Health Update: Gandusha and Copper Tongue Scraping: Why Ancient Oral Rituals Are 2026’s Biggest Wellness Trend – What Experts Say

In an age of electric toothbrushes and charcoal toothpaste, a quieter wellness trend is emerging from India’s past. Young Indians, guided by social media and a desire for grounded living, are turning to ancient oral rituals like Gandusha (oil pulling) and copper tongue scraping .

These practices, once dismissed as old-fashioned, are now being recognised for their profound impact on oral health, digestion and overall wellness.

Gandusha: Swishing with Ghee

Gandusha involves gently swishing a spoonful of warm ghee around the mouth for 5-20 minutes, then rinsing with warm water before brushing. While the idea might seem daunting, practitioners report healthier gums and fresher breath .

The practice works on multiple levels. In Ayurveda, the mouth is considered the gateway to the digestive system. Gandusha helps draw out toxins (ama) that accumulate overnight, strengthens teeth and gums, and stimulates salivary enzymes that aid digestion.

Copper’s antimicrobial properties make it superior to plastic scrapers. “Copper is preferred because of its natural antimicrobial and scraping (lekhana) properties, which help remove tongue coating (āma) effectively,” explains Dr Shweta Yadav, an Ayurveda expert .

Nabhi Purana: Nightly Navel Oiling

Another ritual gaining traction is Nabhi Purana, or navel oiling. A few drops of warm castor oil massaged into the navel in a clockwise direction, plugged with cotton and left overnight, is believed to support abdominal comfort and nervous system calm .

“Ayurveda views the navel as a key center of digestion, circulation and vata regulation. Applying warm oils here can support abdominal comfort, dryness and nervous system calm, especially in vata-dominant individuals,” says Dr Yadav .

While navel oiling may not directly address hormonal imbalances, Dr Irfana Shahul Hameed notes it can soothe menstrual cramps and help regulate body temperature during PMS .

Abhyanga: Self-Massage for Grounding

Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, strengthens the body, reduces fatigue, improves circulation and calms the mind. Even once weekly makes a significant difference .

Dr Danny Kumar Meena advises, “After massage, the oil should be left on the body for 15–30 minutes before bathing to allow proper absorption. Abhyanga should be avoided during fever, acute illness, severe indigestion or acute inflammation” .

Triphala Before Bed

Triphala—meaning three fruits: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki—supports digestion and detoxification without the harshness of typical laxatives. A spoonful mixed into warm water before bed works gently but effectively .

When selecting Triphala, Dr Meena advises choosing products that “clearly list all three fruits, follow traditional ratios, and avoid fillers or artificial additives. Pregnant women and those on long-term medication should consult a doctor before consuming triphala” .

Why These Rituals Now?

As one Vogue India writer puts it, “During one of my not-rare-at-all 3 am existential crises, I started thinking about a wellness routine that would make me feel more in charge; something grounding that could actually optimise my health and performance. I turned to my roots” .

These rituals offer something modern wellness often lacks—sustainability. They’re not overnight fixes but gentle, consistent practices that ground you. And while they may lack the aesthetic appeal of matcha lattes, your body will thank you for them.