Description: Mouth rinsing, or Mukha Prakshalan, is a daily Ayurvedic practice that cleanses the mouth and supports oral and overall health. It is typically performed with cool or lukewarm water, sometimes infused with herbs or oils for additional benefits. Ayurveda suggests rinsing the mouth first thing in the morning to remove toxins (ama) that accumulate overnight and after each meal to maintain oral hygiene.

Method:

1. Use cool or lukewarm water for rinsing the mouth, depending on your dosha or the season.
   • Cool water: Recommended in summer or for those with a Pitta constitution.
   • Warm water: Suitable for colder seasons and for individuals with Kapha or Vata dosha.
2. Herbal Infusion (optional): Adding herbs such as neem, triphala, or rock salt can enhance cleansing.
3. Swish the water around the mouth, focusing on reaching all areas to dislodge food particles and clear toxins.
4. Repeat after meals to remove residue from food and stimulate digestion.

Sloka:

“मुखप्रक्षाळन शीतपयरा रक्तपित्तजितू |
सुखस्य पिडकाळ्योषनीलिकाव्यंगनावानस्‌॥ ३२ ॥”

Translation: "Rinsing the mouth with cool water helps calm imbalances of blood and bile, relieves heat, and can prevent mouth sores, pimples, and pigmentation."

1. Removes Toxins and Food Residue:

   • Rinsing the mouth helps clear out toxins and food particles, preventing bacterial buildup that could lead to oral and digestive issues.

   Sloka:

   “मुखप्रक्षाळन शीतपयरा रक्तपित्तजितू |
   सुखस्य पिडकाळ्योषनीलिकाव्यंगनावानस्‌॥ ३२ ॥”

   Translation: "Regular mouth rinsing with cool water helps alleviate toxins related to blood and bile, promoting a cooling effect and preventing sores and discoloration."

2. Balances Doshas:

   • Different temperatures of water are recommended for different doshas, making mouth rinsing a way to achieve balance:
     • Cool water: Reduces Pitta, calming heat and inflammation.
     • Warm water: Benefits Vata and Kapha by promoting circulation and removing mucus.

3. Promotes Oral and Digestive Health:

   • Rinsing the mouth after each meal aids in cleaning, thus preventing plaque, reducing bad breath, and preparing the mouth and stomach for efficient digestion.

4. Refreshing and Energizing:

   • Mouth rinsing refreshes the senses, energizing the mind and body, which is particularly beneficial as part of the morning routine.