Replied by Jacie (USA)
Regarding Oil Pulling. This is a reply to Caroline from Boston, MA and for anyone else who might be experiencing the reflex to swallow the oil. I myself don%uFFFDt have the same response to swallow the oil but I thought your question was interesting and have been giving it some thought. I have only just started oil pulling, so I don%uFFFDt have a lot of experience or any results to report yet, nor am I in the health field, but I wanted to offer you some ideas. Here are some suggestions, and if anyone with authority on this topic can offer any corrections or cautions, please do so:
1) Consider using less oil, perhaps you won%uFFFDt have that internal nudge to reduce the amount in your mouth.
2) Conversely, consider using more oil, perhaps the sensation of fullness in your mouth may actually diminish the swallow reflex, by reducing the association with eating; and trigger an acceptance that "this is for swishing only%uFFFD.
3) Try a different type of oil. I am just using extra virgin olive oil right now because that is what I have on hand. As much as I revere olive oil for it%uFFFDs many health benefits and uses in cooking, I don%uFFFDt have a desire to swallow a whole mouthful; it does have a strong and distinct taste. (Great stuff, otherwise!)
4) Consider adding some toothpaste to your mix, it may cause your reflex system to associate the oil pulling with your habit of not swallowing your toothpaste when you brush your teeth. I don%uFFFDt know if any of the ingredients, natural or synthetic chemicals, in either the conventional or natural types of toothpaste might be contraindicative to oil pulling. (For myself I have recently switched to an all natural brand in order to stop taking the fluoride.) Perhaps a chemist such as Ted, or someone who has more background in OP might offer their opinions about this suggestion. Please jump in here, I%uFFFDm just tossing out an idea, maybe someone can build upon it.
5) Be gentle with yourself. Say, OK I found I can handle 2 minutes doing this, that%uFFFDs great! Now this time I%uFFFDm going to try for 3 minutes. Whatever amount of time I accomplish, I will acknowledge my efforts & my success! Literally pat yourself on the back afterwards. Slowly work up to more time.
6) Use your mind as an ally. Rather than focusing on trying %uFFFDnot%uFFFD to swallow, focus instead simply on the sensation and movement of swishing. It%uFFFDs like the old pink elephant test %uFFFD if you try not to think about a pink elephant, what do you think about? A pink elephant, of course. So in this case you want to keep your thoughts focused only on what you DO want. First, get relaxed, take some enjoyable deep breaths. Imagine that you are going to have a pleasant experience. Be very present to what you are doing. Perhaps create a routine of where to swish first, second and so on, in order to help your concentration. You could create a rhythm. Try putting on some favorite music! You might laugh, but, don%uFFFDt you agree things are more effective when they are fun and not so serious?
7) Along the same lines you might like to use some visualization imagery, like seeing in your mind%uFFFDs eye some waves in a pool being splashed about as people are playing and having a good time in the sunshine. It would help keep your attention on your goal and the positive image creates positive endorphins. You don%uFFFDt have to see a vivid picture, just work with whatever association or image you come up with. Any of this should get easier with practice. Trust yourself!
A side note: using positive imagery whenever you can is very helpful in home remedies and all healing!
Peace, Light & Blessings!
