Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

I am just starting (today) with the OP remedy and have just one concern: I cannot go the whole 15 minutes without having to spit out some of the oil/saliva mixture in my mouth. The misture had become milky at about the 7 minute point.

This does not surprise me as I have been told by my dental hygienist that I tend to produce more than usual amounts of saliva.

After spitting 2 times (at about 10 minutes into the treatment) I decided to add some fresh oil as I sensed that the original oil had become so diluted with saliva that there was hardly any left. I pulled this for another 8 minutes and then spit everything out (it was milky again).

Any suggestions? Thanks, Lucas

I am just starting (today) with the OP remedy and have just one concern: I cannot go the whole 15 minutes without having to spit out some of the oil/saliva mixture in my mouth. The misture had become milky at about the 7 minute point.

This does not surprise me as I have been told by my dental hygienist that I tend to produce more than usual amounts of saliva.

After spitting 2 times (at about 10 minutes into the treatment) I decided to add some fresh oil as I sensed that the original oil had become so diluted with saliva that there was hardly any left. I pulled this for another 8 minutes and then spit everything out (it was milky again).

Any suggestions? Thanks, Lucas

I have been OP for about a month in am for 20 minutes. My gums and pockets are better! Many 3s are now 2s and gums are not bleeding during the cleaning. I also have been doing ACV for Acid Reflux and Molasses for anti-aging (I am 56) and general well being. The ACV gave me burning tongue and very burning throat. I did the BS remedy and now do the EC receipe of 2 TBL ACV, 1 TBL Molasses in hot water w/1/8 tsp of BS. I add the turmeric and cayenne pepper as well.

My liver enzymes are elevated for the 1st time ever and the doctor seemed concerned and I have to retest in 3 weeks. I read in one of Ted's comments that some of the oil in OP settles in the liver. Has any one experienced elevated liver levels or heard of this? Not sure if Ted's comment is a bad thing or not. Thank you EC for this site and to all that contribute.

I read some place that Coconut oil isn't metabolized in the liver, while all other oils are. What kind of oil are you using? I would try to change to Virgin Coconut oil if your liver is getting grumpy from the oil pulling. I would also suggest organic, as some pesticides/herbicides affect the liver.

A liver has a poor tolerance to oily foods in general and may cause some congestion of liver. In which case I would likely do three things:

1. One tablespoon of granulated lecithin a day.
2. No oil pulling for now.
3. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda twice a day or three times a day.

An apple cider vinegar should always have 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda added to neutralize the acidity. Otherwise it will cause burning tongue. Usually a burning tongue or acid mouth is caused by the body's need for more potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate, which usually neutralizes the acidity of mouth quite fast. A baking soda will require more time, but the apple cider vinegar may aggravate it.

If there is any better alternative to oil pulling (O.P.)without any problems then it is alway the P.O. (Pulling Oil) remedy, which usually the use of granulated lecithin to remove the excessive oil accumulation, usually not from oil pulling itself, but from generally high dietary oily and fatty foods. Any addition of any oil may have broke the camel's back. The effects of Pulling Oil reduces excessive fats and congestion in the liver, while baking soda is supportive to liver function.

Ted

I am using unrefined sesame oil. I try to buy organic but can't find all the time. I'm confused about what kind of oil to use in regards to unrefined or refined. Dr. Karach (sp?) states to use refined. I do not eat fatty foods, only veggies, fruit, fish, a little chicken, whole grains. I have organic CO and will use that after a break from OP and currently starting on Ted's response. THANK YOU.

I have a Jack Russell Terrier that was diagnosed with elevated liver enyzmes about 5 years ago. We go to a holistic vet who prescribed SamE for her. She has been on SamE daily (200mg) for years and her liver enzymes are now normal.

Hi, it will be very useful if the oil pulling feedback page can be split up based on the type of oil used. For eg, 1 page for OP with coconut oil, 1 page for OP with sesame oil, 1 page for OP with sunflower oil, and so on. This is because various oils help with various ailments. It will be immensely helpful to know which oil we should use in OP to cure which ailment. Thanks!

does oil pulling help in curing hairfall if so which oil sould i use....

