Healing Power of the Belly Button

I enjoy learning about alternative forms of healing from many ancient cultures and try to use them in my daily life. I appreciate the power of natural medicine and its incredible ability to prevent and heal the body in many ways. Some of the simplest forms of plant medicine can profoundly affect our body's innate ability to heal and preserve wellness.

Today, we chat about the belly button! Our {Navi} or navel, is our unique symbol of life and connection; each differing in shape, size, and depth. The belly button is more than a ticklish space on our tummies. This circle actually has many healing abilities. The umbilical cord and the resulting navel formed from the attachment to our mother's womb are the centers of the life source, well before we are born. We tend to disregard its natural ability to connect to the rest of our body, and therefore its innate potential to be our healing 'center'. When we really think about the navel, I find it extraordinary that the little circle on our belly is where our life really began, and as women, where we give life to our own. It is a beautiful thing to consider the power contained in the navel, and therefore we can expand our healing potential to it.

The navel connects the body's quadrants at their center and contains the communication of all our nerves. “The Pechoti Method” sometimes called the “Pechoti intake method”, is used by mixing essential oils or herbs into a carrier oil and is applied directly to the belly button for many therapeutic effects. It is a modality used in many ancient traditions. Healing from our center has been recognized in many cultures and Eastern medicines as the epicenter for our energy patterns which communicate to other body parts.

In Oriental Medicine, the navel is called the Hara, or the source of life. It is also referred to as the Dan Tian. This is the main area that practitioners treat in Acupuncture therapy, as our most important organs reside just beneath it. They stimulate this area to connect the [energy] of the body or Qi, to stimulate healing for many disorders and diseases. Qi is our energy and in our esoteric body, the energy that connects each of our Chakra systems together. If one area of the body is stagnant, dis-functioned, or ill, we can stimulate the Qi in another area of the body to help bring balance to that disorder. There are many ways to treat the area in Oriental medicine like acupuncture needling, moxibustion, and hand palpitation.

Japanese medicine sees the navel as the center and where the myriad of diseases have their root. "the classics remind us of a very basic and perhaps understated treatment strategy - when an element or an organ is deficient, tonify the mother"(Southwest Acupuncture College).

The center of the body is also recognized in modern medicine for its connection to the other bodily systems through neurological connections. Any disorder from allergies, musculoskeletal disorders, inflammatory conditions, stagnation, and emotional and mental conditions can be treated using the belly button.

- The navel is our mother, and was the connection to our mother and our Mother's Mother. To heal it, is to heal ourselves.

The naval has the power to treat many ailments regardless of the origin of belief. As a natural alternative, oils in the belly button can be very powerful and come with minimal risk compared to other forms of therapy. Using essential oils in the belly button have a tremendous capacity for healing. Some essential oils can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin, so a carrier oil is usually recommended for topical application. A carrier oil can be used in a 2:1 ratio with essential oils. Carrier oil examples are coconut, almond, grapeseed, etc. The quality of essential oils is also important to research before purchasing. The market of essential oils has many products out there that are diluted or adulterated. Look for labels that have "therapeutic" on the bottle to ensure proper distillation methods and purity.

Many common Pechoti Method uses:

Lavender essential oil- one of the most calming and relaxing oils, is great to place in the belly button to promote sleep or relaxation.- no carrier oil needed

Coconut oil is a wonderful tool for rehydrating and can be placed in the navel to help with dry skin, dry eyes, and lips. It has also been used in ancient traditions to help boost fertility. Coconut oil is also a powerful antiviral and is useful to help with viral infections like common colds and a runny nose.

Almond oil can help soften the skin to increase a brighter glow from its powerful hydration. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture levels and provide a barrier from pollutants.

Neem oil comes from the neem tree. It has natural insecticide properties and has been widely used as a natural form of pest control. It can be used in the same way on the body to help with skin mites that can cause chronic inflammation with sensitive skin or rosacea. It is a natural anti-bacterial to help with infections or help treat acne or acne rosacea.

Ginger and mustard oil- both helpful in digestion and have anti-inflammatory use. Can also help to relieve gas or bloating or digestive issues.

Thyme oil- has many health benefits. It can be an antispasmodic, lower blood pressure by removing excess water and salt. Great for edema. It can be a useful expectorant and natural remedy for congestion and mucus. Thyme oil must be used with a carrier oil.-also recommended to consult with your physician if you have cardiovascular disease or hypertension.

Tea Tree oil is a powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial. Tea tree can be used on the bottom of the feet to help the body's process of eliminating toxins through the pores of the feet, promoting the downward movement of toxins. Can also be applied to belly button for infections.

*Must be used with a carrier oil.

Orange essential oil is a great oil for promoting overall feelings of happiness and joy. Known as the "child-like oil", orange is fresh and stimulating, bringing general well-being to anyone.

Many traditions use alcohol like brandy soaked in cotton rounds to help with teething applied to the belly button in infants. Also helps to relieve cramping during menstruation. Alcohol in the belly button has also been known to reduce body temperature and fever in infants and young children-*use with caution or consult your pediatrician before use.

*Keep in mind, alternative methods can always be used in excess; just like other forms of medicine. Always consult your physician if you have underlying health problems or are using prescription medications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor before trying new methods. Additionally, consider caution with certain essential oils when used with infants or young children under two years old.*

Reference: The Hara, the Source of Life and the Navel, the Gate of the Spirit | Southwest Acupuncture College

Alex Taylor

alexkay818@gmail.com

Health and Wellness Advocate