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Applying a few drops of essential oil to your navel before bathing is believed to offer various health benefits.
Ghee’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate joint pain and muscle aches. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Ghee, a staple in Indian kitchens, is used beyond cooking. Traditionally valued in Ayurvedic medicine, clarified butter has been recognised for centuries for its numerous health benefits. One lesser-known practice involves applying ghee to the navel, a technique called Nabhi Chikitsa, or navel therapy. This method is thought to promote both physical and mental well-being by balancing the body’s pitta energy, as the navel is considered a vital energy center.
Applying a few drops of essential oil to your navel before bathing is believed to offer various health benefits. Here are some potential advantages:
Improved Digestion
For those frequently facing digestive issues, applying ghee to the navel may offer relief and enhance overall digestive health. In Ayurveda, ghee is known for its digestive benefits, aiding in issues like constipation and bloating. When applied to the navel, ghee activates digestive enzymes, promoting better nutrient absorption and contributing to a healthy gut.
Nourished Skin
Applying ghee on the navel can make the skin softer and more supple. Packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as essential fatty acids, ghee hydrates the skin around the navel, reducing dryness and flakiness. This is especially beneficial in colder months when the skin tends to dry out.
Hydration and Moisture Retention
Massaging ghee into the navel in a circular motion helps lock in moisture, making the skin appear radiant and healthy. The navel’s connection to other parts of the body allows this hydration to extend beyond the immediate area. Those with dry skin or who experience dehydration can benefit from ghee’s moisture-retaining properties.
Improved Sleep
If restful sleep is elusive, rubbing ghee on the navel may help by calming the mind and reducing tension. This soothing practice balances the body, encouraging a faster and more tranquil transition to sleep, particularly for those seeking to relax deeply.
Enhanced Mental Well-Being
Applying ghee to the navel is believed to soothe emotional turbulence, promoting a sense of inner peace. Many consider it a form of meditation, as ghee’s calming effects may help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to greater emotional stability and mental control.
Inflammation Relief
Ghee’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate joint pain and muscle aches. The butyrate in ghee, a short-chain fatty acid, has potent anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce bloating, menstrual cramps, and other bodily discomforts.
How do I apply ghee to the belly button?
- Step 1: Opt for organic and grass-fed desi ghee for extra health benefits.
- Step 2: Before you apply the ghee, clean your navel area gently with warm water to remove any dirt and other impurities.
- Step 3: Now, grab a spoon and scoop a small amount of ghee from the container.
- Step 4: Heat it and melt it slightly into ghee oil, if desired.
- Step 5: Then, pour it into your navel while lying down on your back with your fingertip.
- Step 6: Let it absorb into the navel area for approximately 15-30 minutes before taking a bath for the best outcome.
Following this, bath normally to gain benefits ranging from nourishing the skin and enhancing digestion to reducing inflammation and promoting emotional well-being.