I just started Oil Pulling 1 week ago, I have been using Seasame Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. I came to Earth Clinic looking for something to help the inflamation of Sciatica, that for me, comes and goes.

I also had this pain in the heel of 1 foot that just started, only painful when I walked, and that also seemed to come and go.

The heel pain seems to be a lot less, and the sciatica is getting better in this short time. I need to wait though before I see if oil pilling is helping, but the ineresting thing is, no matter which oil I use after the first 5 minutes, the taste becomes salty. I am taking it as a good thing and maybe it is drawing something out. I even read the ingredient label of these oils to see if there was anything else that could be causing a salty taste, and nothing just oil. Let me know if anyone else has experienced that please.

Hi Smith, I also noticed the salty taste in my mouth even after drinking 3 glasses of water. I use sunflower n olive oil(only 1 week now). It is curing my sore throat.

after op for a month my last visit to the hygenist was greatly improved. she said what ever i was doing to keep doing it. i didn't tell her about the op. now yesterday i noticed a bump about the size of an eraser on the inside of my gum near a tooth. it isn't painful but it has me concerned and wondering if i should discontinue. can't get in to the dentist as it Christmas.

Did the bump appear soon after a visit to the hygenist? If so, is it possible that the procedure at the dentist's office caused the problem? After a visit to the dentist last year, I had bad breath for weeks afterwards. I suspected that either the equipment wasn't adequately cleaned or that she pushed bacteria into my gums during the scrapping part. Yuck. Try holding a hydrogen peroxide soaked cotton ball to the area 3x a day for 5 minutes each time. Sounds like something got embedded in your gum and now you have an infection. Good luck!

I would continue to oil pull, but I would add a couple of drops of oil or oregano to the oil...this should clear the infection pretty quickly. Also try applying coconut oil to the area and then add a drop or two of the oregano oil as well. This will relieve any pain pretty fast and heal the area quickly as both oils are antiviral and antibacterial...keep apply this to the area throughout the day.

You are doing a good thing with the oil pulling...so don't stop. I also had amalgams for 1.5 years when I was o-pulling and did not have this reaction so I think you had a deep rooted infection that is surfacing which is good. The o-pulling will also attract and remove some of the mercury in your system.

Hope that helps.

I always had Sinus issues as far as 12 years now. Allergies manifested as really quickly. Oil pulling is a god send for people with any of these issues. It became a routine for me before brushing and makes my day a whole lot better. It loosens up the phlegm in the sinuses that accumulates overnight and make it easy to sneeze it out. It seems to also take care of the stubborn plaque and teeth cleaning. Sometimes, if the brushing in the evening does not make me feel clean on teeth, i get to another round of oil pulling to clean up.

However, do not oil pull without at least 3-4 hours after eating and 30mins after drinking anything. This is also mentioned elsewhere. Please follow the instructions meticulously. One thing i noticed is that the amount of time you swish it in mouth depends on how stuffed you are. If you are good, oil takes a while to liquify and if you are stuffed, it liquifies quickly and you can feel it thinning.

This also helps me manage my allergies and I stopped using the sprays and now i am on accupucture treatment to completely get rid of these problems.

If you have that feeling of phlegm stuck in your lower sinuses even with oil pulling, you may want to use netipot. Use kosher salt and warm water. That should give you relief for atleast 24 hours, free of any stuffing what so ever. There are advanced techniques with neti pot (drug stores call it sinus rinse) which can effectively clean every part of sinus over time. Good luck!

No, it must be cold pressed oil. If it is not available where you are, search the internet and buy it on line.

I was quite fascinated when I read about oil pulling and decided to try it out for my migraine. I could not find sesame or sunflower so made do with VCO and Safflower oil. 1 tablespoon every morning. It worked the first time I tried it! No migraine. It also helped to ease my achy jaw,which was a result of clenching my molars for long periods, to bear wit the migraine. I sleep better too! Will continue this for as long as I can!

