Morning Rituals: The Surprising Benefits of Saliva
The Importance of Morning Hydration
Upon waking up, it's essential to start your day with water, a practice known as 'Ushapan' in Ayurveda. This involves drinking water first thing in the morning, ideally around 4 AM.
There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, after a night's sleep, the saliva in our mouths increases significantly. Drinking water helps to swallow this saliva, which is beneficial for our health. Therefore, it's advisable not to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after waking, as this could lead to spitting out the saliva, which is highly alkaline and offers numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Morning Saliva
According to Rajiv, a health expert, testing the pH of morning saliva reveals a level of 8.4, indicating its medicinal properties. For those struggling with dark circles under their eyes, he suggests applying morning saliva to the affected area and gently massaging it for a few days to see improvement.
If someone wishes to remove their glasses due to weak eyesight, applying morning saliva like kohl can help. Additionally, for any injuries that are slow to heal, applying saliva can expedite recovery.
Real-Life Success Stories
Rajiv shared a case of a patient who suffered burns from hot milk. While the wound healed, the scars remained, causing distress as the patient was preparing for marriage. Rajiv advised her to apply saliva daily, and within 6-7 months, the scars disappeared completely.
Interestingly, animals instinctively lick their wounds to heal, as their saliva is also alkaline. This natural healing method is something humans can adopt with a bit of awareness.
Challenges in Saliva Production
Rajiv has two patients in the advanced stages of cancer, where their salivary glands have nearly ceased functioning. They spend a significant amount on imported saliva products from the USA, which are sold in small packets but provide little relief.
Some life insurance companies have started testing saliva before issuing policies, as low alkaline levels can indicate reduced life expectancy.
Maintaining Saliva Health
To maintain healthy saliva production, it's crucial to avoid products that are anti-alkaline, such as many toothpaste brands. These can diminish saliva production, leading to dry mouth.
The chemical sodium lauryl sulfate found in many toothpaste brands is particularly harmful, as it can dry out salivary glands. Therefore, it's recommended to brush without toothpaste whenever possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saliva can be a natural remedy for various ailments. To ensure optimal saliva production, always start your day with water.