The Best Age to Start Practicing Kawal and Gandush

Ayurvedic Daily Routine: Dinacharya Certification Course, Section 7, Lecture 54

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, has given us numerous health-enhancing practices. Among them, oil pulling methods like Kawal and Gandush hold a special place for maintaining oral hygiene and overall well-being. But when is the right time to start practicing these techniques? Let’s explore!

Understanding Kawal and Gandush

Before we dive into the best age to begin, let’s first understand what these practices entail.

Kawal (Kavala)

Kawal is a process in which a small amount of oil or medicated liquid is taken in the mouth and swished around for a few minutes before being spit out. This technique is known for its detoxifying effects and strengthening the oral cavity.

Gandush

Gandush is slightly different. Instead of swishing, you fill your mouth to its full capacity with oil or a medicated liquid and hold it for a longer duration. Since there’s no space for movement, the liquid stays still, drawing out toxins effectively.

When Should You Start?

Not Recommended Below Four Years

According to Ayurveda experts, children below the age of four should not practice Kawal or Gandush. The reason is simple: young children may not fully understand the importance of spitting out the liquid. If swallowed, the toxin-laden liquid can be harmful to the body.

The Ideal Age to Begin

Once a child reaches four years of age, they can start learning the basics of oil pulling, provided they understand the importance of not ingesting the liquid. However, this should always be done under adult supervision.

From four years onward, up to the elderly years (even 80 or beyond), one can safely practice Kawal and Gandush. It is never too late to start incorporating these powerful techniques into your daily routine!

How to Introduce Kawal and Gandush to Children?

If you wish to introduce oil pulling to a child, follow these simple steps:

1. Start with a small quantity – Give them only a teaspoon of oil to begin with.
2. Demonstrate the process – Show them how to swish (for Kawal) or hold (for Gandush) the liquid in their mouth.
3. Supervise carefully – Ensure they do not swallow the liquid.
4. Make it fun! – Turn it into a fun morning ritual so that the child enjoys it rather than seeing it as a chore.

Why Should You Start Practicing Kawal and Gandush?

1. Strengthens Oral Health

Both practices help in removing toxins, bacteria, and plaque, thereby improving oral hygiene.

2. Detoxifies the Body

Since the mouth is the gateway to the body, eliminating toxins through oil pulling prevents them from entering the digestive system.

3. Balances Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)

Ayurveda believes that oil pulling helps balance the three doshas, leading to overall better health.

4. Improves Digestion

A healthy mouth leads to a healthy gut. By detoxifying the oral cavity, digestion improves naturally.

5. Enhances Facial and Throat Health

Regular practice can lead to stronger facial muscles, better voice clarity, and improved throat health.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

• Always spit out the oil or liquid. Never swallow it.
• Start slowly if you are a beginner.
• Use pure oils like sesame or coconut oil for best results.
• Perform it on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.

Conclusion

Kawal and Gandush are wonderful Ayurvedic practices that benefit people of all ages. While young children below four should avoid it, older children, adults, and even the elderly can experience significant health improvements by incorporating these techniques into their daily routine.

If you haven’t started yet, give it a try today and experience the magic of Ayurveda!

Have you tried Kawal or Gandush? Let us know about your experience in the comments!