I am 25 and have had RA for 1-1/2 years and am on medication but I have been oil pulling for 1 week but have cut out dairy, wheat, corn, soy, sugar, caffeine for 5 weeks, take mineral supplements but feel terrible, seem to be worsening everyday. It is very difficult to continue this when I am not feeling better, has anyone gone through this and if so how long until you will feel better? The pain and swelling is in both my feet and my fingers. So walking and anything with my hands is difficult. I need encouragement to continue on if it's going to work with this instead of resorting to more medication!

If RA stand for rheum. arthritis in your post, then while you are trying this oil thing, you can add turmeric and rose hip capsules. These greatly reduce inflammation. Good luck!

Fine to quit vegetable oils & transfats. But you will have to re-introduce animal fats gradually to reanimate your gall bladder. But this will be a problem. You will not digest or absorb anything until you regenerate your gut. Dysbiosis of the gut was the original reason you had all your problems & is the reason you tried all the 'light' diets & got lighter & lighter & lighter. Now you may only tolerate chicken soup. So you are down to it. To save you life stop chasing symptoms & look at your gut & how to restore it. See articles on www.westonaprice.org like Gut & Psychology syndrome, Natasha Campbell-McBride, and others: Problems adjusting to Traditional Foods, Thomas Cowan, MD; Copper-Zinc Imbalance, Laurie Warner, MA, CNC; How to Restore Digestive Health, by Jordan S. Rubin, NMD, CNC.

Also research Clay, it will be a life saver. The winter issue of Alternatives (Dr. David G. Williams) Dec. 2008. will get you started. Beware of Big Money, Big Medicine (as in Quackwatch, and most 'science') They are not your friend. They are 'consensus' science at its best. You will know everything & be able to do nothing. Fringe 'science' is no better. Look at Life Without Bread, by Lutz for the best explanation of mitochondrial energy you will find in the Western world.

Thanks for the info, I will try the turmeric & rose hip capsules. I have been eating chicken and some red meat but it's interesting because sometimes when I don't eat dinner I feel better the next day? It's been over 2 weeks now and still having flare-ups in areas I haven't had for a long time and am wondering how much longer they will last. I know my arthritis has worsened very much over the last 6 months and is severe so maybe that's why I am not feeling better yet?

Tamara, First off, may I suggest what most arthritis. Drs. now know, sugar and caffeine really add to the PAIN of the disease. Secondly, my arthritis has been greatly helped by reading and following the advise for my blood type in Dr Peter D'Adamo's book EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR TYPE. (Blood Type). It explains why not every diet works for everyone.Dr. D' Adamo's father figured out eating patterns based on blood types to help his patients avoid the foods that caused them health problems. Dr. Peter, through science, proved the theory behind the diet for his Doctoral Thesis. In his book he details lists of foods for each blood type that act as highly beneficial to health; are neutral foods; and those foods to avoid because they are toxic to one's blood type, (this works in the same way that other blood types can be helpful or toxic to our blood type if we are given a transfusion). Check it out, you'll feel much better if you eliminate the foods that are toxic to YOUR system. Oil pulling has been very beneficial to my type (A), but NOT coconut oil. Also, blood testing for food allergies WORKS!

You might want to also consider taking Lugol's iodine. I read on Earth Clinic that regular use of ACV affects our iodine levels...and iodine is very important for health. Check out Earth Clinic's Iodine Remedy page, if you haven't already.

But anyway, congratulations on all the great results you are having!

Unrefined oil does not mean cold pressed. The oil MUST be cold pressed in order to work. If it does not say cold pressed on the label, then it's not cold pressed. Do a search and buy it on line if you can't find it locally.

