3 Ayurvedic Cleansing Techniques to Implement Today

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science of life that has been used for over 4000 years. Here are three simple Ayurvedic cleansing techniques that you can begin today. These techniques may seem odd or complex, but once learned, they are easy to understand and execute. These three Ayurvedic cleansing techniques are the basic tenants of daily Ayurvedic hygiene.

1. Ayurvedic Tongue Scraping

If you thought brushing your teeth in the morning & evening was sufficient for oral health, think again. Tongue scraping is the perfect supplement to flossing and teeth brushing. Tongue scraping is one of the most efficient Ayurvedic cleansing techniques. Tongue scraping is basic and easy, yet so important.

The tongue plays crucial roles in healthy body functioning. As you sleep each night, toxins accumulate on your tongue. Every morning, as soon as you wake up (before brushing your teeth), use your tongue scraper to remove the layer of toxins.

Depending on the individual, Ayurveda recommends recommends a copper, gold, or silver tongue scraper.

For beginners, you can simply start with a stainless steel tongue scraper or even a plastic tongue scraper from your local pharmacy or grocery market.

As an added benefit, removing the phlegm from your tongue each day will improve your breath. 😉

2. Ayurvedic Oil Pulling

Ayurvedic oil pulling is a terrific way to cleanse your mouth. Through consistent oil pulling, your teeth, tongue, and gums will be cleansed. Oil pulling is one of the more simple, inexpensive, ancient Ayurvedic cleansing techniques. Oil pulling will cleanse your mouth in ways that brushing your teeth does not.

To oil pull, bring a spoonful of vegetable or coconut oil to your mouth and use it as you would mouthwash. Gargle the oil for fifteen to twenty minutes. Spit the oil out (not in sink because it can cause clogs in drains) and brush your teeth immediately after to rid your mouth of toxins.

Warning: Do not swallow the oil! The oil is full of toxins after swishing around in your mouth for twenty minutes.

Check out our post here on the Benefits of Oil Pulling.

3. Ayurvedic Neti Pot Cleansing

Some of the benefits of Ayurvedic Neti Pot Cleaning include:

• Flushing of harmful matter (i.e. dirt, dust, bacteria, etc.)
• Increase in the flow of prana (energy)
• Improved breathing
• Improved sense of hearing
• Natural alternative to sinus medication

How to start using a Neti Pot:

Purchase a neti pot from an Ayurvedic store or even your local pharmacy. Fill the neti pot to the correct level with warm water (after it has boiled and cooled) and pharmaceutical grade salt.

Put the spout of the neti pot in your nostril and lean your head slightly forward. Tilt your head to a 45 degree angle. This will ensure that gravity will assist and your nasal passage will be cleansed with ease. The water enters in one nostril and out the other. As soon as the water is gone, refill the neti pot with water and salt and repeat on the opposite nostril.

Woman using Ayurvedic Neti Pot, image courtesy: zogayoga

Neti pot cleansing should be practiced with care and meticulous attention. It can be dangerous otherwise.

Advice for using neti pot effectively:

• Use 100% sea salt or pharmaceutical grade salt that has been manufactured specifically for Ayurvedic Neti Pot Cleansing.
• Use filtered water. Warning: Do not use tap water for Neti Pot cleansing. Tap water may contain trace contaminants that can cause significant harm. Use Distilled water and boil it.
• Clean your neti pot with hot, filtered water after each usage. Dry your neti pot with a paper towel and store in a dry, cool, dark place.
• Do not cover one nostril and blow nose
• The water should be warm but comfortable, you don’t want to burn your nasal passage.
• The ratio between water and salt is also important. Do not use use too much or too little salt.

Note: I have recently implemented Neti Pot cleansing as a tool to improve athletic performance. Before every basketball game, I cleanse my nasal passage with my Neti Pot. The results have been great as I can breathe so much easier. My stamina has increased tenfold.

Here is our preferred Neti Pot.

We hope you implement these Ayurvedic Cleansing Techniques to feel more alive, well, healthy, and lucid.

What is your experience in using these (or other) Ayurvedic Cleansing Techniques?