Mouth ulcers create unbearable pain in the mouth and often go unnoticed for several days. It may appear as a cut/wound on the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth. Although not a disease, the root cause can indicate several concerns.
The causes of mouth ulcers could be direct or indirect. The indirect causes alert you of some underlying disease.
4 Yoga/Pranayamas for mouth ulcers
Sheetali Pranayama
Since one of the reasons for mouth ulcers is heat within the body, Sheetali Pranayama helps greatly by cooling down the body temperature and also improves digestion. The steps to do Sheetali Pranayama are:
Sit with your legs crossed on a flat surface.
Place your hands over the knees in Gyan mudra.
Relax and roll your tongue like a tube.
Inhale through the tongue and then close your mouth.
Slowly exhale through the nostrils and feel the shift in temperature.
Follow the steps to continue.
Sheetkari Pranayama
This pranayama calms the mind and body, balances the fire element (pitta) in the body, and cleans toxins from the entire body. Follow the steps below to do the Sheetkari Pranayama:
Sit comfortably on a flat surface.
Place your palms over your knees.
Relax, close your eyes and touch your tongue to your palate (roof of the mouth).
Clench the teeth together and keep your mouth open.
Now inhale slowly through the mouth, making a hissing sound.
Hold your breath as long as you can.
Bend your neck downwards and exhale through the nose.
Repeat the process to continue.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Surya Namaskar is the most practiced yoga asana that combines many asanas. Since mouth ulcers could result from vitamin deficiencies, doing Surya Namaskar regularly can build immunity and prevent mouth ulcers. It is a one-stop solution for many problems, such as back pain, low metabolism, stress and anxiety, skin issues, menstrual problems, etc.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Setu Bandhasana is another yoga asana that helps fight viral infections and prevents mouth ulcers. This asana opens up the chest and the lungs and calms the mind. It helps improve blood circulation and wards off stress, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion
You can also quickly cure mouth ulcers naturally with these tested home remedies:
Honey
Coconut oil
Aloe vera gel
Vinegar
Tulsi Oil
Turmeric paste
Apart from these, remember to stay hydrated and happy, ensure oral hygiene and avoid spicy and junk food. Maintain your emotional balance and peace with meditation and Sudarshan Kriya.
“Peace is the first step to equipping yourself to face problems. Once you find peace and inner strength, then you can face any problem. It won’t even appear as a problem.”
-Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
FAQ on mouth ulcers
Stomach ulcers happen because of a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori due to inflammatory bowel disease, stress, or eating spicy food. The same bacteria can cause mouth ulcers for the same reasons. However, mouth ulcers may also happen due to other causes like indigestion, vitamin deficiencies, accidental biting, viral infection, etc.
Meditation helps us become more mindful and aware. It controls our stress levels, regulates our breathing, and calms the brain. This helps us make the right choice regarding food habits and well-being and cure mouth ulcers faster.
Spicy/Salty food, dairy products, coffee, peanuts, and citric fruits such as oranges, lime, pineapple, etc. can trigger mouth ulcers and give you canker sores.
Sources of probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, cold fluids, and easy-to-swallow foods are advisable for mouth ulcer treatment.
Since mouth ulcers can occur due to bacteria on the teeth, proper oral hygiene can help eliminate mouth ulcers. The ulcer sores are linked to an auto-immune condition termed Aphthous stomatitis, which starts because of food allergies.