Is it safe to do oil pulling during pregnancy? I would think that as it is just oil swished in your mouth it would be safe. However, many people are talking about detox effects and if that is really true I'd be worried about the effect of toxins on the baby. I was looking into it because I have bad gingivitis and I really need to clear it. I just found out that I'm also anemic (probably from pregnancy) and have an enlarged right side of my heart. I may also have developed diabetes, but I won't know that for about a week. This is why I really want to improve my oral health. Detox is good, but if toxins are circulating in my blood they could hurt the baby (isn't that why they tell you not to lose weight TOO fast if you're breastfeeding--because there could be too many toxins?) If oil pulling isn't safe, is there anything natural that is?

Hi there was a reply to this question it was: on the oil pulling website it states that it is safe for pregnant woman to oil pull. I realise that the question was a couple of years ago however hope this helps new people like me who are reading all the posts here. Thanks

I have been oil pulling for the past 6 weeks with sesame oil in the beginning and for the past 4 weeks with sunflower oil. In the beginning everything was ok. for the past 3 weeks my eyes have been red and glossy. thought i had pink eye as I used to have mucos coming out of eyes that went away. Went to the doctor a week ago, he said it was allergies and perscribed some drops. WHat a waste of $70. My eyes are no better than before. Could oil pulling be causing my red eyes. They don't hurt just don't look good. Please help me make them go away!Thanks.

Ashley, Could you be having an allergic reation to the actual oil you are using? Perhaps change the type of oil or go to a different brand? It is hard to have red eyes during the holidays. Hope you are doing better soon!

My daughter is allergic to sunflower oil. When it touches her face she becomes red and blotchy. I would try another oil.

I don't know if the OP pulls out toxins but I can tell you I have had chronic infections in both my lungs and sinuses for almost a yr. I started oil pulling about 6 days ago. Just once in the morning for about ten minutes. I within the hour felt aching in my shoulders. Since I do aerobics I assumed it was pulling inflamation from the muscles. Then day 3 my left hip hurt so bad I couldn't walk. Today day 6 I didn't pull because I was in such pain I couldn't stand it. In my shoulders and my hip aching throbbing pain. Can someone expand on this issue? I really want to get rid of the infections but just can't get around during the day to function. The pain is really bad.

added notes. On day 7 (I stopped OP on day 6) the pain was eased some. Day 8 much better and by day 10 the pain is not noticable. I want to do the oil pulling for my sinuses and lungs but was in such pain in my joints don't know if I can take it again. I wish someone would comment or advise.

I guess I am giving up that someone will respond to my posts. I have been hopeing to get some answers about the oil pulling but maybe no one reads them. I wish all of you the best but I will not oil pull again until I find out what caused the pain in my joints.

Deb, it does sound very strange. Possible that some kind of heavy metal (lead?) has gotten into your joints and is now being detoxed from your system? Maybe some supplements to detox from heavy metals would be helpful before you do any more oil pulling. I really don't know enough about this, just my initial thoughts. Hopefully someone will post who is more knowledgeable about joint pain. Have you tried monitoring your urinary pH? I would be interested to know what it is before and after OP. I would also research fluoride poisoning and lyme disease symptoms. The OP is flaring up some already existing condition, that's what I think.

An alternate oil pulling is possible without use of Oil Pulling, which is Granulated Lecithin, which is a more effective form of oil pulling. Since Granulated lecithin is a fat emulsifier, it virtually pulls the oil out of the system my literally solubilizing them and is excreted via the stool, as well as free heavy metals too, which are oil soluble because they are hydrophobic. It's taken at least 1 tablespoon a day. It is the literal method of oil puling where the oil gets pulled from the body, instead of using the oil to pull out the toxins, while the body accumulates more vegetable oils.

