Is Navel Oiling The Underrated Skincare Ritual We’ve Been Ignoring? Here’s Why Indian’s Love It!
If you grew up in an Indian household, there’s a good chance maybe your mom or nani, putting a drop of oil in their navel!
If you grew up in an Indian household, there’s a good chance you’ve seen someone, maybe your mom or nani, putting a drop of oil in their navel or belly button. Maybe you even got a weekly navel oiling ritual as a kid without fully understanding why. It’s one of those age-old desi habits that gets passed down without much explanation, but somehow it sticks. Now, this might sound a little quirky (or like something out of an old wives’ tale), but navel oiling is making a quiet comeback, and beauty lovers are starting to take notice.
So what’s the deal with putting oil in your navel? Is it just a cultural quirk, or is there more to it?
Breakding Down The Meaning Behind Navel Oiling
According to Ayurveda and traditional Indian wellness practices, the navel (or nabhi) is considered a powerful energy point. It’s believed to be connected to over 72,000 nerves in the body. While that exact number might sound like a stretch, the idea is simple: the navel is seen as a central hub for internal balance, physical, emotional, and even spiritual. In Ayurveda, it’s believed that applying oil to the navel helps nourish internal organs, improve digestion, and even balance doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). But over time, this ritual has also found a strong place in the world of beauty.
Beauty Benefits? You Might Be Surprised
From dry lips to dull skin and even hormonal breakouts, many beauty believers swear that regular navel oiling has helped them. While there’s limited scientific research, the practice does make some sense. The skin around the belly button is porous, and applying oil here might allow certain nutrients to be absorbed, especially when done regularly.
1) Almond oil is often used to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation.
2) Neem or mustard oil is used to ward off infections and boost immunity.
3) Castor oil is said to relieve bloating and constipation.
4) Coconut oil is popular for its calming, cooling effects, great during summers.
And from a beauty perspective, regular navel oiling could contribute to softer skin, reduced dryness, and better overall hydration, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin types.
It’s super simple. Just warm a few drops of your chosen oil between your fingers and gently massage it into your navel before bed. You can even let it sit overnight. Some prefer doing this during their skincare or body care routine, like a quiet, grounding moment before sleep.
Whether you’re in it for wellness, skincare, or just the comforting ritual of self-care, navel oiling is one of those underrated practices that feels oddly satisfying. It’s quick, affordable, and rooted in centuries of tradition. So the next time you reach for your face oil, don’t forget to show your belly button a little love too. After all, nani probably knew best.
Also Read: Are You Oiling Your Hair The Right Way? Here Are 5 Hair Oiling Mistakes To Avoid
First Published: April 10, 2025 2:57 PM
