What is Oil Pulling?

Okay, so maybe the idea of swishing around oil in your mouth doesn't sound all that appealing, but hear me out on this one because the benefits certainly outweigh the ick factor, I promise. 

Okay, so what exactly is oil pulling. Oil pulling is an ancient practice and cleansing technique that involves the simple swishing of a specific oil in the mouth for a few minutes each day. 

One of the main purposes for the habit is "pulling" a variety of toxins from the bloodstream. Some of the benefits include improved gum health, whiter teeth, clear skin, elimination of bad breath, and a healthy complexion. (See, I told you it was good stuff!)

Not to mention that a wide range of additional benefits have also been reported that include positive changes in cellular health, immunity, and the ridding of unwanted toxins such as heavy metals and microorganisms, resulting in more energy and much more. 

Wanna increase the benefits even more? Add an essential oil that targets an area of interest. So, like, you could add frankincense or lemon to support blood cleansing or detoxification respectively; or clove for teeth health. 

Okay, so how do you do it? 

Oil pulling is to be done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach prior to consumption of any liquids (including water) or foods. It is not recommended to be done at any other time of the day.

Next, you'll want to choose a "swishing" oil. Some of the top choices include: sesame, sunflower, olive (cold-pressed, extra virgin), coconut, cod liver, cedar nut, avocado, walnut, castor, black cumin, safflower. Each oil has particular properties that bring specific results. There is a lot of information available on oil pulling and the various oils both online and in written resources. 

Finally, choose an essential oil that supports your particular health concern. 

Instructions

1. Pour one tablespoon of selected "swishing" oil in mouth. Add 1-2 drops of chosen essential oil(s)- up to 5 if desired. Older children can also do pulling with less quantity of oil provided they have the ability to not swallow it. 
2. Swish oil around in mouth. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT swallow it. Move it around in mouth and through teeth, using the tongue to create the movement. Do not tilt your head back. The oil will begin to get watery as it mixes with saliva. Keep swishing. If jaw muscles get sore while swishing, relax jaw and use tongue more to help move liquid. This is a gentle and relaxed process that lasts for about twenty minutes. When done correctly, it feels comfortable, especially with repeated practice. As the oil/saliva mixture is saturated with toxins, it may become more whitish or milk-like in consistency depending on the oil used. Each session varies in results and timing for such an effect. Again twenty minutes is the general rule. 
3. As the end of the oil pulling session approaches, spit the oil out in a trash can- not down the drain (it can clog the drain). Rinse mouth with warm water. Adding salt to the water (use a good quality sea salt or such) adds antimicrobial action, can soothe any inflammation or irritation, and is effective in rinsing out any residual mouth toxins. 

And lastly, I'll leave you with a tip. If you are experiencing the urge to swallow during pulling session prior to the twenty minute mark, spit the oil out and begin again and resume the session until the above described change in the liquid has occurred to indicate completion. With practice, these urges, if present will diminish over time. 

So what do you think? Are you going to give oil pulling a try? I'd love to hear what you think! Or if you are already a huge fan of oil pulling tell us why! 

XXOO!