Some people have low tolerance to any oily foods, including oil pulling. What is not mentioned is the enormous effects of health it has on eating foods with vegetable oils. While oil pulling do in few cases cause a person to be sick, if a person has low tolerance to oils in general. This happens sometimes for certain oils or an entire range of oils, including olive oil. Although I report the least problems from olive oil use, however current oil pulling use is sunflower oil. In case it doesn't work, for sunflower oil, it might work for olive oil. However, some people get a skin allergy response just applying olive oil to their skin or the use on their hair. Certain imbalances in higher chain oil is possible and a condition might be reduced by eating a small amount of beeswax, or another form, octacosanol where these very long chain fatty alcohols reduces LDL, low density lipoprotein, and other substances responsible for the negative reaction from vegetable oil use. It seems to help reduce cholesterol too. If an alternative oil pulling is used without the resultant side effects, adding some peppermint oil may reduce the problem, or if the liver has low tolerance to oil, it also helps if granulated lecithin is used instead. Granulated lecithin taken at one tablespoon per day preferably before meal. It should be noted that oil soluble compounds, including benzene, and toxic chemicals that are oil soluble recirculates in our body for the rest of our life and accumulates in the liver. There's no way out, except granulated lecithin which are a fat emulsifer, that helps the fat become water soluble so the body can rid of them much easier. It's the same thing when we take too much vitamin A or vitamin E and is stored by the liver. I have seen instances where long term used of ANY oils, whether they be aloe vera oil, olive oil, causes allergic and body's negative response. The cause is that the liver simply can't hold any more oils that's being accumulated and has to find a way out. One here I mentioned is granulated lecithin, but there's a limited extend of possible removal with the use of drinking ACV apple cider vinegar, which is also solubilizes the oil, as well as borax remedy, and alkalization remedy. They are all surfactants. The French Paradox where they consume more cholesterol then the U.S, but had less maybe due to the fact that a small amount of alcohol in wine may have helped the liver remove excessive oils and fats. However, other avenues in reducing other oils, such as triglycerides exists in drinking unsugared no artificial flavoring, no artificial sweetners such as green tea also. However, I always add a tiny pinch of borax, as some green tea may have fluoride and this aids in the removal.

While I can't say oil pulling using vegetable oil is the best, the one with the least problem is the use of oil pulling by literally pulling the accumulate oils (and bad oils) out of the system using granulated lecithin. In fish pathology, using rancid oils is about the worse things you can do to cause teh fish to be sick, but rancid oils exists in human diets to much greater extent owing to their being long on the shelf, and cooing of vegetable oils further worsen the oil tolerances, whenever the liver can no longer take any more oils from the system.

Ted

P.S. This second form of oil pulling might be named Pulling Oil instead of Oil Pulling. It's the second type of detoxification using lecithin.

It might be me, but I do not understand the reply to Deb from PG, UT. I also have the same symptoms she does, lung problems, and extreme joint pain after 1 month of oil pulling 1x per day for 20 minutes. I also have gum problems that have gotten much worse since op. Does anyone know why this is happening? Also, is granulated lecithin swished as with oil, or taken internally? Thanks to all who can help.

To Judy and Deb with aches & pains from oil pulling:

Hi there, I don't think I read what kind of oil either of you are using, so there is a possibility of a reaction or allergy to the oil being used. I also have lots of head/chest congestion because of allergy, but have no problem with using EV olive oil. Try switching to a different oil and see if that helps with your aches & pains.

I do have the answer to the Lecithin granules. They are taken internally - just stir them up in milk, juice or water & drink them. My preference is buttermilk.

I take lecithin in a fruit smoothie every day...along with a tsp of powdered wheat grass juice and sweeten it with Stevia.

What does the Granulated Lecithin do to you? How does it work like Oil Pulling? Veronica

