The practice of applying oil to the belly button, also known as navel oiling or Nabhi Chikitsa, is rooted in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine. The belly button, or Nabhi, is considered a vital energy point (Marma point) and a center of nourishment, balance, and healing. Applying warm oil to the belly button is a simple yet powerful self-care ritual that can offer deep therapeutic benefits for both body and mind.
The Significance of the Belly Button in Ayurveda
Ayurveda considers the Nabhi to be linked to the digestive fire (Agni) and the distribution of energy throughout the body. Oiling the belly button is believed to nourish the core and balance the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. There are 72,000 veins in the navel, making it a focal point. Stimulating these nerves through oiling is thought to treat various ailments and maintain overall balance. The belly button matures into a hub that allows nutrients to transfer freely into the most intricate parts of the body. It is situated right at the center of the solar plexus, assuming a unique physical and spiritual significance to the body and mind. Also known as the solar plexus or Manipura chakra, this energy center is known to promote clarity, confidence, strength, and compassion.
Benefits of Oiling the Belly Button
Navel oiling is known to treat various ailments in the body and hence has been included in the ‘Ratricharya’ or the night time routine.
Here are some of the potential benefits of oiling the belly button:
Skin Hydration
Coconut, sesame, or almond oil can penetrate deeply through the skin around the navel, reducing dryness and promoting overall skin health. The skin around your belly button can get dry and flaky, and navel oiling can help alleviate this.
Read also: Coconut Rose Facial Oil Benefits
Improved Digestion
Applying warm ginger or mustard oil to the navel can enhance digestion, reduce bloating, and strengthen Agni (digestive fire). Ayurveda swears the belly button’s nerve web boosts digestion.
Hormone Balance
Oiling the navel with castor oil or neem oil may help regulate hormonal imbalances, menstrual discomfort, or mood swings.
Detoxification
Massaging the belly button with neem and mustard oil may help draw out impurities and improve circulation due to their cleansing properties.
Pain Relief
Warm castor oil applied to the belly button can reduce abdominal cramps, menstrual pain, and joint stiffness by balancing aggravated Vata. It may also reduce abdominal pain and tackles menstrual cramps.
Eye and Lip Health
Applying pure ghee or mustard oil to the navel improves eyesight and prevents chapped lips by nourishing the body from the center. Some women store coconut oil in their navel while they sleep to later swipe across their lips.
Read also: Coconut Flour Keto Baking
Fertility and Reproductive Health
Applying ghee or coconut oil to the navel is believed to nourish reproductive tissues (Shukra dhatu) and improve vitality. Navel oiling is believed to support reproductive health indirectly by improving hormonal balance, circulation, and stress reduction.
Boost Immunity
Navel oiling may help to boost immunity.
Other Potential Benefits
- Antibacterial Properties: Coconut oil’s antibacterial powers (thanks to lauric acid!) may zap germs fast.
- Balances Doshas: Ayurveda says three energies (doshas) rule us-Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Coconut oil in the navel is known to balance them, keeping you healthy.
- Calms Nerves: Your belly button’s an energy hub in Ayurveda-massaging coconut oil there calms nerves.
Coconut Oil and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women experience skin stretching, hormonal fluctuations, and physical discomforts. Coconut oil has emerged as a popular, natural solution for many of these challenges. The use of coconut oil while pregnant extends beyond skincare. Its nourishing properties benefit the body inside and out, making it a safe and natural choice for pregnant women.
Benefits of Coconut Oil During Pregnancy
- Stretch Mark Prevention: One of the most popular uses of coconut oil during pregnancy is for preventing and reducing stretch marks. As the skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby, it’s common for stretch marks to form on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts. For women who already have stretch marks, coconut oil can help fade their appearance over time. Massage coconut oil onto your belly, thighs, and other areas prone to stretch marks daily.
- Skin Hydration: Stretching skin often leads to itching and discomfort. Coconut oil helps to keep the skin hydrated and reduce discomfort. Putting coconut oil in the belly button during pregnancy is believed to provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin.
- Overall Well-being: Consuming virgin coconut oil during pregnancy offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and support for hormonal balance.
- Hair Health: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect hair. Coconut oil can help maintain hair health.
When selecting coconut oil for pregnancy, it’s essential to choose a high-quality product. Aromahpure’s virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed, retaining all its natural nutrients to deliver maximum benefits.
Best Oils for Belly Button Oiling
- Coconut oil: Cooling, good for Pitta imbalance.
- Sesame oil: Warming, balances Vata and promotes circulation.
- Mustard oil: Detoxifying, improves digestion and joint health.
- Castor oil: Healing, reduces pain and inflammation.
- Pure ghee: Nourishing, rejuvenates tissues and promotes vitality.
- Neem oil: Cleansing, good for acne-prone skin or detox needs.
How to Oil the Belly Button
- Warm 2-3 drops of your chosen oil slightly.
- Lie down comfortably and apply 2 to 3 drops of oil to your belly button. May use a dropper.
- Gently massage in a circular motion for a minute.
- Leave it overnight or for at least 30 minutes before washing off.
Holecek suggests a navel oiling practice like this:
Read also: Coconut for Keto Diet
- Start by lightly stimulating the area (the navel folds) by very gently pinching with your forefinger and thumb.
- After about 15 to 20 seconds of doing this, place 1 to 3 drops of oil into the belly button.
- Place a small ball of cotton or tissue inside the belly button to keep the oil in place for continued absorption and to prevent transfer onto clothes.
It's recommended that you do nabhi chikitsa at bedtime.
Tips for Belly Button Oiling
- Always use pure, cold-pressed oils.
- Perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
- Don’t overdo it. Too much oil can clog pores or feel greasy.
- If your navel’s red or funky, skip it and see a doctor.
My Naval Oiling Experience
As a total beginner, I decided to start with Sky Organics Castor Oil-the first thing I noticed about the golden liquid is that it isn't like other oils that I love (rosehip, jojoba, almond)-it's thicker and stickier. Because of that, a little goes a very long way. It's also a complicated practice because I have very long nails, so the pinching was a bit of a piercing feeling at times… unpleasant, to say the least.
I kept the oil, plus some cotton balls, by my bed every night so I wouldn't forget to do this before bed. What started as just applying a few drops of oil into my belly button turned into a full-on stomach massage each night, something that was super luxurious and effective. I paid attention to the way at which I massaged, paying attention to the lymphatic system and going in a similar circular direction as I do when dry brushing.
By two weeks in, my stomach not only looked and felt better each morning, but the skin looked smoother and more hydrated, too. Better inside and outside?
Addressing Common Concerns
While navel oiling is generally considered safe, it’s essential to address some common concerns:
- Is it scientifically proven? While anecdotal evidence and traditional practices support navel oiling, more scientific research is needed to confirm its benefits.
- Can it improve fertility? Fertility and reproductive health depend on multiple factors, including lifestyle, hormonal health, and underlying medical conditions. While navel oiling may support reproductive health indirectly, it is not a guaranteed solution for fertility issues.
- What if I have an infection? If your navel is red, inflamed, or has discharge, it’s best to consult a doctor instead of attempting navel oiling.