That is the question I am asked most frequently, and usually with stunned, open-mouthed, wide-eyed curiosity, whenever I describe my daily morning routine.
When I began studying at IIN this past winter I was determined to try as many of the healthy suggestions and tips as I could. I found that by incorporating some of them into my routine I had great results. The best things I can share are that I did not need to use any allergy medicine this past spring, and it was reportedly one of the worst seasons for allergy sufferers. My gums and teeth are very healthy and I had very little plaque build up at my last dental appointment which was very impressive to the dentist and the hygenist. Most impressive however, is that I no longer experience the miserable “hot flashes” that had become part of this “wonderful” phase of my life.
Before I knew it I had changed my morning routine so that I now wake up and the first thing I do is “swish” my Coconut Oil, for 20 minutes-yes, that’s right 20 minutes! Then, I slice a fresh lemon and squeeze it into a mug of hot water and sprinkle that with Cayenne Pepper to get my system started. While that cools I use my tongue scraper, floss and then brush my teeth. Finally, I am able to wash my face, moisturize and take my vitamins. It is as time consuming as it sounds, and that’s before I excercise, eat breakfast (or have a juice or smoothie), perform my dry body brushing ritual and finally shower.
I have found that I am able to get quite a lot done while I am practicing my OP (Oil Pulling). I check my email and Social Media accounts. I look over the newspaper-especially Page 6, and make or add to my grocery list. I have been asked time and again how I am able to find 20 minutes every morning to “swish”. Everyone assumes that since I’m an empty-nester now my life is all about relaxing and doing nothing all day. Hah! My answer to the skeptics is that I actually began this routine while my daughter was still in school and I was waking up with her to make breakfast and make sure she got off ontime. Sure it was challenging at the beginning, but I think she enjoyed the fact that I couldn’t speak with a teaspoon of oil in my mouth. Somehow though I was able to get my point across in a somewhat muffled voice, and sometimes with oil dripping down my chin, especially when she tried leaving the house without a jacket in March.
The bottom line is, I wouldn’t change any of this routine if it means not having to deal with “hot flashes” or other hormonal side effects. I have come to look forward to the quiet- even in my own head. And some of these rituals which have an Ayurvedic origin, like the warm lemon water and the dry body brushing seem to have helped me become more regular and quite possibly even lessened the appearance of cellulite on my body too. Now, wouldn’t you consider that a worthwhile payoff? I do.