
As soon as your eyes open after the alarm sounds, do you feel a strange astringent, dry or extremely bitter taste in your mouth? If yes, then you are not alone. In most of the cities of our country, due to hectic life, heavy dinner late at night and stress, millions of people wake up every morning with this bitter experience. Many people ignore it considering it to be a normal thing or apply a lot of paste and start wearing out the brushes. In fact, this condition is not just a sign of lack of brushing, but it is a direct warning sign of the digestive system and oral health present within your body. According to Ayurveda, when our body is at rest throughout the night, during the digestion process the body tries to expel the toxic elements. When the digestive fire slows down or the Pitta dosha increases in the body, these poisonous toxins start accumulating on the surface of our tongue, gums and salivary glands, which manifests in the form of terrible bitterness, stickiness and foul smell in the mouth as soon as we wake up in the morning. Even from an allopathic point of view, due to reduced flow of saliva at night, anaerobic bacteria become active, which release sulfur compounds and spoil the pH level of the mouth. To get rid of this problem, modern mouthwashes sometimes give fragrance only for a few minutes, but are not able to eliminate the root of the problem. In such a situation, a unique recipe of thousands of years old lifestyle method of Indian Ayurveda comes in handy, which not only removes this bitterness from the roots but also detoxifies the entire face and body.
There is a special description of Gandush Kriya as part of daily routine in the Ayurveda Samhitas compiled by Rishi Charak and Sushruta. In today’s modern era, the western world is adopting it by naming it ‘Oil Pulling’, but in Indian tradition its science is very deep and accurate. Most of the people get confused between Gandush and Kaval Kriya. In Kaval Kriya, liquid is filled in the mouth and slowly rotated, which we call gargling in common parlance. In contrast, in Gandush Kriya, the medicated oil, decoction or extract is filled into the mouth to its full capacity in such a quantity that there is no space left for the liquid to move or rotate inside the mouth. In this situation, the person has to remain standing or sitting still in a calm posture with the mouth completely filled. The liquid is retained in the mouth until the eyes and nose start watering or the mouth becomes filled with heavy saliva. This action is not limited to just cleaning teeth, but it works like a subtle lymphatic and tissue drainage therapy. The oil absorbs harmful fat-soluble toxins from the entire oral cavity through the delicate mucous membrane present inside the mouth. In this way, the toxic elements of bile and phlegm that cause bitterness in the mouth completely dissolve in the oil and come out, due to which the mouth immediately starts feeling fresh, light and full of natural sweetness.
The success of Gandush Kriya completely depends on the type of medium or oil you are using. According to traditional Charaka Samhita, sesame oil i.e. ‘Til Tail’ is considered best for Gandush. Sesame oil is mild in nature, subtle and deeply penetrating, which reaches the roots of the teeth and strengthens the bones and gums. If there is excessive burning, blisters or sour-bitter taste in your mouth, it is a sign of aggravated Pitta Dosha. In such a situation, pure coconut oil i.e. virgin coconut oil is considered the most suitable option. Coconut oil has a cooling effect and lauric acid is found in abundance in it, which is capable of instantly destroying the harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, people who are suffering from bleeding gums, pyorrhea or excessive bad odor can use Irimedadi oil or Triphala decoction. It is very important to ensure that the oil used is completely pure, cold-pressed and does not contain any artificial chemicals, preservatives or mineral oil. Only pure oil can provide natural nutrition to the cells of the mouth and has the full capacity to absorb toxins.
The full benefit of Gandush Kriya is obtained only when it is done at the right time and according to the right method. After waking up in the morning, first of all get rid of defecation etc. and prepare for this activity directly without eating or drinking anything.
-
Clean your tongue very gently with a copper or steel tongue cleaner to remove the layer of white or yellow plaque on the tongue.
-
Take one to two tablespoons of pure sesame oil or coconut oil. If it is winter season, then make the oil slightly lukewarm so that it stays in the mouth easily.
-
Fill the oil in the mouth. Keep in mind that the oil should not be swallowed at all. Fill the mouth to its full capacity so that the cheeks are completely puffed out.
-
Keep your neck slightly straight, close your eyes and keep breathing through your nose while keeping your breathing normal. Hold the oil in the mouth calmly without moving it.
-
Initially stop it for 3 to 5 minutes. As practice increases, you will be able to easily hold it for 10 to 15 minutes.
-
When slight watering starts coming from the corners of your eyes, you feel a runny nose and the pressure of saliva inside the mouth increases, then understand that the process has been completed.
-
Now spit this oil in the wash basin or in a dustbin. Keep in mind that this oil is highly poisonous, so never allow it to enter the stomach. After spitting, the color of the oil will appear light milky or white.
-
Finally, mix a pinch of rock salt in lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly two to three times and then gently brush your teeth with a natural herbal toothpaste.
Brushing your teeth regularly not only removes bitterness from the mouth, but also acts as a protective shield for overall health. The first effect is on the jaw muscles and facial skin. Holding the oil in the mouth exercises the subtle muscles of the face, which brings natural glow to the face, reduces wrinkles and also provides relief from the problem of double chin. The second biggest benefit is to the teeth and gums; It completely eliminates the problems of teeth sensitivity, feeling cold-hot and cavities. Gums become stronger and loose teeth become tight. According to Ayurveda, the mouth is the gateway to our head and senses, hence by doing Gandush Kriya, significant improvement is seen in problems like sore throat, hoarseness of voice, sinus congestion and migraine. It sends signals to the digestive system and awakens the digestive fire, due to which appetite increases and freshness remains throughout the day. People who make this simple practice a part of their lifestyle every day neither need any artificial mouth fresheners throughout the day nor do they become victims of frequent stomach and throat infections. This 5000 year old method is the simplest, cheapest and most effective means of detoxifying the body in today’s stressful life.
look news india