Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health.

History

Oil pulling has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian system of medicine that dates back 3,000 years. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita where it is called Kavala or Gandusha, and is claimed to cure about 30 systemic diseases ranging from headache, migraine to diabetes and asthma.

Procedure

The procedure involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (such as sesame oil, coconut oil or sunflower oil) in the mouth on an empty stomach for 15-20 minutes, and then spitting it out. It is believed that during this process, the oil pulls out toxins from the body and improves oral and overall health.

Health Benefits

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the health benefits of oil pulling, some studies suggest that it can help with oral health, including the reduction of halitosis (bad breath), prevention of dental cavities, reduction of gingivitis, and whitening of teeth.

Criticisms and Controversies

Critics argue that the health benefits of oil pulling are overstated and not supported by high quality scientific evidence. They also warn that oil pulling should not replace regular dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.

See Also

• Ayurveda
• Oral hygiene
• Alternative medicine

References

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