Oil pulling - here’s what I’ve learned

Oil pulling has been in my orbit for a couple of years but as you know, implementing a new habit can be tricky. They say it can use up to 25% more ATP (energy) as you consciously try and make your new habit a non-negotiable. There's nothing like a good motivator to nudge you in the right direction so when I started with a tooth infection, it was the perfect cue.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish traditionally coconut or sesame oil around the mouth for 20 minutes. It is said to help the oral microbiome which is important because some imbalances in the gut microbiome come directly from the mouth. After all, it's one long tube!

It also aids lymphatics which, if you've been in to see me recently, you'll know is an absolute game changer for your health.

Please do your own research as there are arguments for and against oil pulling. Look into the various methods and benefits yourself if you've never heard of it before.

These are the things I've learned from doing it (almost) daily:

1. My weak lower jaw has strengthened
Our diet of soft food has changed the shape of our skulls and jaws dramatically compared to our ancestors. They chewed on hard food for long periods of time which meant their jaws were strong and much wider than ours are now. Our palates have become narrow which has led to problems in the mouth, poor posture and sub optimal breathing. When I started oil pulling, I could only manage a couple of minutes but the strength and endurance came over time.

2. My tongue strength and position improved
Most of us carry our heads forward, our tongues in poor positions and our breathing is less efficient. By strengthening the tongue and being able to carry the front, middle and back portions up in the roof of the mouth, we automatically improve neck posture and make optimal, nasal breathing much easier. If you’re used to your tongue just floating in the mouth, sticking the whole muscle (not just the tip) up in the roof whenever you’re not talking or eating is challenging and you won’t have the endurance to start with. It’s worth making the effort though because the up and downstream effects of this one change are profound.

3. Wrinkles have improved
As you pull the oil through the teeth, you work the muscles of the jaw and cheeks, which in my case have started to plump out the wrinkles. An unexpected bonus! It’s just not an area of the body we pay particular attention to and gravity can take it’s toll as collagen starts to diminish with age. Think of this as face yoga.

4. Cleanliness
Once you perfect the practice, you'll start to look forward to it because the mouth feels so clean. Taking care of your microbiome has become such a hot topic and this is a great way to look after teeth and gums and help the detoxification process. We already know the tongue is an organ of detoxification and if there’s a way we can support the body’s natural pathways, I’m all in.

The body works as a system and each part in interconnected. Taking care of your oral health will always help your general health.