Navel therapy, also known as Pechoti method, is an age-old ayurvedic practice that involves pooling warm oil in the navel cavity for nurturing, detoxifying, and treating various ailments in the body. The centre of the belly buttonhas physical and spiritual significance. Once a gateway to the life-sustaining cord, the belly button (umbilicus) is the focal point to 72,000 veins present in the navel.
The simple act of massaging oil stimulates these nerves, which aids in warding off illnesses and maintaining the proper functioning of the body. The centre of the belly button, also known asManipura Chakra is connected to the central nervous system, thus massaging oil can help to promote clarity of mind, reduces mental pressure, and builds confidence, strength, and compassion. We got in touch with Shreyansh Jain, CEO, Medy365 to elaborate on the traditional method.
According to the traditional system of Indian medicine, nabhi (navel) is the origin of life, connecting the child to the mother before birth and acting as a link to facilitate nutrient flow between their bodies. Since the belly button is the pathway to the body’s extremities, the absorption of oils in the region can reinvigorate skin, balances the digestive system, replenish cells, and renew energy sources, all of which make navel therapy a powerful act of self-care. With the daily practice of navel therapy at night before sleeping, one can achieve plenty of health benefits.
Here are some of the ways navel therapy can lead to your overall well-being of mind and body.
Improves digestive health
Massaging the navel helps to regulate agni (digestive fire) for enhancing digestive abilities, improve regular elimination of waste from the bowel, and relieve uneasiness and digestive troubles associated with gas and bloating. A properly functioning gastrointestinal tract helps to manage weight and reduce inflammation in the body.
Oils to use: Mustard oil or ginger oil
Boosts fertility
Regular application of warm oil in the belly button can help to improve sperm count and mobility in males and enhances fertility in females along with strengthening the reproductive system. Also, females can alleviate cramps and pain during the menstruation period with the help of navel therapy as it relaxes the veins around the uterine lining.
Oils to use: Coconut oil or olive oil
Improves vision
The belly button has a direct link to the veins that reach up to the eyes. Stimulating those veins with navel therapy can lead to better vision, reduce the puffiness around the eyes, and also lessens pigmentation. Applying oil to the belly button can lubricate eyes and prevent them from excessive dryness responsible for poor eyesight.
Oils to use: Almond oil or mustard oil
Maintains skin health
Massaging the belly button with essential oils can have astounding benefits for the skin. If you want to reduce pigmentation, prevent excessive dryness, enhance skin texture, maintain hydration, and desire a natural glow on the skin, then do the simple trick of navel therapy. Oiling can also help to purify the blood to prevent the occurrence of acne due to hormonal problems and also remove blemishes from the body.
Oils to use: Neem oil, olive oil, almond oil, mustard oil, tea tree oil, lemon essential oil, or rosehip oil
Relieves joint pain
People suffering from body ache due to wrong body posture, medical condition, or muscle tension can opt for navel therapy to find pain relief, reduce inflammation, and muscle relaxation.
Oils to use: Sesame oil, castor oil, or rosemary oil
Navel therapy, also referred to as the Pechoti method, encompasses a holistic practice deeply rooted in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal system. Its principles revolve around nurturing and detoxifying the body through warm oil application in the navel cavity. This technique harnesses the physical and spiritual significance of the belly button, known as the Manipura Chakra in Ayurveda, believed to connect to the central nervous system via 72,000 veins.
As someone deeply versed in Ayurveda and alternative therapies, I can attest to the foundational belief that the navel serves as a vital point for various bodily functions. Massaging the navel with specific oils stimulates nerves connected to this region, contributing to overall well-being by enhancing bodily functions and potentially addressing specific ailments. The efficacy of this practice lies in its ability to influence digestion, reproductive health, vision, skin condition, and even joint pain.
Digestive Health: The practice of navel therapy facilitates improved digestion by regulating the digestive fire or "agni," aiding in regular bowel movements, and relieving discomfort associated with gas and bloating. Mustard oil or ginger oil, known for their digestive properties, are commonly recommended for this purpose.
Fertility Enhancement: For both men and women, regular application of warm oils in the navel can positively impact fertility by enhancing sperm count and mobility in men and aiding in relaxing veins around the uterine lining for women. Coconut oil or olive oil are suggested for fertility-related navel therapy due to their nourishing properties.
Vision Improvement: The navel is believed to have a direct link to veins reaching the eyes. Stimulating these veins through navel therapy with oils like almond oil or mustard oil can potentially improve vision, reduce eye puffiness, and alleviate dryness contributing to poor eyesight.
Skin Care: Navel therapy with essential oils offers remarkable benefits for the skin, aiding in reducing pigmentation, maintaining hydration, improving texture, and even addressing acne caused by hormonal imbalances. Various oils such as neem oil, olive oil, almond oil, mustard oil, tea tree oil, lemon essential oil, or rosehip oil are recommended depending on the specific skin concern.
Joint Pain Relief: Individuals experiencing joint pain due to various reasons like posture issues or muscle tension may find relief through navel therapy. Oils like sesame oil, castor oil, or rosemary oil, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, are commonly suggested for alleviating joint discomfort.
The depth of understanding and practical application of these therapies within Ayurveda and alternative medicine has demonstrated their potential to enhance overall well-being when practiced consistently and mindfully.
