Gandusha - the original 'oil pulling'

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Gandusha now fashionably known as ‘oil pulling’ is a practice that has been a health ritual in India for centuries.

This traditional ayurvedic technique is an integral part of our daily morning cleansing rituals known as 'dinacharya'. Regular cleansing practices can really help maintain alignment with our circadian rhythms and with nature, It really is the original 'self-care' guidebook and for me this IS healthcare at the roots by means of prevention as a cure. Taking good care of our sensory organs as part of our healthcare routine in ayurveda is just as important as dosha's, digestion, mental health and sleep. 

Traditionally, the medium used for oral cleansing would be customised based on the dosha in need of balancing and oil would be used for vata type conditions, milk or cooling decoctions for pitta conditions and pungent and bitter decoctions for more kapha type issues. There are actually 2 methods of oil pulling called gandusha (just holding oil/decoction) or Kavala (swishing only small amounts of oil in the mouth) . The choice  on which to use would be based on the condition.

When we retain oil in the mouth, it mixes with the saliva becoming thinner in consistency and white in colour. This subtly draws toxins from the local area and the blood by the enzymatic stimulation and lipophilic action, collecting all the accumulated fat soluble toxins ready for expulsion from the mouth and beyond. If the oil is still yellow it could indicate that the pulling needs to be done for longer.

The Benefits
The health benefits for using this technique are plentiful:

  • Brilliant for oral healthcare, preventing gum disease, cavities, firmly rooted teeth, heals bleeding gums, prevents sensitivity of the teeth and tooth aches.

  • Keeps breath freshen by removing local toxins and prevents growth of harmful fungi and bacteria.

  • Pulls toxins and removes excess mucous from the mouth, throat and head

  • Improved taste and digestive metabolism

  • Prevents dryness in mouth & throat

  • Invokes a clearer mind, reduces headaches

  • Helps keep sinuses clear and healthy

  • Strengthens jaw and voice


Try it for yourself:

Do this technique in the morning before breakfast and on an empty stomach.

After brushing teeth, and using a tongue scraper. Take about a tablespoon of warm medicated oil such as arimedadi oil, cured sesame oil or coconut oil (for pitta). Retain in the mouth allowing it to come naturally without the need to swish but you can allow the oil to gently move from side to side for up to 10 minutes and then expel the oil. You will know when the oil is ready to expel as you will naturally feel the eyes or nose water and then you know to expel the oil/decoction. Simple, easy, inexpensive, harmless and effective.

please note: the oil should not be swallowed as it has become laced with toxins
Buy arimedadi oil from: Triveda

Reference: Charaka Samhita. Ch 5. V78 -80 (Ayurvedic classical text)