Hi, My husband and I just started OP and have been doing it for about 3 days now. The first night I did it something very strange happened. When I woke up the next morning my pillow case which is usually hunter green, had turned yellow! It was as if it had been bleached by amonia coming out of my pores! My shirt had even changed colors like it had been bleached as well and when I washed them, it did not come out. The sheets set is now ruined and has to be replaced. My husband did not experience this at all. Is this normal? Is this just my body's way of detoxing? Has anyone else experienced this? In the morning I use Peanut Oil and at night I use Saaflower Oil. My husband and I both have noticed that we feel better overall, it seems to give us a boost of energy and I've noticed that our teeth are getting whiter. I originally started this because I've been having acne problems, but honestly I haven't noticed much of a change in my skin from OP. I've heard all these stories of other people ending up with beautifu skin from OP and I'm hoping that will happen to me. My acne is not that bad, but I am willing to do anything to get rid of what I do have. Meanwhile, I've been using Hydrogen Peroxide and an Apricot Face scrub along with Clearasil cream and that seems to be helping. My husband and I also drink ACV 3 times a day and I'm hoping that along with the OP will help my acne as well. If anyone has any other suggestions please feel free to email me. I am all ears and will take ANY advice! I love Earthclinic! This site has been wonderful! Good luck to all! ~Tonya and Bobby

Can you post the recipe for oil pulling that you used?

Hi in response to Tonya R. I suffered from acne on one side of my face for over a year. I tried every product and detox I heard of and nothing helped. I eat healthy and exercise regularly so didnt think it was brought on from being toxic. I had never suffered from acne in the past so I put it down to adult acne as I was 25 when it started.

I had heard about using creams with peroxide but didnt want to burn and damage my skin. Everywhere I read recommended starting with 2.5% peroxide. This didnt work for me and I had no results as my acne was already too severe. I was desperate so I ended up purchasing a bottle with 10% peroxide (the strongest over the counter treatment I could buy). Within a couple of days my acne started to heal.

You do have to use this stuff sparingly as it can dry your skin out if you use too much - thats what you dont want. I would also recommend using a milder cream once your acne has healed for the odd lingering spot. But the 10% was the only thing that relieved me after a year of endless searching. And yes it did bleach my pillow cases so you may want to use white beding during treatment. hope this helps you and anyone else suffering with stubborn acne.

ps. I have just started oil pulling too. think its a fantastic idea but am sceptical. Not sure whether to start with sesame or sunflower? I am wheat intolerant so hoping it helps my digestive system.

With regards to acne - I had acne for a long time on and off with outbreaks. Two products helped me to calm my skin and overall stabilized my system: Schizandra and Duanwood Reishi [as well as Pearl Powder] - but only take the best & purest quality. I had to take about 6 capsules each per day for about 6 months and now outbreaks are gone [and believe me I tried a lot in the last 10 years]! Generally, my skin & overall health have very much improved. Furthermore, there are skin care products with tea tree oil, retinol for the night, which helped me clear my skin but since I take Schizandra and Duanwood Reishi I do not need them anymore. In Chinese medicine Schizandra is an important health tonic as it is suppose to be able to balance the 12 organ system in the body. Research it a bit but only take high quality products - all else won't do. It is very subtle and only after a couple of month I realised that my skin changed and now I have not had a flew or illness for over a year since I take these two tonic herbs. Hope this will be of help.

Hi Karina,

Thanks for your wonderful feedback on the chinese herbs for acne.
If you can provide some more information about these herbs then tons of people will thank you regrading this..
1) Where can I find these Schizandra and Duanwood Reishi . I stay in Los Angeles
2) What are these herbs? Does it cause any sideeeffects or are they natural.
3) 6 capsules per day for 6 months. Will it not affect my system.

I would really appreciate if you can provide some mre details about these herbs. Again thank you very much.

Hi Thealth from Los Angeles,

The two herbs that Karina mentions comes from the Superior herbs class, or AKA Longivity herbs. Which means they can be taken for as long as you wish, and even for life if you wish (remember they are only foods). The Schizandra is actually a fruit, and Duanwood Reishi is actually a Reishi mushroom grown on a Duanwood log. Pearl is yet another mushroom. If you wish to find reptutable suppliers from China, I choose plum flower. There are several suppliers you can order online. I often order from Kalyx. I am mostly into making my own tinctures for myself and my family, but will sometimes order the powder form of an herb and capsulate them myself (I have no affiliation with any supplier or brand). I am posting my email address if you have any questions, Peace, Rena.

