Brushing Your Teeth 101: Kundalini Yoga Tip
The importance of good oral hygiene is essential to our overall well-being. Not only does it keep teeth and gums healthy, but it can also be connected to heart health, as well as body confidence and self esteem.
In this guide, you will discover top tips for how to brush your teeth in a way which promotes a healthy mind and body.
Just like brushing your teeth, these techniques are also a form of self care which help to strengthen the connection between body and soul, and promote the flow of positive energy.
Clear the Monkey Glands
The wet, warm environments of our mouths become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially at night when our mouths are closed and airflow is limited.
In the Kundalini Yoga lifestyle we believe this bacteria forms a pool in an area of our mouth, right at the back, called the monkey glands. When we wake up in the morning and take our first sip of water, juice, or tea, this bacteria is then swallowed into the stomach where it can accumulate and make us ill.
To rid the body of this toxic accumulation, we clear the monkey glands by brushing our tongue, until gagging is induced. This gagging will disrupt the monkey glands, allowing us to spit the bacteria out during the toothbrushing process.
This gagging process also has the added benefits of stimulating the salivary gland, allowing us to begin the day with fresh, clean saliva in the mouth, and making the eyes water, which helps to flush any sleep and dryness from the eyes, allowing us to start the day with clarity and insight.
Try a Tooth Powder
Many commercial toothpastes contain a concoction of chemicals which can accumulate in the body and cause illness over long periods of time. Try this tooth powder which can be made at home for brushing the teeth, gums and tongue.
Simply mix one part sea salt with two parts potassium alum, available from many wholefood and wellbeing stores. You may choose to store this in an airtight jar, and when needed pour a small amount into a bowl or the palm of your hand, mix with water to form a thick paste, and add to the toothbrush and use like any other toothpaste.
The potassium alum is perfect for killing bacteria and helping to prevent the onset of gum disease.
Massage the Jaw
Touch your fingers to the hinge of your jaw, and slowly open and close the mouth, massaging the lower jaw and joint gently, and breathing deeply throughout.
This massage can help to relieve stress and tension held in the jaw and reduce pain caused by teeth grinding. It will also help you to discover any sore points that may require the attention of a dentist.
The Takeaway
Caring for our oral hygiene is a form of self care that has deep connections to our health and wellbeing. In the Kundalini yoga lifestyle we value the importance of taking time to allow our bodies to flourish. Give these few simple tips a go, your mouth and body will thank you for it.
