Did you know that there are people out there in this world who ‘oil’ their belly buttons? While dangerous when done wrong, this is thought by many to be a method of healing on lots of levels.
Many people believe that the different oils you use within your belly button can help heal you from what ails you and while some of these things sound outlandish, it is something that has been done for a very long time now. That having been said, you can’t put just any oil into your belly button. When it comes to using oils at all you should be sure you’re not allergic and dilute them drastically before putting them to use.
HarpersBazaar wrote as follows on this topic:
Well, that last one isn’t as strange as it sounds. In ancient India, for instance, oiling one’s abdomen was a totally normal, not-at-all weird thing to do. “Ayurveda refers to this practice in Bhavaprakasha, a text written in the 15th century, in which a dam of amalaki paste is created around the navel and filled with ginger juice,” says Sahara Rose, author of and host of the Highest Self Podcast. Followers of Ayurveda consider the belly button a mahamani, or “great marma,” or vital energy point—pick your preferred terminology. The point is, it’s a pretty magical spot. Magical enough to maybe even make your skin glow.
To back up a bit: If the word “Ayurveda” sounds familiar, it’s because the Eastern holistic healing system—often referred to as the sister science of yoga—has been working its way west for years. It’s responsible for many of the self-care rituals Stateside wellness devotees hold dear: dry brushing, oil pulling, tongue scraping. Navel oiling, traditionally known as nabhi chikitsa, officially joins the list with the launch of UMA Oils’ Beauty Boosting Navel Therapy Oil, a blend that claims to moisturize lips and skin from the inside out.
Before you scoff, there is some science behind the stomach-skin connection (albeit, science shrouded in symbolism). “In Ayurvedic tradition, the navel represents the origin of life, linking mother and child before birth and providing a hub for nutrients to flow between their bodies,” Shrankhla Holecek, an Ayurvedic expert and the founder of UMA Oils, tells BAZAAR.com. “The philosophy of nabhi chikitsa tells us that the body’s center continues to serve as a foundation for balance in adulthood, because of its richness in blood vessels and pathways to the body’s extremities.” The idea is that once inserted into the navel, oil is easily absorbed and effortlessly distributed throughout the body, thanks to through lines formed in its umbilical cord heyday.
This checks out, to an extent. Studies have shown “systemic bioavailability of medications via navel administration,” Nadia Musavvir, ND, notes—in layman’s terms, real results from navel-loaded nutrients. The question is: Can said results really reach your face?
“The idea is that once inserted into the navel, oil is easily absorbed and effortlessly distributed throughout the body, thanks to through lines formed in its umbilical cord heyday.”
“Theoretically, yes,” Musavvir says. “The effect would be more indirect, and it depends on the oil.” She points to castor oil as a promising option (a star ingredient in UMA’s belly oil). “It provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits when applied topically,” the naturopath says, “all of which, transdermally, could provide the same effects to the skin,” Holecek adds that customers can expect increased moisture, decreased acne, and a strengthened skin barrier too; via mustard oil, neem oil, and tea tree essential oil.
This going over the potential benefits of applying certain oils to your belly button in order to help clear up blemishes on your skin. However, that’s not the only use many seem to tout. The Cosmopolitan even wrote about this interesting means of healing and within their article, they went over 8 different things you can do with oils and your belly button. For instance, almond oil might make your face glow brighter and mustard oil might get rid of chapped lips.
The Cosmopolitan went on to note that coconut oil or olive oil could improve fertility, alcohol could help cure a cold, and that even using clarified butter in your belly button could help soften your skin overall. I know, this might sound a bit out there but you’d be surprised at just how many people are doing this in the world today. Naval therapy might not be for everyone but it does seem to be the way for many.
The more you research this kind of thing the more you will learn in regard to which oils should be used for which issues and other things of the sort. There is an oil for almost everything and while most are used to help the skin, some are even used to get rid of cramps. To learn more about this concept please check out the video below. This in itself is quite interesting whether you think it’s for you or not.
While I may never try this personally, it does seem to be useful to some people. Have you ever done belly button therapy in this sense and did it work for you? What oil do you think would be best when used in this manner?