Hi Thealth,

Here is some more information which might be useful:

To point 1) I recommend Ron Teeguarden's book about Chinese Tonic herbs - put his name into google & you find a lot excellent researched information offered - I think he lives in Los Angeles & you can even consult him personally but as well check those brands which Rena mentioned].

To point 2) As Rena mentioned accurately Schizandra & Duanwood Reishi are both ancient tonic herbs and have no side effects. They act like a balancing power in your system recognizing what your immune system needs. In China & India they are revered as longevity herbs - especially Schizandra is a fruit of 5 tastes and in the Aryurvedic tradition it means that it has the power to balance all doshas. It is not just the skin that improved but overall vitality - calmness which I thought I lost after some pretty stressful years.

To point 3) These herbs are so gentle that at first I did not think they did anything but then a friend asked that my skin did look so much better. At some point I even raised the dosage to 3 x 3 from each capsule. The regimen which works perfect for me is Tonic herbs [2 x 3 capsules from each plant] & Yoga. After this year all inflammations left my body. But now I just feel save it is not just a treatment which "rubs off" but your health is improved long time and even builds up energy.

This might be interesting to some... and that is where my journey to health began a story of a Chinese man who was supposed to be 252 years old:Li Qing Yuen's Other "Secrets of Longevity"

According to the complete story of Li Qing Yuen, Master Li was once asked what his "secrets of longevity" were. It is well known that his diet consisted primarily of vegetables and tonic herbs, but also very small amounts of meat. But in response to the question concerning his "secrets", he is reported to have said that in order to live long, one must be able to "Sit like a tortoise, walk like a pigeon, and sleep like a dog."

Translation:

"Sit like a tortoise" refers to the ability to sit still, free from concern, breathing slowly and calmly. This skill is achieved by practicing meditation. Meditation is not really passive, though it may appear to be. It is the art of achieving stillness - an art that allows us to rejuvenate both our body and mind every day. It also refers to the ability to concentrate and remain alert for long periods of time while sitting still - not an easy task for Americans, but definitely possible with some practice. Sitting still while breathing slowly has been proven to reduce high blood pressure, a huge problem in America. High blood pressure can be modulated in many individuals by simultaneously breathing deeply and slowly while calming the mind.

"Walk like a pigeon" refers to the ability to walk briskly, at any age. To the Taoists, walking "like the wind" is both a source and sign of vigor and youthfulness. Speed walking has been widely practiced in China for thousands of years as a form of superior exercise. Walking quickly and lightly for a distance of a couple of miles a day is considered to be superb exercise that promotes health and longevity. A pigeon appears to move all its muscles in the process of walking. Its head moves in rhythm with its feet and arms (wings). When we speedwalk, we should take care to relax and move all our muscles in a gentle rhythm that promotes circulation throughout the body (tense shoulders and neck are thus a no-no). It would be a good idea to stretch and or do some yoga or qi gung before taking our daily speedwalk.

"Sleep like a dog" refers to the ability to sleep deeply anytime, and to be able to awaken quickly with a clear head. Dogs, as we all know, sleep through the night as humans do, but they can be awakened easily and respond quickly. When a dog sleeps, they breathe deeply from their abdomen. Observe a dog and you will see that their hind legs are moving up and down. This is because they are breathing deeply, using their deep abdominal muscles. This is indeed a secret of longevity. Deep sleep combined with deep breathing rejuvenates the body every day, eliminates waste and restores vitality to all the cells of the body. Night time sleep is not the only sleep that is beneficial. Naps can be very important in a longevity program. In fact, a six year study of 23,681 men, published this year in the Archives of Internal Medicine, reported that taking a 30 minute nap three times a week reduced the risk of coronary death by a whopping 37%. Even just occasional napping brought a 12% reduction in deaths due to heart disease. Head author, Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos, an epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, noted that countries where naps are common tend to have low rates of death from heart disease. Dr. Trichopoulos said that he thinks the stress relief provided by a short nap is a key factor in the reduction of deaths from cardiovascular disease, but other factors may play a role. To achieve this ability to sleep like a dog, practice slow, deep, abdominal breathing for five to fifteen minutes every night before sleeping. [information from Ron Teeguarden - I hope this is ok to post this like this].

