While staying at an ashram near Bangalore in India, I was introduced for the second time to the Ayurvedic practice of kavala graha, commonly known in English as oil pulling. Ro had first told me about kavala graha when he came back from a 6 month study abroad trip in India 3 years ago. Practicing kavala graha daily, Ro was able to get rid of small bumps he used to have on his skin within a few weeks; a problem he had for nearly 10 years. At the time, my skin was quite clear (I eliminated refined sugars and starches from my diet in 2001), so I didn’t try kavala graha myself.
However, while I was attending a yoga training program in the ashram, I was made to practice oil pulling every morning. All I have to say is wow! Within two weeks I found my skin was the softest it had been since I was a child. A bleeding problem I had with one spot in my gums also dissappeared, along with sensitivity in one of my molars. After getting such great results I knew this was something I had to share with everyone I knew.
What you need:
- A bottle of cold pressed sesame or sunflower oil (preferable sesame)
- A tablespoon
How to do it:
As soon as you wake up, place around one tablespoon of oil into your mouth. Keep your jaw closed and relaxed, and push the oil through your teeth with your tongue. Bring the oil back inside your teeth using your cheeks. Keep repeating this process. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the oils thick consistency will change to become much thinner and watery. At this point, spit the oil out of your mouth into a sink. If the oil is watery and whitish in color, you did it correctly. Quickly rinse out your mouth with water several times. And your done!
Important Notes:
- Oil pulling should be done BEFORE brushing
- Oil pulling should be done on an empty stomach
- Try not to swallow any of the oil
Benefits:
- Removal of toxins from the digestive system
- Clearer skin
- Whiter teeth
- Healthier gums
- Better overall Health
If you decide to try kavala graha out, tell us! We’d love to hear whether it worked for you or not and share the results with everyone else.
Also, I’ll be posting an instructional video for this post later this week.
–Rishi
I practice kavala graha everyday with Raw Coconut Oil. It does wonders for the hair and skin. Basically, you can do this with any raw and cold-pressed oil.
–Rohit
7 responses so far ↓
1 liz // Nov 18, 2008 at 3:41 pm
mmmmm!
2 John-Paul S // Nov 19, 2008 at 4:57 am
I have been trying this out for the past four days or so. It feels wonderful in the morning, and although oil pulling might not be the cause, my teeth and gums have been strong and don’t feel sensitive. I plan on continuing; might as well stack the odds in my favor, and it feels great so far.
My skin was already vibrant, and I previously had slight tenderness in some areas of my mouth. My skin is still vibrant, and there is no tenderness now. Will keep you updated, and thanks again for posting this!
3 Laura // Nov 23, 2008 at 11:25 am
I’ve heard about oil pulling before but didn’t know exactly what it was. I imagined it as a very complicated process. Now I see that it is very simple…. which brings me to my question: How does it work exactly to be so beneficial?
4 Lauren // Dec 18, 2008 at 7:15 am
Wow, I am intrigued by this idea. I have never heard of oil pulling. I am going to look into this more.
I drink a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar 3 times a day. I guess this is a similar idea.
Thanks for the tip!
5 Lloyd // Dec 23, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I have been oil pulling for a month now and have experenced some different changes in my body. My breathing has improved and I have experenced some not so nice feelings as in my diejestive system.
My question is: Is there a state of health that I should be looking for? Also I would like to talk to some one who has did this for some time [1 year or better] My wife is not sure it is doing anything for her and I was looking for some positive information I could use to help her.
Looking forward to hearing from someone.
Cheers
Lloyd
6 ro // Dec 31, 2008 at 12:35 am
Hi Lloyd, I’ve been doing oil pulling with raw coconut oil for a year and a half now. I have had a lot of positive changes: my skin is softer and my pores are smaller, i never get acne, my teeth are whiter, i don’t burn in the sun anymore, my hair grows in softer and shinier, my breathing is better, my gums are a healthy pink…its a pretty amazing practice…
7 Inês // Jan 2, 2009 at 3:58 am
Hi, sorry about my english…I am brasilien and I am trying to learn it.
I knew your site today and I love it. I am a raw foodist sinse 2001 and my hair is very weak. I will try this process. Tanks for your post.
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