Kailas has 29 years of full-time experience practicing Vedic Wisdom in all aspects of his life. Kailas is a certified Ayurvedic healer specializing in consultations, herbs, Ayurvedic massage, and panchakarma therapy. He is also nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork (NCTMB), is an Upledger Institute certified Craniosacral therapist (CST), and a certified massage therapist (CMT).
Kailas was trained in Ayurveda by Dr. Light Miller, a pioneer healer trained by Panchubhai Chotai who was one of Mahatma Gandhi’s personal physicians.He compassionately follows the Paths of Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedic Astrology, Puja, and Sanskrit Chanting, and assists people in their healing and spiritual growth.
Kailas has a Clinical Private Practice in Ayurveda, Craniosacral Therapy, Vedic Astrology, and Herbology in Los Angeles since 2009.
Featured on CureJoy’s Expert QnA section, Kailas explains why the ancient method of Oil Pulling is being profoundly adopted in the West today.
Q: Kailas, why should people give oil pulling a try?
People with gingivitis are often told to use a mainstream “chemical brew” mouthwash like Listerine, or Chlorhexidine. Listerine contains Poloxamer 407 and Sodium saccharin which are linked to breast and bladder cancer. Ayurveda provides a healthy alternative that has been shown to be equally as effective. (Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian J Dent Res 2009;20:47-51)
Q: Are there dentists who recommend oil pulling?
Yes. Dentists Mich Marder and Jessica T. Emery recommend oil pulling. And Julia Calderone blogs that Santa Cruz dentist David Biles who recommends it, also cautions that oil pulling is not for patients with severe periodontal disease. Ayurveda treats the causes of illness not just the symptoms, so if you have serious disease the cause has to be diagnosed by a dentist or physician, and practitioners of Ayurveda should be consulted for adjunctive therapies that utilize the wisdom of our tradition.
Q: Why are so many health benefits reported from oil pulling?
Yes, from ancient texts to contemporary blogs, oil pulling is reported to help heal many conditions. One route toward better health is through the strengthening of bodily fluids beginning with saliva, lymph, and white blood cells. So the tongue and oral cavity have numerous connections to the lymphatic system, salivary and digestive fluids, and the circulatory system. The muscular exercise of pulling circulates more than just the oil in your mouth! It moves energy and impacts physiology. Ayurveda is concerned with this, in addition to the healing intention that you set for your oil pulling practice.
Modern Indian scientists theorize that antioxidants in the oil as well as its viscosity clear both toxins and debris. Both sesame and coconut oil contain compounds which are protective, strengthening, and cleansing. They have documented reductions in plaque, bacteria, and susceptibility to cavities.
The Ayurvedic texts state it has healing effects on conditions ranging from headaches to asthma. Such diverse benefits could stem from the tonic (strengthening) effect that the physical act of pulling for 20 minutes has on the soft palate and temporomandibular joint, both of which impact the craniosacral and respiratory systems. So it’s important to keep an open mind and see what positive effects oil pulling has for you.
Q: What kind of oils are used?
Traditionally sesame and almond oil are known to have been used. Today we see also the use of coconut oil and olive oil. The critical point is to use pure, organic and unrefined (raw) cold-pressed oil. I personally swish with Tea Tree oil, which I discovered works wonders for my gums.
Q: What is the role of oil in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda utilizes slippery substances including oil and ghee in many therapies. Oils combine the healing qualities of the strength of the Earth Element, combined with the cleansing power of the Water Element. Both of these qualities balance the Doshas.
From the luxurious, calming and restorative effect of warm oil drizzled on the body, to the ability of oil to dissolve and hold the medicinal properties of herbs, to their ability to lubricate and moisturize tissue, oil and ghee are prized for healing. Therapies that employ oil and ghee include Shirohdara (oiling the head), Netra Basti (ghee wash for the eyes), Nasya (oiling the nasal passages), and Karna Purana (oiling the ear canal), and Snehana / Abhyanga (oil massage).
Q: What’s the next trend in Ayurveda?
I use the ghee eyewash to reverse the depleting effect of computer-related and mobile device related eyestrain. This is something that is aging our eyes. We have adapted the ancient technique by using goggles to hold the ghee. Just pour the ghee into the goggles, slip them on securely, and you can bathe your eyes for 10 minutes quite conveniently. I call this “Ghee Goggling”.
