Navel Oiling: Why People Are Oiling Their Belly Buttons

Is navel oiling really a thing? Are people really putting castor oil in their belly button before bed? You may be rolling your eyes at the thought of adding another task to your beauty routine, and something that seems so petty like oiling your belly button, but there’s actually a good amount of beauty and health benefits that you may be missing out on,

But navel oiling isn’t some new age, Tik Tok trend that seems to come and go like the Kylie lip challenge or like when everyone was shining their noses. It’s actually an ancient, Ayurvedic practice that has recently re-surged in popularity for those interested in home remedies.

What is Navel Oiling?

Navel oiling, more formally known as Nabhi Chakra, is an Indian Ayurvedic practice where oil is applied to the belly button, or your navel. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the navel is considered an important energy point connected to various organs and systems in the body. This practice is believed to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body.

Navel Oiling Benefits

Improved Digestion: Ayurvedic practitioners suggest that navel oiling can help improve your digestion by promoting the health of the digestive organs. Massaging the belly button with specific oils may help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion.

Skin Radiance: Advocates of navel oiling claim that regular application can give you radiant and glowing skin. The navel is believed to be connected to the blood vessels, and applying nourishing oils may improve blood circulation, thus enhancing skin health.

Stress Reduction: The abdomen is considered a stress-prone area, and massaging the navel with oils is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. This, in turn, may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Balanced Menstrual Cycles: According to certain holistic wellness communities, massaging the navel area with oils can influence hormonal levels, helping to alleviate bloating and promoting a more regular menstrual cycle.

Stomach Ache Aid: While some might dismiss it as an old wives’ tale, the belief persists that massaging oil into the navel can provide relief from stomach aches, pains, and even constipation. It’s been a common, go-to remedy in many Indian households.

Best Oils for Belly Button

While castor oil is a popular choice for navel oiling, other oils are also recommended for their unique properties. Let’s explore the best oils for this ancient practice:

Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the top choices for navel oiling, valued for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This age-old ingredient is thought to stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification and providing potential relief for digestive issues. Castor oil’s application to the belly button isn’t just about the inside – there’s skin benefits as well. It’s often used as a moisturizer, conditioner, soothing sunburn, acne irritation, and more.

Recommend on Amazon: Handcraft Blends Organic Castor Oil

Olive Oil

As a natural moisturizer, olive oil dives deep into the skin, providing hydration and leaving it feeling soft and supple. Its antioxidant-rich composition helps combat free radicals, potentially slowing down the aging process and promoting a youthful complexion. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe redness and promoting an even skin tone. When gently massaged onto the belly button, olive oil is believed to soothe digestive woes, potentially easing bloating and discomfort. It’s safe for sensitive skin and gives instant hydration, leaving a subtle glow to your skin.

Recommend on Amazon: Tropical Holistic Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural emollient, leaving skin with intense moisture and long lasting suppleness. Packed with medium-chain fatty acids, it becomes a potent ally in supporting skin health. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil offer a protective shield, helping to fend off unwanted bacteria and promoting a clear complexion. Internally, when applied to the belly button, coconut oil is believed to have a calming effect on the digestive system, potentially easing discomfort. With its versatile benefits ranging from hair care to oral health, coconut oil stands as a holistic elixir that smells and tastes great too.

Recommend on Amazon: NOW Solutions, Liquid Coconut Oil

Almond Oil

Celebrated for its lightweight texture, almond oil makes for an excellent natural moisturizer, seeping into the skin effortlessly and leaving it feeling nourished. Rich in vitamin E, it becomes a guardian against oxidative stress, potentially reducing signs of aging and contributing to a youthful glow. It’s believed that rubbing almond oil can help alleviate many discomfort, stomach pains, digestive issues, and more. Its hypoallergenic nature makes it a safe bet for sensitive skin, ensuring hydration without irritation.

Recommend on Amazon: MAJESTIC PURE Sweet Almond Oil

Sesame Oil

In Ayurveda, sesame oil is valued for its natural warming and moisturizing properties. It is believed to balance the doshas and promote overall well-being. Its anti-inflammatory properties extend a soothing touch to irritated skin, making it valuable for various skin conditions. It’s a potent, natural remedy for sensitive, dry, or inflamed skin. Rubbing sesame oil to the navel takes on a holistic role, connecting with the body’s energy centers and potentially fostering equilibrium, especially in alleviating digestive discomfort and stomach cramps.

Recommend on Amazon: Banyan Botanicals Organic & Unrefined Ayurvedic Sesame Oil

Ghee

If you don’t have oil around, another common household ingredient that’s commonly used for navel oiling in Indian households is ghee. Ghee is packed with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, potentially reducing signs of aging and promoting a natural glow. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a soothing balm for irritated skin, offering relief from dryness and sensitivity. It is said that rubbing ghee on your navel can help with digestion as well as overall skin benefits, promoting more youthful, glowing skin and helping with skin renewal to get rid of blemishes and acne.

