Today, I’d like to take a moment to remember the events that occurred on September 11^th, 2001. In horrific tragedy, our nation was brought together, supported, and love was given freely. I often feel like in the worst of times we are united, and it is during the best of times that we must strive to maintain this unity. Say I love you to those closest to you, be present with whom you are speaking, be thankful and grateful and mindful, even when it all seems like waste of time. It will do you just as much good, if not more, to share love and support with others. Take this moment to choose how you wish to connect with those around you, with whom you wish to deepen your connections, and why. It can be as simple as noticing their gorgeous watch or as complex as noticing how much you love when they are angered, their pupils dilate. Be as personal as you can and notice how the world shifts ever so slightly. That shift, repeated everyday, filled with compassion and love and the bolstering of one another, can bring peace and understanding and connection: a united front in every way.

That being said, to love others you must also love yourself --- cliché, but true. I really want to emphasize self care today, so I thought we would learn about the benefits of oil pulling. Maybe you think it’s gross, maybe you think I’m gross for talking about it, but let me tell you that you will not feel gross after practicing oil pulling. Yes, I know this from personal experience, and I was that person that thought it was disgusting and gross and no how no way was I doing that. But here’s why it is worth considering …

OIL PULLING

THE SHORT OF IT ALL||

What is it? The swishing and pulling of a high quality oil-- namely coconut, sesame, or sunflower—around the mouth for incredible benefits and results.

Why would I do this? Self-care brings out the love you have for yourself and allows you to heal from the inside out.

Do you do this? Yep! Every morning, when I shower or do a short meditation, I can be found oil pulling.

BACKGROUND||

The art of oil pulling stems from Ayurverdic healing techniques. The antibacterial properties of the oil (high quality coconut, sesame, or sunflower) pull out bacteria and fungus; alleviate inflammation, congestion, and allergies; rid bad breath, bleeding gums, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitive teeth; moistens mouth, lips, and throat; can relieve stomach issues, i.e. ulcers; improve kidney function; can kill strep throat bacteria. Wow. That’s a lot of positives. Plus, it makes food taste so amazing, and your mouth feels really refreshed and free of general grossness (think about it, it could be real gross in there).

I noticed my teeth that have cavities are now less sensitive, my immunity has improved, and the oil pulling puts me in almost a meditative trance which is always relaxing.

HOW||

Start with 5 minutes every morning and then gradually build to the ideal 20 minutes. It is best done in the morning, but any time for any length is great and fantastic and awesome. I tend to do this coupled with other things like putting pillows back on my bed, washing my face, or taking a shower.

Place 1-2 tsp oil (coconut,sesame, sunflower – of highest quality possible) in your mouth
Swish/ pull the oil around the mouth and between teeth be careful not to swallow because you are drawing toxins and bacteria from all over your body, i.e. the liver, kidneys, spine – and ingesting the oil would draw all of those toxins back into your system
Spit the oil out in the garbage – not the bathroom toilet or sink the oil has a higher viscosity as it fills with bacteria and other toxins and can affect plumbing – and that’s just not something we need to deal with.
Rinse your mouth out with salt water or water with apple cider vinegar to get rid of any oil remaining
Brush teeth immediately after to kill any remaining bacteria
Smile in the mirror and thank yourself for taking care of yourself easy peasy, lemon squeezy

what do you think (comment below) ?? try it for a week and see what happens...

xxoo

[oil photos by emily friend]