The most crucial aspect of daily life is oral hygiene. The oral cavity has a significant risk of becoming contaminated because of bacterial invasion and exposure to environmental pollutants. In the current days, oral cavity contamination is significantly impacted by changes in work schedules, eating habits, and lifestyle. Too little self-care time prevents oral hygiene from receiving the required attention. Ayurveda, the science of life, is highly valued in Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) and Dinacharya (everyday regimen). Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam (maintaining the health of a healthy individual) and Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam (healing a patient’s disease) are the main Ayurvedic concepts. While explaining Dinacharya, Ayurveda Acharyas gave due importance to oral hygiene.
Gandusha, or oil pulling, is one of the oral hygiene practices that has been described; it has the ability to prevent and treat disorders of the mouth, teeth, and gums. The foundation of Ayurveda is tridosha theory, and everything is explained based on this. Based on tridoshas the material used for the Gandusha is different – they are Sneha Dravya (ghee, oil), milk, honey, mamsa rasa (meat soup), Kashaya (decoction), ushnodaka (hot water).
The following is the Gandusha procedure: The individual should sit comfortably. The body needs to be in an upright position. Gandusha medication is taken in a quantity that may be retained in the mouth without moving. Gandusha medicine should be applied to the mouth and left there for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the person’s oral cavity should remain motionless, and he should be mentally focused. Care must be taken to prevent the swallowing of the medication, and the face of the individual should be slightly uplifted.
Based on the Doshagnatha (vitiation of doshas) and mode of action, Gandusha are of 4 types
Snaihika Gandusha (Oleating)
Gandusha medicine is prepared by the combination of Madhura Rasa (sweet), Amla Rasa (sour), Lavana Rasa (salty) in Taila (oil) or Gritha (ghee). It is indicated in Vata dosha vitiation in the oral cavity, which is understood by excess dryness of the mouth.
Shamana Gandusha (Palliative)
Shamana Gandusha is prepared with a combination of Tikta Rasa (bitter), Kashaya Rasa (astringent), and Madhura Rasa (sweet). It is indicated in the vitiation of Pitha dosha, which is well understood by the burning sensation of the mouth. It has a relaxing effect on the mouth.
Shodana Gandusha (Purificatory)
The medicine is prepared by the combination of Katu Rasa (pungent), Amla Rasa (sour), Lavana Rasa (salty) and hot potency. As the name indicates, it is of purificatory nature. It is indicated in Kapha dosha vitiation, which is well understood by excessive salivation, heaviness, and stickiness of mouth.
Ropana Gandusha (Healing)
The medicine is prepared by the combination of Kashaya Rasa (astringent) and Tikta Rasa (bitter) with cold potency. It is mainly indicated in mouth ulcers for healing.
Tila Taila (sesame oil) can be used to make Gandusha a daily routine.
Tila Taila can be used to fill the mouth and held in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. It can be done every day. It cleanses the oral cavity and strengthens teeth and gums. Because it aids in clearing the mouth by removing food particles and detritus, it improves oral hygiene by avoiding gum disease and plaque formation. Tila Taila (sesame oil) is antibacterial and prevents bacterial invasion.
Additionally, it soothes nerve endings, which helps to lessen tooth pains and sensitivity. It enhances the tone and appearance of the face by stimulating the facial muscles. It improves the perception of taste. Tila Taila has the ability to harmonize Kapha and Vata.
Lack of time and stress from a busy work schedule makes life difficult and can result in various diseases. Our personal health is not receiving the attention it needs. The time has come to consider investing some time in preserving our health. We can do this by using basic Ayurvedic methods. They include Gandusha. We can maintain our dental hygiene by setting up 20 minutes each day. This is something we can instill in our kids from an early age. Any person above the age of 5 years can practice Gandusha. If it is done daily, this creates a habit.
Furthermore, It fosters dental health at a young age. Let’s make this new year a time to cherish and take care of ourselves. As the Sanskrit verse says – Sarvameva Parityajya Sareeram Anupalayeth Sareerasaya Pranashtasya Sarvameva Vinasyathi, leaving everything aside, protect your body. If the body is harmed, everything is lost.