At this place I just wanted to thank Earth Clinic and all of you for your inspiring stories! ACE and coconut oil is now added to my routine of natures treasures. Blessings!

Hi Tonya -

I was researching oil pulling and came across your post about having acne. The 2 best supplements I have ever tried for acne are L-Glutathione (500 milligrams up to 3 times a day) and vitamin B6 (ONLY get the P5P form. The other form can cause neuropathy) Try opening a capsule of vitamin B6 (P5P) and take a third of it - or half of it - and see how you do. You can take the same dosage up to 3 times a day. Definitely take the B6 with food because it can make you nauseous. Also, both vitamin B6 and L-Glutathione are potent detoxifiers of the liver so go up to the dose you need VERY slowly! L-Glutathione really helped my hair to become shinier and healthier as well. You do not need to take both of these supplements together for acne unless you feel that that works for you. I have only taken B6 alone and L-Glutathione alone - and both worked separately to completely clear my skin in record time. I suffered with severe cystic acne and was on 3 courses of Accutane so I know what it's like to suffer with acne.

Best of luck to you trying these supplements - I'm going to go post this info on the acne section of this awesome website!

I wish to thank all who participate in Earth Clinics' blog. One question, in reference to OP and SunFlower Oil, it seems not many people us it. Is it because the oil does not have great qualities?? I most recently purchased Organic SunFlorwer Oil and want to know if anyone had any yea or ney for it> Thanks!!!

Hi Mirna, I think you will be fine with the organic sunflower oil. It's interesting to try different oils and that's what I do, but I have used sunflower oil and it was good. FYI, I use organic coconut oil mixed with a few drops of clove oil - and alternate with organic olive oil mixed with a few drops of oregano oil right now. I'll probably switch back to sunflower oil when the olive oil runs out - Good luck! It's a good practice.

Oil pulling is supposed to cure anything from angina to warts. While I can't say I've noticed any great bodily "health" benefit from oil pulling, my teeth are sparkling.

I'm a smoker and I have several crowns and an inlaid bridge, and these types of porcelain teeth do not respond to typical whitening methods at all.

The first time I tried oil pulling, I could actually see the difference after one 10-minute session and folks have commented on how much whiter my teeth look. In a week I noticed improved gum color. At my last dental check, my dentist wanted to know what toothpaste I was using, because I barely had any tartar (needless to say, he was incredulous when I said I had stopped flossing, which I have never been good at anyway). He also commented that my gums not only looked great, but had actually improved.

I simply can't stand the taste of sesame, so I mix it with either safflower, sunflower, or flavored olive oil. Teeth are then brushed with a good castille soap (soaps made with oils rather than animal fats) which does NOT taste soapy, by the way, then rinse with a little salt water. I am brushing my teeth only slightly more than normal -- twice a day for two minutes after oil pulling, and then a quick scrub with toothpaste just before I go to bed.

Other folks I know who have tried oil pulling have also remarked about the improved appearance of their teeth as well as improved oral health.

Oh....just make sure you don't spit your (now somewhat hydrogenated)oil down the sink drain or toilet or you'll be calling in the plumber or septic guy. And be careful NOT to swallow!

I live in CT. as well. I have septic and am wondering why it is harmful to septic and plumbing. You mentioned that you can not spit it(oil)in the sink or toilet or you will be calling a plumber or septic man. Why is that? I just learned about OP and have not yet tried it as I need to go get an appropriate oil. I have no real serious health issues (very minor osteo arthritus in one wrist) that I am aware of so I am just interested as a way to maintain and enhance my health. A reply regarding my septic question would be most appreciated!

I just wanted to let you know that if you pour oil down the sink, it tends to clog the drain. Try liquid plummer and voila! Soap! Although I found it cheaper to just snake the drain.