Recommend on Amazon: 4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee

How to Apply Castor Oil to Belly Button

If you’re intrigued by the potential benefits of navel oiling and are considering trying it for yourself, castor oil is a popular choice. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply castor oil to the belly button:

Choose High-Quality Castor Oil: Opt for cold-pressed, organic castor oil. Its purity ensures that you receive maximum benefits without harmful additives.
Prepare a Comfortable Space: Find a comfortable and quiet space where you can relax during the application process.
Cleanse Your Belly Button: Before applying oil, make sure your belly button is clean. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water.
Warm the Castor Oil: To enhance absorption, warm the castor oil slightly. You can do this by placing the bottle in warm water for a few minutes.
Apply a Few Drops: Using a dropper or your fingertips, apply a few drops of castor oil to your belly button. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed.
Massage Clockwise: Massage the oil into your belly button in a clockwise motion. This is believed to align with the natural flow of your digestive system.
Relax and Let it Absorb: Lie down and relax for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the oil to be absorbed. You can cover the area with a warm cloth to enhance the experience.

Risks of Navel Oiling

While navel oiling is generally considered safe for most individuals, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and considerations:

Allergic Reactions: Individuals with allergies to specific oils should exercise caution and perform a patch test before applying any oil to the belly button.
Skin Irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or redness, especially if using oils with strong properties. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider before engaging in navel oiling, as some oils may not be suitable during pregnancy.
Infections: Applying oil to an unclean belly button can potentially lead to infections. Ensure that the area is clean before each application.

What Chakras is The Navel Associated With?

In various holistic and spiritual traditions, the navel area is often associated with the third chakra, known as the Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura. Chakras are believed to be energy points in the body, especially in Hinduism and the wider New Age movement.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is located in the upper part of the abdomen, around the navel and solar plexus area. It is believed to serve as the hub for personal power, self-confidence, and emotional processing.

When practicing navel oiling or other related holistic rituals, some individuals may focus on the Solar Plexus Chakra to promote balance and well-being in these associated areas of life. Techniques such as meditation, navel oiling,energy healing, or specific yoga poses are often used to work with and balance the energy of the Solar Plexus Chakra.

More Ways To Use Oil To Benefit Your Health and Beauty

Facial Elixir: Contrary to common beliefs, facial oils like argan, rosehip, or jojoba can nourish your skin without leaving it greasy. Incorporate a few drops into your post-cleanse routine for improved hydration and a subtle, natural glow.

Hair Rehab: Combat lackluster hair with the aid of hair oils such as coconut or Moroccan oil. Utilize them in pre-shampoo massages or as overnight treatments to rejuvenate and revitalize your locks.

Stress Alleviation: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can be instrumental in creating a calming environment. Whether diffused, rolled on, or added to a bath, they offer potential relief from the stresses of daily life.

Skin’s Embrace: Body oils are effective in maintaining skin hydration and promoting a healthy glow. Consider incorporating self-massage into your routine as a means of self-care for your body’s largest organ.

Nail Health: Don’t overlook the power of cuticle oils for nail health. Keeping cuticles hydrated can contribute to stronger and healthier nails.

Oil Pulling: For oral health enthusiasts, oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil is a practice believed to detoxify, whiten teeth, and support gum health. Although unconventional, some find it beneficial.

Best Natural Oils For Skin

Handcraft Blends Organic Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Handcraft Blends Organic Castor Oil for Hair Growth is a pure, natural, and hexane-free oil that keeps skin moisturized, reducing blemishes, acne, pimples, scars, and fine lines, thanks to its thick and moisturizing fatty acids. It’s also commonly used to help with dry hair, dandruff, and hair loss.

Tropical Holistic Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil

Tropical Holistic Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil is a nourishing extra virgin organic olive oil, sourced from top-quality olives. This cold-pressed and unrefined oil is a natural and organic solution for all your skincare, haircare, and baby care needs. Cold pressing ensures maximum purity and effectiveness, making it an ideal face moisturizer or treatment for dry scalp.

NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil

NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil is a versatile and lightweight cosmetic oil designed to promote healthy-looking skin. Ideal for dry skin or hair in need of thorough moisturization, this fractionated coconut oil is colorless and odorless with a smooth, non-greasy texture, ensuring easy absorption without clogging pores. It’s perfect for a variety of personal care applications, including use as a carrier oil for essential oils, massage therapy, or as a base for handmade skincare products.

MAJESTIC PURE Sweet Almond Oil

MAJESTIC PURE Sweet Almond Oil is a premium-quality super triple A grade oil that stands out for its purity and therapeutic grade. Sourced from sweet Spanish almonds and cold-pressed, this oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, ensuring quick absorption and deep penetration for nourishing and hydrating the skin. Besides its skincare benefits, the oil’s high protein levels make it an excellent ointment for protein-rich hair, offering a versatile solution for comprehensive skin and hair care.

Banyan Botanicals Organic & Unrefined Ayurvedic Sesame Oil

Banyan Botanicals Organic & Unrefined Ayurvedic Sesame Oil’s versatility extends from head to toe, benefiting the skin, scalp, hair, ears, lips, gums, teeth, and feet. Its remarkable ability to easily absorb into the skin makes it an ideal choice for self-massage, a key practice in Ayurveda known as abhyanga, offering luxurious and nurturing benefits. Certified organic and unrefined, this golden oil is extracted using a chemical-free, natural expeller pressed method, preserving its maximum benefits and unique scent.

4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee

4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee is a versatile ghee that’s a great alternative to butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. It fits seamlessly into various diets, being certified Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Ayurvedic, Whole 30, and FODMAP friendly. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, and antibiotic/hormone-free New Zealand cows, this lactose-free ghee guarantees top-notch quality. Made the traditional way, it remains spreadable at room temperature, with no need for refrigeration.

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Spacey Chan