Oil Pulling And Its Amazing Benefits For Your Skin

Do you know that the fascinating Ayurvedic therapy of oil pulling, can bring a plethora of benefits to your skin? Besides curing and preventing several oral issues, oil pulling can also work to fight several skin problems. Wondering how?

Read this article to understand how oil pulling benefits your skin and how to do it right.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

‘’Health is a result of proper nutrition, metabolism, and excretion. Most diseases occur due to disruptions at one of the three levels. Gandusha / Kavala when done with oils helps cleanse the oral cavity and massage the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are organs that regulate the Rasa dhatu. Glowing, radiant and healthy skin indicates proper nutrition, metabolism, and excretion of Rasa dhatu, without exception.‘’

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What Is Oil Pulling For Skin?
• Does Oil Pulling Work On Your Face?
• Benefits Of Oil Pulling For Skin
• How To Do Oil Pulling For Clearer Skin?
• Before And After Tips To Do Oil Pulling For Skin
• Which Oil Is Best For Oil Pulling?
• What Are The Side Effects Of Oil Pulling?

What Is Oil Pulling For Skin?

The toxins accumulated in your oral cavity during the nights can enter your bloodstream and contribute to unfavorable skin concerns. Oil pulling, Kavala or Gandusha is an ancient Ayurvedic detoxifying treatment [1] that involves swishing the oil in your oral cavity for a few minutes every morning.

Oil pulling helps in eliminating and preventing the oral toxins from entering into the bloodstream while it restores the microflora in the mouth. This, in turn, keeps the digestive bacteria and hormone levels in check, keeping your skin in a healthy condition.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, ‘’Health is a result of proper nutrition, metabolism, and excretion. Most diseases occur due to disruptions at one of the three levels. Gandusha / Kavala when done with oils helps cleanse the oral cavity and massage the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are organs that regulate the Rasa dhatu. Glowing, radiant and healthy skin indicates proper nutrition, metabolism, and excretion of Rasa dhatu, without exception.‘’

Does Oil Pulling Work On Your Face?

Oil pulling not only helps your skin health from the inside out but also aids in toning your facial muscles. Also, oil pulling enhances the blood circulation in your face, thus, increasing the nutrient supply for your facial skin.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling For Skin

1. Cures Acne And Other Skin Rashes

Acne occurs when the toxins from your bloodstream accumulate and block your skin pores. Oil pulling helps in cutting down the toxins and harmful bacteria from entering your digestive system and blood. Thus, it can help in keeping your doshas in balance, which automatically cures as well as prevents acne.

Researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, India claimed that oil pulling can be helpful in dealing with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

2. Promotes Sound Sleep For Youthful Skin

Oil pulling helps to fight insomnia. With better balance in the digestive system, you can attain a sound sleep during which your skin rejuvenates by repairing and replacing the damaged cells. Thus, oil pulling prevents premature aging signs and dullness in your skin.

Chinese researchers found the imbalanced digestive microbiome plays a significant role in insomnia, circadian disturbance, and depression.

3. Increases Blood Flow To Your Face

Swishing during the oil pulling activates your facial muscles and nerves. This improves the blood circulation [2] to your facial skin, brightening the complexion. Also, with adequate nutrient supply from the blood, your skin remains well-nourished and hydrated.

How To Do Oil Pulling For Clearer Skin?

You can do oil pulling in 4 simple steps:

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of sesame, coconut, sunflower, or olive oil into your mouth.
• Swish the oil around in your mouth for 20-30 minutes without swallowing it.
• Once done with swishing, spit the oil into the trash can.
• Rinse your mouth well using plenty of water.

Before And After Tips To Do Oil Pulling For Skin

• Make sure the oil you chose for oil pulling is organic, cold-pressed, and free of preservatives, sweeteners, alcohol, or any artificial colors.
• You need to do oil pulling on an empty stomach.
• The most common mistake people do is swishing the oil for too short or too long a time. Don't be impatient and cut off your oil pulling time. Similarly, do not prolong it until your gums and jaws start to ache.

Vedix Tip: The best way to incorporate oil pulling in your daily routine is to start with pulling for a few minutes and increase the minutes gradually as the days pass. The optimal time for oil pulling is 20-30 minutes.

• Perform the oil pulling task mindfully and make sure you do not consume the oil accidentally.
• Do not spit the oil into the sink after swishing as it can clog your sink. Instead, you can use a trash can or toilet.
• Always rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after doing oil pulling to eliminate the excess oil along with toxins from your mouth.

Important Note:

Oil pulling should never be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth. It is an additional therapy that benefits your oral as well as skin health.

Which Oil Is Best For Oil Pulling?

‘’Traditional Ayurveda suggests sesame oil [3] or mustard oil for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities for oil pulling,” says Dr. Zeel. Other oils such as coconut oil [4], sunflower oil, or olive oil [5] are also most commonly used for oil pulling. In recent times, avocado oil has been widely used for oil pulling.

In a randomized study conducted by Indian researchers, it was found that oil pulling with coconut oil resulted in a significant reduction of S. mutans count in the saliva and it can be used as a natural alternative to chlorhexidine for oral hygiene.

What Are The Side Effects Of Oil Pulling?

Physically, there are no known side effects of oil pulling. However, rigorous motion in the oral cavity may cause headache or sore jaw in the beginning. Also, swallowing the oil accidentally can result in diarrhea or stomach upset.

Important Note:

If you are allergic to a certain type of oil, then do not use it for oil pulling as it can result in contact dermatitis or allergic reaction.

The Last Word

Besides helping with your skin health, oil pulling every morning can help in reducing headaches, induce rested sleep, curb allergies, and control the effect of hangovers. Wait no more to make oil pulling your daily habit and reap its wonderful benefits!

At Vedix, we deliver a customized Ayurvedic skin care regimen for you by understanding your unique skin concerns and needs.