The navel oiling or the navel therapy is a vastly widespread practice that people of different cultures have used for centuries. This technique is all about rubbing the umbilical (belly button area) with both natural and sometimes essential oils that are diluted with carrier oil, for example, coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. Supporters of belly oiling think it may give a nudge for one’s body to take up the healing processes and advocate generally overall body’s wellbeing by influencing the belly, regarded as an energetic centre that is connected to the organs in the body.
Symbolically, the umbilical cord is endowed with a specific meaning in some societies. In Ayurveda, a historic ancient Indian system of medicine, navel or abdomen is thought to be a vital energy central point called nabhi which is regarded as a specific location where a diverse number of energy channels (referred to as nadis) cross each other. It is believed that these nadis link our analogous to the navel and different organs and systems throughout the body. Practitioners of the Ayurveda are known to stimulate the navel point by massage for the navel is thought to affect the energy flow through these channels in a way that brings balance and health.
Origins and Beliefs
In Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical science developed during the period more than 3 millennia, navel (nabhi) is regarded as the most essential place in the body. The life-giving energy of prana is said to come from it. This energy runs through the veins of our body and imparts vitality to every cell. Meaning, the navel is referred to as a general connecting point for the 72000 nadis, which sincerely are prana’s energy channels that are thought to flow top to bottom through the body. Linking umbilical level with different organs and systems, these nadis work out the effect of these organs and system functionality. Through oil massage in the navel region, the Ayurvedic practitioners believe that this helps to regulate prana flow at the nadis level that is necessary for the maintenance of balance of the system, which in turn ensures health and wellness.
Claimed Benefits of Naval Oiling
Proponents of navel oiling believe it can help with a variety of issues, including:
- Digestion: With the help of selecting the particular oil, they use for massaging the navel, some practitioners say, the digestive system can be stimulated and so it may improve the situation with constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is hypothesized that this the mechanism of massage relieves the gastric and bile juices, which ensures smooth digestion will be carried out.
- Stress and anxiety: In current times women have embraced the age old technique of massaging navel with soothing essential oils such as lavender oil which remains an effective method of relieving stress. Researchers believe that massage facilitates the network of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the spent state of the body.
- Skin health: During an application using olive oil which contains antioxidants and fatty acids, skin health is likely to improve. Hydration and the reduction of inflammation are key factors that are facilitated by olive oil. Others assume that with time it may even be able to improve dermatological conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
- Hair growth: The navel, in turn, is involved to a web of vessels over the body. Those give supporters of navel oiling an idea that applying oils, such as coconut oil and castor oil, rich sources of nutrients may improve the quality and thickness of hair growth by nourishment the hair follicles.
- Reproductive health: Whether it is through sampling the belly button using essential oils like clary sage or rosehip oil or just through visual appreciation, many practitioners believe that this will be instrumental in improving reproductive health for both men and women. The suggestion is that these oils are able to facilitate certain physiological processes such as modulating hormones, improving the blood circulation to the reproductive organs, and eventually have a positive impact on fertility. While there’s too little research to substantiate this argument in general.
- Joint pain: Particular oils such as castor oil and rosemary oil are used for oiling some wounds since it is thought to possess anti-inflammatory characteristics. The supporters of navel oiling are of the opinion that it is possible to alleviate your joint inflammation and pain if you use the oils to perform massages on the belly button.
- Dry eyes: Although the exact reason of it in unclear, people who massage eyes with coconut oil think that it helps in the treatment of dry eyes. The hypothesis is that it enhances the flow of blood to the eye vein and promotes nourishment.
What Science Says
Worthy of note is that at the moment there is not enough scientific evidence on the profitability of naval oiling to those diseases. Although a number of studies have discovered that inhaling essential oils and pressing on particular points on the body have a positive impact on relaxation, stress reduction and pain management, the research on necessarily administering saturnine to the body by absorption into the bloodstream is unsuccessful. But for the claims about navel oiling and their effect on different health problems to be proven true, it is the aircraft carriers that carry out more detailed clinical trials. Such investigations would not only examine efficacy but also associate possible risks, side-effects, and interactions with drugs. Such medicines may be absorbed through the skin, and essential oils which, of course, are usually very strong. It is critical to recognize the interactions effects for the sake of safety.
As well in the investigation, spectrum of navel oiling’s mechanisms on wellness should be investigated. Those who support the technique argue that it makes us absorb nutrients from the oils right through our navel, further transfering to different organs and systems of our body. On the other hand, more findings should be gathered in order to provide a better proof for this theory. Moreover, the advantages upon the body from the application of navel oil can as well be the case of massage involved as it helps to relax as well as improve circulation.
Safety Considerations:
- Consult a doctor before using navel oiling, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
- Use only high-quality carrier oils or essential oils diluted in a carrier oil.
- Do a patch test on your forearm before applying oil to your navel to check for allergies.
- Avoid using essential oils directly on your skin, as they can be irritating.
- Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or irritation.
Conclusion:
Navel oiling is a traditional practice with interesting claims. However, more research is required to understand its effectiveness and safety. It’s crucial to consult a doctor before using it, especially if you have any health concerns.