Oil pulling and tongue scraping are two of Ayurveda’s most foundational daily self-care practices—simple rituals that exert a profound cumulative effect on oral health, digestion, sensory clarity, and whole-body balance. In this practical and illuminating class, students explore the authentic Ayurvedic purpose behind these techniques, moving beyond trends and surface-level explanations to understand how and why they work.
The course examines oil pulling (kavala and gandūṣa) and tongue scraping within the context of dinacharya (daily routine), doṣhic balance, and the Ayurvedic concept of āma (metabolic residue). Students learn how oils interact with oral tissues, saliva, and microbial ecosystems, how tongue coating reflects deeper digestive and systemic patterns, and why timing and consistency matter more than intensity.
Traditional oils, herbalized preparations, astringent botanicals, seasonal considerations, and constitution-specific approaches are explored alongside modern insights into oral and digestive health. This class is ideal for anyone seeking grounded, time-tested daily rituals that support long-term wellness, whether for personal practice or professional recommendation.
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Oil pulling and tongue scraping have been practiced in Ayurveda for thousands of years as essential components of daily self-care, yet they are often misunderstood or oversimplified in modern wellness culture. This course offers a clear, traditional, and practical framework for understanding these techniques as part of a broader system of detoxification, nourishment, and sensory regulation.
Students are guided through the Ayurvedic rationale behind oral therapies, including why the mouth is considered a primary site of metabolic residue accumulation, how daily cleansing supports digestion and systemic clarity, and why oil-based practices are particularly stabilizing for modern lifestyles. The class explores how oil pulling differs from gargling, how herbal oils penetrate tissues, and how different oils and preparations are selected based on doṣhic tendencies and seasonal needs.
A substantial portion of the course focuses on tongue scraping as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Students learn how tongue coating, color, texture, and moisture provide insight into digestive strength and metabolic balance, and how consistent scraping supports taste perception, digestive signaling, and morning clarity. Traditional materials, techniques, and safety considerations are addressed alongside practical guidance for establishing a sustainable daily routine.
What You’ll Learn
The Ayurvedic principles behind oil pulling and tongue scraping within daily routine (dinacharya)
The concept of āma and why the mouth is a primary site of accumulation
Differences between oil pulling, gargling, and herbal mouth rinses
How to choose oils and preparations based on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha tendencies
Traditional oils, herbalized formulas, and astringent botanicals used for oral care
Seasonal and constitutional adjustments for oral self-care
How tongue appearance reflects digestive and systemic patterns
Proper techniques, materials, and timing for tongue scraping
How these practices influence digestion, sensory clarity, and oral tissues
This Class Is Ideal For
Students new to Ayurveda seeking accessible daily practices
Wellness practitioners who teach or recommend lifestyle routines
Individuals experiencing oral dryness, sensitivity, or gum concerns
Anyone interested in traditional detox-supportive self-care rituals
Health-conscious learners wanting a deeper understanding of oral–digestive connections
Get access to this class PLUS our entire Foundations Library (200+ classes!) for only $47/month. Members also get access to all new Foundations classes taught live every month!
