Applying oil to the belly button is an age-old process. It has multiple health benefits. In ancient time, Ayurvedic experts practiced this method to get optimum relief from various ailments.
In Ayurveda, this is known as Nabhi Chikitsa.Nabhi means belly button in Sanskrit. This secret spot on the body can effectively cure daily health problems.
You can apply natural oils like coconut oil or avocado oil on your belly button. The technique should be practiced daily to yield maximum benefits. If you want to explore the benefits of applying oil on the belly button in detail, read the below article.
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Massaging Belly Button With Oil
1. Relief From Menstrual Pain
Massaging the belly button helps to relieve menstrual cramps and pain. It works by relaxing the abdominal muscles and soothing the discomfort caused due to uterine contraction. More off, the pain is relieved due to the antioxidant properties of the oil.
2. Relieves Stomach Ache
Massaging your belly button can alleviate stomach pain. It works by releasing the pressure off the belly area. It can cure symptoms like indigestion, food poisoning, nausea, gastritis, bloating, and diarrhea.
For people with regular gastric issues, this remedy works wonders. The best oils that work best to release stomach ache are peppermint and ginger essential oil. They have loads of pain relieving properties.
3. Improves Fertility
We all know the belly button is related to fertility. It is belly button of the babies to which the umbilical cord is connected and its the means of connecting babies to their mother in the womb. Massaging belly button improves fertility in men and women both.
The remedy works by promoting relaxation of the uterine and abdominal muscles, protecting the sperm inside the tube for fertilization, enhancing the sperm motility and count, and treating menstrual issues like irregular periods. Not only this, it will regulate your hormone too and increase your chance of conceiving.
4. Cures Infection
The belly button is a very sensitive organ of the body which should be kept clean all the time. Sometimes, it gets dirty due to building up of bacteria and fungi.
Moreoff, if it remains moist for a long time it can easily become infected. An infection might also develop when you cut or injure it and it does not heal on its own.
Massaging the belly button with the right oil can kill the infection. The best oils for this purpose is tea tree oil, coconut oil, and eucalyptus oil. These oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties that effectively kill the bacteria.
Another good option for the same is mustard oil which has microorganisms fighting abilities. If you have an infection in the belly button, massage it twice with an essential oil daily. Be gentle while massaging and you the pure form only.
5. Moisturizes Skin And Lips
You will be amazed to know by just massaging your belly button every day, you cant get soft, supple, and glowing skin.
This trick was used in ancient times by the queen to keep their skin glowing. Not only this, it also delays aging. You can use almond oil, coconut oil, lavender oil for this purpose.
6. Improves Eyesight
If you suffer from poor eyesight, you should surely try this remedy. Massage your belly button with any pure oil to improve your eyesight.
Ayurvedic Nabhi Chikatsa
Nabhi Chikatsa is one of the effective treatment in Ayurveda wherein especial ayurvedic medicines and oils are massaged on the belly to cure multiple ailments. This treatment is practiced in various parts of India.
As per Ayurveda navel is the sira mula that is the root of the existence of all veins of the body. We do not see any veins or blood vessels from the navel but the sir mula is described relating to the fetal circulation.
It is the umbilical cord coming from the fetus’s navel and from here all the blood and nutrients are passed from the mother to fetus.
It is because of these reasons Ayurveda believes the belly button as the root of existence. Any disturbances in the fetal circulation cause birth defects.
How Is Nabhi Chikatsa Done?
Nabhi Chikatsa is done in three ways in Ayurveda.
The ways are explained below:
1. Nabhi Purana
In this treatment method, the navel is filled with medicated oils. A few of the medicated oils used in this are Hingu Triguna, Brihat Masha Taila, etc.
The oil is added drop by drop in the navel until the pit gets filled with oil. The treatment is done empty stomach only, it is avoided after eating food. Lukewarm oil is used for this treatment.
The oil is poured slowly with a dropper in the navel. The oil is kept in the navel for around 45 minutes. During this time, the person is not allowed to make any movements. However, the duration of it depends on the condition of the diseased person and the level of disease.
This technique is used for relieving painful conditions like colic pain, uterine pain, painful urination, menstrual pain, and bloating. It also cures digestive issues like severe gastritis, bloating, indigestion, and anorexia.
2. Nabhi Basti
In this treatment method, medicated oils are poured on the navel inside a cabin made of flour. The cabin circles the navel.
The oil is kept in this cabin for 20 minutes or more based on the type and severity of the disease. Before pouring the oil, the abdomen is gently massaged with herbal oils.
Lukewarm oil is used for this treatment. The treatment is done not only by the contact of oil but also by the pressure.
Nabhi Basti is an effective technique to enhance digestion and absorption. In addition to it, it also relieves the digestive issues like an irritable bowel movement, bloating, low appetite, constipation, and any other abdominal issues.
3. Nabhi Lepa
In this treatment method, a paste is made of herbs. This paste is applied to the umbilical region. The paste can be kept on the navel for 20-30 minutes or more depending on the severity of the condition. The paste is applied 1.5cm from the navel region.
The treatment solves metabolic problems and enhances digestion rate.
Oils Used For Massaging Belly Button(Nabhi Chikitsa)
You can use any natural oil to massage the belly button.
However, the most common oils used for massaging belly button are:
1.Coconut Oil
2.Avocado Oil
3.Almond Oil
4.Olive Oil
5.Neem Oil
6.Lemon Oil
7.Peppermint Oil
8.Ginger Oil
9.Sage Oil
10.Tea Tree Oil
All these oil works, in the same way, to give you maximum health benefits. You can use them as per availability and choice. However, for the best results, you should use them on a regular basis.
How To Massage Belly Button With Oil?
You should massage your belly button at night daily to get desired health benefits.
Down below is a guideline on how to massage your belly button with oil.
1. Take some cotton and a small bowl of oil(whichever you want).
2. Prepare a medium-size cotton ball.
3. Dip the cotton in the oil.
4. Place the soaked cotton ball on the belly button for a while.
5. Next, massage your belly button for good 15 minutes. Massage in circular motions slowly and gently.
When Should You Massage Your Belly?
You can massage your belly button at any time you want. However, prefer massaging it half an hour before taking a bath or before going to bed. So that you can wash in the morning when taking a bath.
Nevertheless, you should do it regularly to get maximum benefits. Be cautious to use pure oil for massaging.
The procedure does not have any side effects, but in case you face any signs of discomfort immediately stop the use and consult the doctor if required.
Final Talk
Massaging belly button is a very effective treatment for various body ailments but when followed correctly using the right oil. You can carry it out without a second thought as it does not have any side effects.
Also, Read
Why Ayurvedic Oil Pulling Is Best Way To Detoxify Your Body?
Oiling Nose (Ayurveda Nasya): Benefits, Uses, How To Do It
