Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A to Z Challenge: O is for Oil Pulling





Oil Pulling Therapy


About a year ago, out of the blue, in the midst of a fitful night of not sleeping, while trying to pursue a better approach to health, oil pulling came to mind.  I hadn’t seen or heard the term in almost 20 years, but the next day I was drawn to find out about this term that had just popped into my head seemingly out of no where.  I was amazed at what I found, a plethora of articles and you-tube videos, and  I could find nothing negative at all.  

As I was researching, the original source of this natural  remedy’s presentation to me slowly returned to my recollection.  An energetic friend from that era of my life those 20 years earlier had told me that she had been doing it for years.  She recounted a time in her own life when while she was bedridden with chronic fatigue, someone introduced the concept to her.  I couldn’t imagine this peppy woman ever having any problem with chronic fatigue.  She certainly was a ball of joyful energy when I knew her. 

That memory and my discoveries over the course of those several days led me to begin the adventure of oil pulling myself.  I did notice my energy level improve within a few days.  Most recognizable however was the effect on my mouth.  My teeth felt cleaner and appeared whiter.  I felt better in general with my new found therapy which I did daily, usually with coconut oil, but sometimes using grape seed oil or olive oil.  

So what is oil pulling?  It really is simple.  You take between a teaspoon to a tablespoon of oil, whatever you can handle, and swish it around in your mouth, pulling and pushing it through your teeth for between 5 and 20 minutes, again whatever you can handle, the longer the better.  The idea is that the oil will collect up the bacteria in your mouth to clean it away leading to cleaner teeth, cleaner mouth, cleaner breath.   When done, you spit the oil out, preferably in the garbage and not the sink so as not to cause a clog.  Remember that the oil is full of bacteria, so you don’t swallow it.  There’s a lot more too it, but that’s it in a nutshell, a very small nutshell like an acorn.   

A couple months ago because of dealing with knee surgery, I got out of the habit and getting back into a habit, even one that is easy, is tough.  I found it too beneficial not to incorporate it back into my daily routine.  It has other significant health benefits.  Even medical skeptics have agreed, “You aren’t going to hurt anything by swishing oil around in your mouth; so go ahead and give it a try.”




A to Z Challenge



18 comments:

  1. Sounds a great way to feel healthy and not expensive.

    Yvonne.

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    1. It is that and definitely affordable. Interesting what's out there, isn't it? God bless, Maria

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  2. Whoa, I never heard of this before. Good for you for doing the A to Z challenge...I wasn't quite up to it myself:)

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    1. I have to admit, Mark, I do understand why they call it a challenge. It is amazing how much information is now available about this therapy. Though it isn't a common thing to hear about, I was amazed how many people HAD actually heard of it when I decided to give it a try. Most folks however are like you and have never heard of it, but often want to know more. Thanks for coming by. God bless, Maria

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  3. I have had the book for over a year. I have yet to get past the idea of swishing oil around in my mouth since I have such a strong gag-reflex. I really do intend to do it, though. I have heard nothing but good things about the benefits. Maybe I'll break out the coconut oil this weekend and give it a try.

    Happy O day!
    tm

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    1. I know what you mean, Zoe. I felt that way before I tried it. It wasn't as bad as I expected. Just start with a small amount. The taste of coconut oil is the least repulsive to me, but I prefer to melt it first. Begin with only a few minutes and build up. Remember to spit it out into a cup so you don't clog the sink especially if you use coconut oil. God bless, Maria

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  4. This is sure something to think about! What kind of oil? DOes it matter? Just curious now :) Jamie From Being Positive with a Depressive Soul

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  5. You've given me pause to ponder this one. I'm as curious as Jamie about the kind of oil you use.

    Sherrey at Healing by Writing

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    1. Jamie and Sherrey, I prefer coconut oil heated enough to melt it, but any oil is fine and I sometimes use grape seed or olive oil as well. Thanks for coming by. God bless, Maria

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  6. Interesting! I've never heard of oil pulling before; I'll have to do a little research into it.

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    1. I know you are a researcher so I would be interested if you find out anything negative. I never have. Thanks for visiting. God bless, Maria

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  7. I've never heard of this one before (and I've heard of a lot of alternative therapies, so that is saying something). Thanks. It's always great to learn something new.

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    1. Well it is always fun to introduce new things. Thanks for stopping by Liz. God bless, Maria

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  8. I have heard of this before, but promptly put it out of my mind because it seemed a bit gag-inducing. But really, it sounds like something I might have to try! Thanks for the reminder!

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    1. It really isn't as bad as it sounds, but I shared the sentiment when I first heard of it. Glad I could prompt a reminder. God bless, Maria

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  9. This is something new to me. I will think more about it. Thanks for commenting on my blog. Good to meet you!

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  10. As others are saying, this one's new to me. Very interesting--and you're right, it's not like it's going to hurt us to try it. Thanks for the tip!

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    1. Carol and Kern, Appreciate your stopping by. You're right, it is something many have never heard of and may be worth considering. God bless, Maria

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