Pechoti- The Ayurvedic ritual of oiling your navel
Why this 5000 year old practice is the ultimate modern wellness tip
Navel oiling or Pechoti is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual of adding a few drops of ghee & herbal oils in the belly-button. These oils, when absorbed through the skin, work to detox the gut & balance the Doshas. Ayurveda considers the navel to be an important energy centre & marma point. Navel oiling revives the pranic energy channels in the body and is linked to digestive fire, hormone regulation, & emotional well-being.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts, recognise that the time of the night is predominantly governed by the āVataā dosha, programmed for internal cleansing of the body as we sleep. Navel oiling is known to treat various imbalances in the body and hence has been included in the āRatricharyaā or night time routine.
What are the benefits of Pechoti?
and why should I practice it?
According to the wisdom of Ayurveda, navel oiling has numerous benefits:
- Improved digestion, better bowel movement & healthy gut
- Better hormonal health, reduced menstrual pain, more regular periods
- Hydrates dry skin and nourishes the skin from within
- Reduces bloating, inflammation and acidity
- Better sleep and a calmer nervous system
- Balances the three Doshas
- Revives pranic energy throughout the body
Can it help with fertility & conception?
Supporting reproductive health naturally
While modern scientific evidence linking navel oiling to improved fertility is limited, it is believed to support reproductive health indirectly by improving hormonal regulation, gut health and stress reduction.
- Hormonal Balance: Oils like sesame, castor, or coconut are thought to regulate reproductive hormones, which are essential for ovulation & conception.
- Improved Circulation: Massaging oil around the navel enhances blood flow to the reproductive organs, supporting their function.
- Stress Reduction: The practice of navel oiling is an intentional, relaxing ritual. Practicing such rituals balance cortisol levels in the body, which positively impact reproductive hormones.
Nabhira- a navel oil for everyone
Which navel oil should I use?
Our ancestors knew the remarkable benefits of navel oiling on the nervous, endocrinal, reproductive and digestive systems of the body. They passed on recipes with special oils & herbs that replenish the pranic energy. Nabhira is one such recipe that comes from the pristine Himalayas, where our founder learnt this formulation. It is a concoction of infused oils, ghee & Ayurvedic herbs that are Tridoshic in nature.
Apply just 2-3 drops of this oil in the belly button. As the skin is thin around the navel, the oils get absorbed easily and work their magic. This simple ritual, done every night, has immense benefits for your health & well-being.
Key Benefits of Nabhira
Why include Nabhira in your nightly routine
- It will reduce bloating & inflammation in the body
- It reduces menstrual pain & makes the periods more regular
- It reduces constipation, acidity & signs of IBS
- It will render a natural glow to the skin
- It balances the hormones by aligning the body in accordance with Prakriti and Doshas.
- For those who snore loudly, applying Nabhira every night will reduce snoring and activate a deep sleep cycle.
The belly button is situated right at the centre of the solar plexus or Manipura Chakra, assuming a unique physical and spiritual significance. This energy centre promotes clarity, confidence, strength and compassion. Navel oiling with Nabhira on this point every night is an excellent ritual that will ground you and connect you with yourself.