The practice of applying oil to the navel, a technique rooted in Ayurveda, has been used for centuries to address various health issues. This article will explore the benefits of this ancient practice, the correct method of application, and who should avoid it.
Understanding the Navel’s Significance
Contrary to the belief that the navel is merely a scar left by the umbilical cord, it is actually a vital point in our body. The navel is the convergence point of 72,000 subtle energy channels.
Therefore, oiling the navel can provide benefits throughout the body. Ayurveda identifies the belly button as the Sadyopranhar Marma point, a vital area where even a minor impact can be life-threatening.
Just as nourishing a plant’s roots benefits the entire plant, the navel, being the root of our body, can influence our overall health when properly cared for.
Maharishi Patanjali referred to the navel as the gateway to the body’s secrets, which is why Ayurveda recommends using different oils in the navel to address various health issues.
4 Remarkable Benefits of Navel Oiling
Skin Health:
Before the advent of lip balms and body lotions, our ancestors discovered that applying a few drops of mustard oil in the navel could alleviate dry skin and chapped lips.
Regularly oiling the navel can moisturize the deepest layers of the skin, preventing chapped lips and promoting soft, pinkish lips.
For a radiant complexion, use sweet almond oil, which is rich in Vitamin E. According to Ayurveda, applying just two drops of neem oil in the navel can help alleviate skin problems like pimples, rashes, and itching.
Digestive Health:
About 40% of the body’s total blood is in the abdominal area. Oiling the navel can help circulate this blood. If you suffer from gas or a bloated stomach, try oiling the navel with sesame oil.
For acidity and IBS, coconut oil is recommended. The small intestine is directly stimulated when you press your belly button, which is why navel oiling can act as a remedy for constipation.
In this regard, castor oil is highly effective.
Brain Health:
Did you know that 95% of the “feel good hormone” serotonin is produced in your navel region? You may have noticed that after hearing bad news, you almost instantly feel discomfort in your belly area.
This is due to the strong brain-gut connection, which is why the navel is often referred to as your second brain.
If you want a natural dose of serotonin, start oiling your belly button with desi cow ghee (clarified butter) or brahmi oil. It stimulates the enteric nervous system, which can help alleviate anxiety, mood swings, and depressive tendencies.
Pain Relief:
If you experience menstrual cramps or chronic pain in any part of the body, oiling the navel with mustard oil can help relieve tension and inflammation.
In fact, navel oiling can also help with lower body problems like urinary disorders, endometriosis, and even enhance sexual strength.
How and When to Oil the Navel for Maximum Benefits
The most practical time for navel oiling is in the morning after taking a bath. Simply take a few drops of the oil and using your ring finger, apply it inside your navel in a circular motion.
Gently massage the area around the navel. Another suitable time for navel oiling is just before going to sleep at night.
You can keep a dropper bottle near your bed, lie down, and drop in a couple of drops. Massage gently and sleep well.
The Cotton Navel Connection Revealed!
You may have noticed a small piece of cotton inside your navel. This is simply the cotton fibers sucked by your navel from your vest.
This is proof of your navel’s strong absorption quality. Due to this strong absorption quality, different herbal pastes, concoctions, and oils have been used for different health problems in Ayurveda.
Navel Oiling for Daily Problems
For eye-related problems like weak eyesight and dry eyes, sweet almond oil is used as it is exceptionally high in retinol, vitamin E, and K that soothes the inner walls of the eyes, providing the much-needed lubrication.
If you have a low sperm count, use desi cow ghee for navel oiling, which has been scientifically proven to fight the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that damage sperms.
If you want to grow your hair faster, oiling your navel with castor oil will greatly help you. If you wish to boost your sex power, pure sesame oil, being high in Zinc, is the right choice.
For problems like sinus, asthma, and obesity, heating oil like mustard will be most beneficial. Just make sure that the oil used for navel oiling is pure, without any fillers or artificial fragrance.
When Should You Avoid Oiling the Navel?
Navel oiling should be avoided if you have a hernia, if you are suffering from serious stomach ulcers, and if you are pregnant. For all others, navel oiling is not only safe but is highly beneficial.
Even if you are skeptical about it, give it a try and oil your navel continuously for 21 days. Ayurvedic scriptures assure that spending just 15 seconds on this simple thing will surprise you in more ways than you thought.
Just like you brush your teeth, make navel oiling a part of your daily routine, and it will subtly help you in many ways.
Final Thoughts
The practice of oiling the navel is a simple yet powerful technique that can provide numerous health benefits.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skin health, enhance your digestion, boost your mood, or relieve pain, oiling the navel can be a beneficial addition to your daily routine.
So why not give it a try and experience the benefits for yourself?
Disclaimer:
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine with a long history of use. However, many Ayurvedic practices lack clinical trials or rigorous scientific data to support their efficacy. The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness and may not be suitable for treating specific medical conditions. Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or licensed healthcare professional before implementing any Ayurvedic practices.
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