Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy where oil is swished or held in the mouth. Ayurvedic literature states oil pulling is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and acne, as well as whitening teeth.
Let’s start
All you have to do is, first thing in the morning, put a tablespoon of cold-pressed sesame or coconut oil in your mouth and swish it in your mouth for 10-20 minutes, then spit it out and brush your teeth as per normal. Studies show that it makes your teeth and gums healthier. On top of that, it whitens your teeth which will hopefully encourage you to smile more! Drinking warm water with lemon helps alkalize your body, aids digestion and contains enzymes that stimulate the liver, the most important detoxifying organ.
It also contains pectin fiber which helps move the bowels and promote a healthy elimination system. Additionally, it fills your body with vitamin C which is an important antioxidant that helps in a detox process by neutralizing free radicals and boosting the immune system. This morning ritual, when done regularly, also does wonders to your skin – makes it youthful and glowing due to the amount of antioxidants and vitamins it contains.
The lymphatic system
It is a part of the circulatory system, containing a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph, which is essentially recycled blood plasma. The lymphatic system plays an important role in removing the toxins from the body. However, it’s not pumped by an organ, unlike a heart pumps blood. So we need to move in order for our lymphatic system to be moved, so we can benefit from an efficient detoxification process. Simply do 50 jumping jacks as soon as you get out of bed! It will wake you up and will start pumping your lymphatic system.
Jogging, aerobics or dancing is also a great way to achieve this. Listening to classical music reduces stress which is very important for your overall health and well-being. Studies show that listening to classical music also improves cognitive/ mental capacity, which sets you up for a productive and creative day. Known as the “Mozart effect”, a set of research contends that listening to Mozart’s music can make you momentarily smarter, raising your IQ by a few points while you’re listening.
Take note
Set your alarm clock 15-30 minutes earlier than usual and listen to Mozart, Bach or Beethoven, etc. while you’re still in bed and trying to wake up. Maybe even do your oil pulling during this time! There’s no doubt that exercise is beneficial for your physical and mental health, mood, productivity and longevity. If you don’t exercise on a regular basis already, then what are you waiting for? If you don’t do it because you dread exercise, then it’s important to find some activity that you really enjoy. Do you love yoga, dancing, hiking, tennis, swimming, spin classes, Pilates, cycling or lifting weight? When you’re having fun, it doesn’t feel like work. So instead of calling it “working out” you can rename it to “fun out”!
