Oil Pulling! Should You Try It?

Hey Everyone! So I have started oil pulling! First, let me give you a little history on oil pulling then I will get into why I am doing it.

So what is oil pulling? Oil pulling is the practice of swishing any organic oil in your mouth repeatedly for 15-20 minutes.

Many different experiences have been recorded, differing from person to person who has tried oil pulling. Just like anything else, the results varied. Some claimed that they had seen effects such as cleaner mouth, whiter teeth, curing of cavities, reduced stress levels, increased energy, detoxed body, reduced headaches, clearer skin, weight loss, change in cellulite, changes in hormonal changes, and so much more. I had read some reviews that were very against it, but so many more talked about how good it was for the body. Also, I would like to point out that oil pulling is an "ayurvedic ritual dating back over 3,000 years. 

So I decided why not? Why not give it a try? What is the worst that can happen? No one had adverse side effects - unless they had allergic reactions - the worst that happened was they saw no results at all.

How is it done? Take a teaspoon-tablespoon of extra virgin organic oil of your choice (I recommend coconut oil - which I will get into why later). Place it in your mouth and swish it around for anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. Most recommended at least 10 minutes. I am going to do 20 minutes daily... I will just change my schedule around to be sure I have time each morning to do it. Finally, you spit it out, in the trash, not a drain in case of clogging. DO NOT swallow or ingest the oil as it will be filled with all the toxins you are trying to get rid of. You then brush your teeth and rinse like normal.

Preferred time? There is no time it HAS to be done, you could do it at night as well, but the bacteria flourish in the morning after a nights sleep, so it is recommended that you do it first thing in the morning upon waking before you even drink anything. 

Why should I do it?  Your mouth is a disgusting area of the body. In my personal opinion, it is the most disgusting place in the human body. There are countless amounts of bacteria found in the mouth at any given point, and even once you brush and think your mouth is "super clean" nope, there is still bacteria that thrive there. Viruses, fungi, toxins all thrive in the oral cavity. Now it may seem like it would cancel each other out but guess what oil attracts oil. The oil will help to rid the body of any oil soluble toxins in the body. By doing so, it helps the immune system! Thus it aids in overall well being. I am not sure how many of you are familiar with how reflexology works; well, "Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexologists believe that these areas and reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems and that pressing them has a beneficial effect on the organs and person's general health." (Teagarden. K. 2016) Well, some say that oil pulling is the same in a sense as the mouth is connected to so much of the body by keeping the mouth clean, and ridding the mouth of bacteria it will keep the rest of the organs clean and healthy. 

What are the benefits? Whitens teeth, increases energy, detoxes the body, reduces headaches, keeps the skin clear, promotes oral hygiene, healthier gums, prevents bad breath, a clearer mind, clearer sinuses, alleviated allergies, better skin overall, reduces cellulite, regulated menstrual cycles, improved lymphatic system, improved PMS symptoms, regulates hormonal change, and so much more! 

What should I not do? DO NOT replace this with the daily brushing of your teeth. Hate to break it to you guys, but this is not a replacement... you still have to brush your teeth! Also, do not use any oils that are not organic. The best to use would be an extra virgin, organic oil. 

So why not guys!? I will be keeping you guys posted as I go through this journey! I hope you enjoy it! Stay posted! For any questions either contact me directly or post a comment below!

Reflexology | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology

Colquhoun, J. (n.d.). The 7 Health Benefits Of Oil Pulling. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://www.foodmatters.com/article/the-7-health-benefits-of-oil-pulling

The Benefits of Oil Pulling: Why I Love It & How to Do It. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2016, from http://yoganonymous.com/the-benefits-of-oil-pulling-why-i-love-it-how-to-do-it/

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PEACE LOVE & HAPPINESS. LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN. #BBTE