Navel Oiling Therapy Decoded: Everything you need to know about this Ayurvedic Ritual

Are you guilty of not giving enough time to your self-care routine, even amidst a lockdown? Well, we believe you. It happens. One day we are stuffing our self-care bucket with what not, and on other days we are just so lazy!

Are you still scared to visit a salon? Or would you just prefer a natural remedy that is easy-peasy and works wonders for your skin and hair? Well, we have got you all covered.

Do you remember how our mothers used to put oil inside our belly buttons and massage it when we were toddlers? Ever wondered why they did so?

Everyone seems to be jumping on the Ayurvedic wagon of beauty, self-care and rightly so! If we tell you, you can take care of your skin by just applying different oils in your navel, would you believe us? Read on.

Nabhi Chikitsta Decoded

NAVEL/ BELLY BUTTON OILING is an ancient practice in Ayurveda called as Nabhi Chikitsa. Before you think that we are just talking old school, let us tell you that there is a scientific logic behind the skin-stomach relation. An unborn baby’s navel is connected to the mother’s placenta through which all the nutrients pass. Even after the child is born, the navel is the central point of the energy and is connected to multiple veins in the body and if taken care of, it is powerful enough to make your skin and hair issues go away. The oil once inserted in the belly, is easily absorbed and evenly distributed inside the body through the multiple connecting veins.

Beauty with benefits (numerous)

This Ayurvedic treatment focuses on applying certain oils on the navel according to the concern which will balance all the chakras and improve the overall health. This wisdom has been passed in Indian families through generations. You must have heard your grandmother suggesting you to apply Hing (Asafoetida) as a cure to your stomach pain. Well, we truly believe that outer beauty comes from within and it’s about time we return to our roots.

Girlfriends, hold on before you shell out your money on expensive products and spa treatments, check out this humble Dadi-Nani Nuska.

A ninety seconds routine! Promise, it won’t require a lot of effort.

All you have to do is apply 2 drops oil on your navel after taking bath in morning or before sleeping (definitely more effective) and allow it to penetrate inside by massaging your belly for a minute or two.

Do you want to know the magic of different oils when applied to your belly?

1) GHEE for a butter-smooth skin

Ghee is the new gold. It is genuinely a one stop solution for all your problems. Do you want your skin to become as soft and smooth as butter? How about literally putting white clarified butter to your navel? When applied, can work wonders for your overall health and boosts immunity. It will keep your skin soft and hydrated. It also works to curing constipation by making your digestive system strong.

We would suggest you all to use home-made, pure ghee. Learn how to make one, if you don’t know already.

2) MUSTARD OIL for those dry lips

Dry and chapped lips are a big turn off. Up your game by using Mustard Oil and trust me it will give a run to all your MAC and Huda Beauty lipsticks. Give your Navel a soft massage with Mustard oil before sleeping and you will thank us later. We can’t emphasise enough on how effective this remedy is to deal with dry and chapped lips.

3) COCONUT OIL for your reproductive health

If you have a very dry skin, apply coconut oil for the perfect nourishment. It will leave your skin baby soft, also helps with improving eyesight and if mixed with peppermint oil works great to reduce menstrual cramps (hear me out, friends). This will relax your uterine lining and soothe your cramps (We are crushing over this Period Comforter by Hibiscus Monkey, a blend of four essential oils). Regular application of the oil will ensure good internal organ health.

4) ALMOND OIL for glow

A rich source of Vitamin E and Vitamin A, it helps in reviving dull & tired skin and protects your skin with UV radiation. If you want a spotless face with glowing skin, you should befriend the almond oil.

If you experience dark circles due to longer screen hours or lack of sleep, almond oil is your ultimate savoir. Hamdard Rogan Badam Shirin makes for a pretty good almond oil.

5) OLIVE OIL for pain relief

Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties which keeps the skin bright and healthy. If use experience immense joint pain, apply olive oil to your navel.

6) NEEM OIL for troublesome acne

Do you want to bid farewell to those annoying acne on your face?

Application of neem oil can help you get rid of acne, pimples and blemishes. Ladies, if you

are facing hair fall in this monsoon season, we would suggest giving neem oil a try.

Kama Ayurveda has the best Neem Oil, do check it out.

A Word of caution- before applying any oil to your navel, be sure that you are not allergic to it. Do a little massage around your belly when you apply, but don’t press it too hard also. Most importantly, even after following all the natural remedies the problem exists, don’t shy away from consulting an expert.

This article is in collaboration with Juhi Mittal of @escapingthemonotony.