Navel Oiling (nabhi abhyanga) – the Ayurvedic Secret of Health, Peace and Balance
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Przeczytasz w 2 min
One of the Ayurvedic rituals that is slowly coming back into favor is one – surprisingly simple, almost forgotten – that can have a huge impact on our health and well-being. It does not require specialist knowledge, expensive products or hours of time. It only requires… a few drops of oil and a moment of mindfulness. I am talking about oiling the navel , or nabhi abhyanga – a ritual that was considered a sacred point of renewal in ancient Indian medicine.
For many of us, the navel is just a remnant of the umbilical cord. For Ayurveda, it is the center of life, the energetic center of the body and the gateway to deep healing. Oiling this area can bring relief from stress, improve digestion, affect the skin, hormones and even mood.
Let me tell you about this ritual – from the perspective of tradition, personal experience, and contemporary knowledge.
Table of Contents
What does Ayurveda say about the navel? Nabhi abhyanga – a slightly forgotten ritual of regeneration How does navel oiling work? Physiology and energy Recommended oils for navel oiling When and how to oil the navel? Which oils to choose? A guide according to the doshas My personal story with nabhi abhyanga Oiling the navel with castor oil - when is it worth it Frequently asked questions about navel oiling (FAQ) Also read
What does Ayurveda say about the navel?
Nabhi abhyanga – a somewhat forgotten ritual of regeneration
Navel oiling is a practice that was widely used in ancient India, and is increasingly found in modern integrative Ayurveda. It involves applying a few drops of warm oil directly to the navel daily and gently massaging it in with circular motions.
Although it may seem too simple to work – the effects may surprise you. Nabhi abhyanga is a gentle form of therapy that activates the body's deep self-regulation processes. It is not about spectacular changes from one day to the next, but about subtle, systematic support for the body and mind.
Regularly oiling your navel can:
moisturize the body from the inside, especially in people with a predominance of vata dosha,
calm the nervous system – helping you sleep better and cope with anxiety,
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improve the functioning of the digestive and hormonal systems by stimulating the samana energy and the vagus nerve,
relieve symptoms of premenstrual tension (PMS), mood swings and cycle irregularities,
support skin regeneration – especially in combination with appropriate oils, e.g. brahmi or neem.
How Does Navel Oiling Work? Physiology and Energy
From the perspective of Ayurveda and modern physiology, the navel is a unique place. It is home to a network of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and fascial connections that affect the functioning of the entire body. It is an area that can be compared to a command center – through subtle stimulation, it influences what happens “inside.”
A gentle massage of the navel has a calming effect on the vagus nerve – the main communication channel between the brain and internal organs. Warm oil, matched to the constitution and massaged in with tenderness, sends a signal of safety to the nervous system. And this – in today's world full of stress and rush – is like balm for the soul.
