THE RITUAL SERIES

If you lived long enough like me (that makes me sound ancient haha!), you probably realized already that it’s quite challenging to juggle our daily tasks and responsibilities while keeping calm and focus (hello pitta and Vata ladies ;)….It’s a fact: life can get pretty busy and hectic and adding extra rituals oftentimes seems like an impossible task! But what if I told you that I’m about to share with you 10 amazing daily practices that will take you less than 10 minutes but will change your life for the best! As we like to believe here at WILD GRACE, it’s not so much about quantity, but rather about quality! So yes, a short 10 minutes a day - spent in quality time - could be all that it takes to bring you more balance, joy, clarity, and allow that inner radiant beauty to shine! Are you in? So let’s dive in with the first ritual - Oil Pulling…

What is oil pulling? 

Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic practice called Kavala or gundusha that has the reputation of improving oral flora, preventing tooth decay, alleviating bad breath, and strengthening the tissue of teeth and gums. Basically, it’s a super simple, but a potent ritual that we add to our normal dental routine to maximize our overall oral health! Personally I love to do oil pulling first thing in the morning as a way to get grounded and focus my thoughts on the day ahead. After all, it’s hard to talk with oil in your mouth, so this ritual is a super simple (and healthy) way to keep silent and get our mind ready for the day. 

So how does oil pulling work?   

Place 1-2 teaspoons of edible oil in your mouth, and let melt. The best oils to use are coconut or sesame oil. Personally I love coconut oil for the taste and its antimicrobial benefits of its lauric acid content, but you can try both and decide according to your liking.

Once the oil has melted (it normally takes just a few seconds) start swishing, which basically means start pulling the oil from side-to-side and front-to-back through all your teeth and around your mouth for at least 10 minutes. This is when I utilize this time in silence to make my bed, get my mental focus, and prepare the day ahead. If you notice your jaw becoming sore or tired, that’s normal, just start with 5 minutes and work yourself up with time and practice until your muscles adapt.
 
When you’re done swishing, spit the oil into a jar or in a trash can * and rinse your mouth with warm water. DO NOT swallow the oil or flush it down a drain as it may clog it (especially if you use coconut oil as it hardens when cold). 

* I use an old glass jar that I empty outside once it’s full of oil.

It’s best to wait after breakfast and shower to brush your teeth in order to let the oil continue its efficient work of enhancing the good bacterias in your mouth and gums.  

Remember that oil pulling shouldn’t replace your current dental health routine, but that it’s added as a potent natural way to enhance your overall oral health. Most people that practice oil pulling on a daily basis, including myself, experience fresher breath, whiter teeth, fewer skin blemishes, and reduced tooth sensitivity. 

Voilà! I honestly hope that you’ll fall in love with the potent ancient practice of oil pulling and see for yourself the incredible benefits you can get by dedicating just 10 minutes to start your day with a fresh mouth and a clear mind!  

P.S Curious about Ayurveda? Hop on over to our site and discover how I can help you navigate your doshas with a personal online consultation...Let us know what you think about WILD GRACE on social media, we are always so happy to hear from you. @wildgrace.ca

To your inner & outer smile ;-)

Kim