It's when you put a tablespoon of oil (Sesame, Sunflower or, my preference, Coconut) and swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes without swallowing. Just swish. Then spit it out, rinse your mouth with a cup of water with a little baking soda and salt in it. And that's about it. (Although you REALLY NEED to read the information at the end of this post before you try it).
Simple. But, why do this, exactly?
I started just to see if it really worked for detoxing. And for improving energy levels. And whitening my teeth.
It does. Surprisingly.
I thought it was a bunch of hooey at first. But then, because I was on this health and fitness path, I decided to go ahead. Why not? It might not help with anything, but it wouldn't hurt.
Here are a few things from my notes that I noticed the first couple of weeks (we started on March 1):
- Day 1: ICK. Not fond of this. Kept it in for only 5 minutes.
- Day 2: Not that much better but kept it in for 8 minutes.
- Day 3: Getting used to it. Up to 10 minutes.
- Day 5: I was able to swish for 15 minutes and noticed tremendous increase in energy and whiter teeth- not brilliant, but whiter. Also felt a little loopy, or goofy--probably not from the oil though.
- Day 6: I actually felt a little craving for it and experienced feelings of clean and fresh as well as energized.
- Day 7: Feel the habit kicking in; 15 minutes passes quickly now.
- Day 11: Totally forgot to pull oil this morning. Hadn't noticed much more in the changes realm until this happened- lacked the same energy level and had a headache from allergies (my allergies, which are usually so bad they lay me out, have been barely noticeable).
- Day 12: Switched to coconut oil and the initial benefits were noticeable all over again!
Hubs noticed way more differences than I when we began-even with his ability to focus (which is HUGE as he is ADHD). However, once I decided to try coconut oil, I noticed my big differences. AND I was able to pull the coconut oil for 20 minutes with no problem.
We are still pulling oil every morning.
Will it work for you? I have no idea. As with any new practice, it's important to readreadread and researchresearchresearch before beginning. Some of the information varies as to how long, where to spit it out (because of the toxins the swished oil contains), what to rinse with, etc. I just went with the one that made the most sense to me. The differences are slight anyway. I started my reading here: Divine Health (and here) with Lydia. She provides detailed explanations regarding the whowhatwhenwherewhyhow's of oil pulling and also has a few links if you want more information. You can also look up oil pulling on YouTube. There are a couple of good videos there.
This is the fifteenth day of the A-Z April Challenge. I thought I might try a theme this year and focus on my personal journey to health and fitness, including weight loss.
Today's letter is O and my word for the day is OIL PULLING.
Just a reminder about my pop-up problem yesterday: Ok, discovered the pop-up problem on the blog. If your blog is getting something like this: the page at http://atat.ro/ says: Would you like some iGoogle widgets? Go here: http://www.google.com/ig/
You mentioned oil pulling earlier on another post but I didn't cheat and google. Wow this is very interesting, I can imagine all the germs in the mouth needing to be purged but didn't realize oil would do it! very interesting stuff!
ReplyDeleteBetty- It is rather disgusting. At first. But then, quickly, you get used to it and it's not bad. And, with the coconut oil, you don't have to keep it in the mouth for as long. Just until it becomes thicker in the mouth and, sometimes, that's less than 15 minutes. Of course, it's not for everyone.
ReplyDeletejen- It sounds kind of weird, at least it did to me, but when you try it, it's kind of awesome! And still interesting to me too! :)
I'll admit, this sounds rather bizarre. I suppose coffee won't work in its place? lol But I could try it, since I have a ton of coconut oil around here for making soap! Hope you have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteJudy- Doesn't it? I thought the same thing at first. Heck, I still do. LOL And no, coffee won't work in it's place...haha.
ReplyDeletewhat an interesting tip--who knew
ReplyDeleteLP- Apparently a lot of people knew. Except for me. LOL
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm not sure I could get into this one, Pam. I'm still stuck with you on Day 1. The idea of putting straight oil in my mouth. Eew! But maybe coconut oil? Sounds like it would taste better. Hmmm...I'm usually up for an experiment. I'll have a talk with tatse buds.
ReplyDeleteThat would TASTE buds. I'm giggling over a taste bud. Sounds kinda trippy :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie- LOL You've got me rolling I'm laughing so hard! Tatse! Hahahaha
ReplyDeleteThe oil gets easy fairly quickly. And, if you melt the coconut oil (but don't get it hot because...well, it will burn your mouth) it's much easier!
You do the coolest things in the name of health and fitness... I am taking a page from your book and trying some of your detox things. I love reading about these funky things that you try. :)
ReplyDeleteJessica! Hey girl! Yep, I'm the original funky monkey. Well, maybe not the original, but close. LOL Thanks! And let me know what you do and how you like it!
ReplyDeleteOil pulling! Well, there you go. I've certainly learnt something today, Pam. You do this for 15 minutes. Crumbs, that's quite a long time to be swishing coconut oil around in your mouth, although as I do love coconut oil, I probably wouldn't find it too much of a problem. Good post.
ReplyDeleteDiane- Yes, 15-20 minutes. But, if you melt the oil first, it's a lot easier! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI never heard of this but it sounds like a relatively simple thing to do with great benefits. I'll try it!
ReplyDeleteWow, 20 minutes??? You want me to keep my mouth closed for 20 minutes? I have so much to say though!! :)
ReplyDeleteI actually only give myself 30 min to get ready in the morning, so I'm not sure how I could do this. Maybe I will give it a try and see how it goes on a weekend morning.
GP- It is simple. Just make sure you read about it so you'll know exactly what to do! Hope it works for you!
ReplyDeleteKaylen- Bah hahahahaha! You can pull the oil while you're getting dressed, etc. Then the last thing you do is rinse and brush your teeth!
I never heard of it but would like to try this. Where do you get Coconut Oil? I'm having a hard time finding it!...)JP
ReplyDeleteLearn something new every day : ) Never heard of this either...20 minutes is a long time!
ReplyDeleteI think I will have a glass of wine..then I will try the Oil Pulling!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEverything is better with Vino!!
That sounds so weird but I might have to look into it. Normally I'm skeptic of stuff like this but from the sounds of it there are some real benefits. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJust a Nice Girl
QC- I order my coconut oil from Tropical Traditions. By the gallon! LOL
ReplyDeleteJoyce- As have I from your travel posts! 20 minutes IS a long time!
Shawn- Normally, I'd agree with you. But I'm thinking the oil is not going to be better with anything. LOL
JM- I used to be skeptical too. And still am on most things. But this was something just so crazy that it might work. LOL
This does sound very different. I think I will try it!
ReplyDeleteNever, ever heard of this. Will have to Google it to learn more!
ReplyDelete