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Could Oiling Your Navel Be The Answer To Your Skin Woes? We Asked Experts To Chime In

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The meaning of Ayurveda is 'Knowledge of Life' and it's a 5,000 year-old-science that focuses on the philosophy of beauty from within. It talks about the four components of the body, breath, mind, and spirit working in perfect harmony to make the individual feel truly beautiful from inside and out. 

There are already some Ayurvedic beauty rituals that you may be following like oiling your scalp to release tension and boost hair growth and applying natural face masks to tackle skin woes but have you heard of pechoti, the method of oiling your belly to fight skin and health concerns?

Intrigued? Us too! We reached out to two experts and asked them to dish the deets for you. 

What Is Pechoti Method?

"For ages, people have been putting oil in their navel for multiple health benefits. Commonly known as the Pechoti method, 'Nabhi Puran' or 'Chikitsa', is a traditional therapy mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic scriptures of Vagbhata. It is a method where we put a medicated or a single blend oil in our navel known to heal and treat various imbalances or just to maintain our health", says Dr Shweta Netke, Senior Ayurveda Doctor at Forest Essentials.

What Are The Benefits Of The Pechoti Technique?

"Navels are considered as very high reflexive points and can be used to stimulate the entire body leading to holistic health care. It helps cure skin problems like dry skin, chapped lips among others", explains Nandeeta Manchanda, Founder of Enn's Closet.

So, let's take a deep dive into its numerous benefits.

Helps Reduce Skin Dryness

Nabhi Puran helps in reducing the Vata aka the air element-related imbalances. So, if you suffer from severe skin dryness, you may want to try oiling your belly. People who practice this method have high praises for it.

Helps In Achieving Healthy And Glowing Skin

This method balances out any polarities in the skin and thus keeps it healthy and glowing. No element is too much and so your skin is in the pink of health.

Helps Calm Down Restlessness

The Ayurvedic method of 'Pechoti' also helps with feelings of restlessness. So if you're prone to feeling angsty, we suggest giving this a go.

Works Well To Reduce Bloating

Using warm oils in the navel can also help to ease improper digestion and discomfort associated with gas and bloating. It is said to regulate agni or our digestive fire, reduce bloating, and improve regular daily elimination of wastes from the bowels. 

 

How Does Oiling Your Navel Actually Work?

Oiling Navel Method

Dr Netke further elaborates, "When a suitable oil is used, it targets the specific areas of concern by nourishing the 'vahinis', i.e. the nerve channels in the body. Just like the baby in the womb is connected by the umbilical cord to its mother which helps in the passage of the nutrients, the nabhi is a place where a web of nerves, which reach the brain and the feet to allow smooth passage of nutrients. The oil is absorbed through them and it helps to traverse the oil to various body parts gradually replenishing them. This method opens up the channels and helps to improve body circulation."

 

Want To Try It Out At Home? Here Are The Steps To Follow:

Step One: Keep ready a brass or copper vessel with a spout for easy dispensing of the oil with ghee or warm oil beside you.

Step Two: Lie down comfortably on your back and pour the contents in your navel.

Step Three: Let it stay for a few minutes until the temperature becomes lukewarm.

Step Four: Remove the oil or ghee and pour in more into your navel.

Step Five: Repeat this process thrice and massage the remaining oil delicately over the navel area in a clockwise manner for maximum absorption.

 

Wondering What Products Or Oils You Could Use To Try This At Home?

"Any essential oil which suits you, or you're not allergic to would work for the method. Add a few drops of carrier oil to the essential oil and dilute it as per your requirement. Tea tree oil, Eucalyptus oil and other calming oils are some of the best options available," says Manchanda. 

Alternatively, you could also use Ghee or Coconut oil.

According to Nandeeta, this method doesn't have any stated side effects, but here are a few things that you should keep in mind. 

  1. Always do a patch test before applying any oil.
  2. Massage the oil gently.
  3. Avoid contact of the oils with the eyes and mouth.
  4. Don't perform it if you're pregnant or you've had abdominal surgery recently.

 

 

 

5 Ayurveda Beauty Rituals To Add To Your Self-Care Routine When You're Feeling Stressed

So, if you're someone who leads a hectic lifestyle and doesn't have time for yourself, we suggest giving pechoti a go. Imbalances like stress, insomnia, dryness, reproductive disorders, and digestive issues can all be evaded by it. 

Featured Image: Pexels

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