Nabhi Chikitsa – Ancient Ayurvedic Practice for Balance

• 03.03.2025
• 829 views

In a world where we increasingly turn to natural healing methods, an ancient Ayurvedic ritual is slowly winning over holistic health enthusiasts. Nabhi Chikitsa, also known as navel oiling, has been used for centuries to enhance vitality, detoxify, and maintain inner balance. But how effective is this practice? And how can you incorporate it into your wellness routine with the help of natural oils? Read on as we reveal all the secrets hidden in your navel!

Why is the navel important?

The navel, (lat. umbilicus) was our first source of nutrients while we were still connected to our mother. After birth, the umbilical cord dries up and falls off, leaving the navel as a scar on the abdominal wall. In Ayurvedic tradition, it carries special symbolism. It is believed to remain the body's energy center and is connected to many vital organs through fine capillaries and the lymphatic system. Although the navel no longer has the same physiological function after birth, in Ayurveda, it is believed to retain energetic importance, leading to the development of practices like Nabhi Chikitsa, also known as the Pechoti method. While modern scientific evidence of this connection is just beginning to emerge, traditional medicine has claimed and proven for centuries that we can affect the entire body through the navel.

Pechoti is a point located in the center of the body, approximately above the navel area.

How does Nabhi Chikitsa work?

According to Ayurveda, applying warm oil to the navel helps balance Vayu (the air element) located in the Manipura chakra, the body's third energy center.

Nabhi Chikitsa practice stimulates digestive fire (Agni), based on applying medicinal oils to the navel, promoting better absorption and distribution of nutrients and medicinal substances, and facilitating toxin removal.

This technique is particularly used for:

• Detoxifying the body and stimulating digestion
• Relieving inflammation and joint pain
• Calming the mind and improving sleep
• Balancing hormones and enhancing reproductive health
• Nourishing and rejuvenating the skin from within

It's simple – apply a few drops of quality organic oil to the navel before bed, gently massage it in, and let it work. This ritual doesn't take much time but can have a profoundly soothing effect on the body and mind.

Which oils to use?

Choosing the right oil is crucial for achieving the desired results:

Neem oil

• Benefits: Helps cleanse the body from within by eliminating toxins and promoting a healthier immune response. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is particularly beneficial for people with skin issues like acne or eczema.
• Note: Due to its potency, it is recommended to mix neem oil with a carrier oil like coconut to reduce the possibility of irritation.

Coconut oil

• Benefits: Extremely moisturizing and soothing for the skin. Massaging the navel with coconut oil can help hydrate the skin from within and support digestive health thanks to medium-chain fatty acids. It can also help reduce inflammation and relieve irritations, and its antibacterial properties can help boost immunity. Due to its cooling effect, it is used to calm Pitta disorders such as inflammation or rashes.

Almond oil

• Benefits: A rich source of vitamin E, a nutrient that nourishes the skin and promotes cell regeneration. Using almond oil in navel massage can improve skin elasticity and help with dryness. Its mild and pleasant aroma can have a soothing effect, making it ideal for a relaxing evening ritual.

Castor oil

• Benefits: Traditionally used to relieve digestive issues; applying it to the navel can help reduce bloating, constipation, and cramps. Its rich and thick texture penetrates deeply, providing a warming effect that is soothing for abdominal discomfort. Often used in combination with warm compresses for enhanced effect.

Tea tree oil

• Benefits: Known for its antimicrobial properties that help reduce inflammation and cleanse impurities. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil for navel massage can provide internal cleansing and potentially boost immunity. This oil is particularly beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Note: Always dilute it well with a carrier oil like almond, coconut, or castor, as it can be strong for sensitive areas.

Sesame oil

• Benefits: Valued in Ayurveda for its warming and soothing properties, making it an excellent choice for reducing muscle tension and joint pain. Rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the body, and its antioxidants help fight free radicals. Massaging the navel with sesame oil can help relax and detoxify. It soothes stress and improves sleep.

Ghee (clarified butter): Used to balance Pitta and Vata doshas, improve digestion, and boost immunity.

Applying oil to the navel is a common practice in Ayurvedic medicine, so why not oils with added cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, CBD-v, and many others?

Hemp oil – Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, ideal for soothing inflammation, improving circulation, and relaxing muscles.

CBD - for those suffering from central nervous system disorders, endocrine system disorders, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, circulation disorders, and skin problems.

CBG - reduces inflammation and pain. Reduces overactive immune cells that attack joints and skin as in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Reduces general feelings of anxiety and stress, can improve memory. It has also shown good effects on glaucoma.

CBN - has antimicrobial effects, stimulates appetite, helps with insomnia, has a sedative effect.

How to incorporate Nabhi Chikitsa into your routine?

Step 1: In the evening before bed, lie on your back and clean the navel area with warm water.
Step 2: Add 3-5 drops of the chosen oil.
Step 3: Gently massage the oil in circular motions for a few minutes.
Step 4: Leave the oil to work overnight and let its properties renew you from within.

Pofrishcanna – Your natural solution

Pofrishcanna is a brand born from the belief in the power of nature and its ability to renew us from the inside out. Our philosophy is based on slow living and slow aging - a natural rhythm of life and beauty that does not force instant solutions but long-term benefits.

That's why we have prepared the highest quality phytotherapeutic formulations for you to use in your wellness rituals. If you want to learn more about Nabhi Chikitsa and other natural methods, follow us on social media – we hang out there and share inspiration and stories that will help you live healthier and happier!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - be part of our community of natural care enthusiasts!

Conclusion

Nabhi Chikitsa is not just an ancient practice – it's a way to connect the body, mind, and nature into one harmonious whole. Through a simple navel oiling routine, you can improve your health, calm your mind, and restore your body to balance.

In Pofrishcanna and O'biljek offer, you will find top-quality natural oils with hemp that will help you in this ritual – because your well-being is our mission.

As with any new therapy, it is recommended to consult a qualified expert before starting to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The content provided is for informational purposes only, collected from external sources and various scientific studies, and is not intended as medical advice.

Schedule your individual consultations here and find the best solution for yourself!

#refreshyourself

Kristina Šafranko

Certified formulator and producer of natural cosmetics

Eco producer of medicinal herbs, Phytotherapist