timely intake of meals and a balanced diet. This helps improve your appetite and digestion, and effective absorption of nutrients from the food you eat. Another important benefit of following Dinacharya is that it brings about discipline in your life. You learn to stay organised, and this helps improve your productivity and has a positive effect on other aspects of your life. Dinacharya includes oil massage and meditation that will have a calming effect on you. It helps absorb positive energy from your surroundings, and release stress from your mind and body. This helps you to remain happy. Dinacharya also makes sure that you have a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle and promotes longevity. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or if you have any queries, contact us. You can also follow me on Instagram.