The Science Behind Nabhi Chikitsa: Ancient Healing Meets Modern Physiology

Recently there’s been a lot of social media coverage on Bellybutton oiling for wellbeing. Is it just a Tiktok phenomenon or is it actually good for you?

In Ayurveda, the navel is more than just a leftover from your time in the womb — it’s a powerful energy center and a gateway to healing. One ancient technique that’s gaining modern popularity is Nabhi Chikitsa (also known as Nabhi Vasti), where warm herbal oils are applied to the navel area to support digestion, balance hormones, and calm the mind.

But what’s the science behind it? Let’s explore how this sacred practice aligns with both ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern anatomy.

🌿 Why the Navel?

The navel (nabhi) sits at the crossroads of many vital systems:

• It’s a major marma point in Ayurveda, associated with digestion and the solar plexus chakra (Manipura).

• It connects with the enteric nervous system — the “second brain” in your gut.

• It’s close to key abdominal organs and rich in nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatic channels.

Applying warm oils here can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body, improves digestion, and supports detoxification.

🔬 What Does Modern Science Say?

Nabhi Chikitsa works on three major levels:

1. Nerve Stimulation

The navel is near the solar plexus — a dense bundle of nerves. Gentle stimulation with warm oil may:

• Soothe the autonomic nervous system

• Ease gut-brain imbalances

• Relieve abdominal pain and cramping

2. Transdermal Absorption

The skin at the navel is thin and well-suited for absorbing fat-soluble compounds in herbal oils. Once absorbed, these bioactive compounds can:

• Reduce inflammation

• Soothe smooth muscles

• Promote circulation and detox

3. Energy Flow (Prana & Chakras)

In Ayurveda, the Manipura chakra governs digestion, willpower, and transformation. Nabhi therapy can help:

• Reignite digestive fire (agni)

• Unblock energetic pathways (nadis)

• Restore emotional balance

💧 The Oils That Do the Magic (and Their Science)

Here are some commonly used oils in Nabhi Chikitsa and the science behind their benefits:

🟡 Castor Oil

• What it does: Anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, pain-relieving

• Science: Contains ricinoleic acid, which reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles, and supports lymphatic flow.

• Best for: Constipation, bloating, menstrual cramps

🟠 Mustard Oil

• What it does: Stimulates circulation, warms the body, fights microbes

• Science: Contains allyl isothiocyanate, which increases blood flow and provides antimicrobial effects.

• Best for: Cold digestion, sluggish metabolism

🌿 Neem Oil

• What it does: Purifies and soothes

• Science: Rich in azadirachtin and nimbidin, known for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Best for: Skin issues, gut imbalance, detox

🌶️ Ginger Oil

• What it does: Warms and energizes digestion

• Science: Contains gingerol and zingerone, which relieve gas and promote circulation.

• Best for: Weak digestion, feeling of heaviness after meals

🧄 Hing (Asafoetida) Infused Oil

• What it does: Strong gas-reliever, anti-spasmodic

• Science: Hing’s sulfur compounds relax intestinal muscles and reduce fermentation.

• Best for: IBS, colic, abdominal discomfort

✨ How to Try Nabhi Chikitsa at Home

1. Lie down comfortably on your back.

2. Make a dough ring (from wheat or black gram flour) around your navel to form a shallow well.

3. Warm your chosen oil and pour it into the well.

4. Leave it for 15–30 minutes, then gently massage the area in a clockwise motion.

5. Wipe clean and relax.

Note: Always test the oil on a small patch of skin first and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner if you’re unsure.

Or for a simpler version pour a teaspoon of warmed oil into your bellybutton, cover with a plaster or add a cotton wool ball and leave overnight. Treat daily in evenings before bed.

Nabhi Chikitsa is where ancient healing meets modern wellness. With its deep-rooted Ayurvedic philosophy and increasing scientific validation, this simple practice can bring profound shifts to your digestion, hormones, and emotional well-being.

Sometimes, healing begins at the center — literally. 🌼

Author Info

Victoria

A therapist and tutor for over 23 years, Victoria specialises in Relaxation and Wellbeing, Clinical Acupuncture, Holistic and Shamanic therapies.