Have you heard about putting ghee in your belly button? It may sound funny, but this is a traditional Ayurvedic practice with many benefits. Let’s take a look at the benefits of applying ghee to belly button.
The Significance of the Navel
According to Ayurveda and yoga, the navel is an important juncture—for the physical and subtle body. The pivotal role of the navel is elucidated in sutra III.30 of Sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: “By samyama on the navel, the yogi acquires perfect knowledge of the disposition of the human body.” (1) Meaning that by concentrating on one’s navel, the aspirant gains perfect understanding of their body. In yoga, the navel relates to the Sun. The Sun is the center of the universe and the navel is the center of the individual universe. The human body is like a microcosm of the cosmos.
Furthermore, Ayurveda and yoga teach that there are 72,000 nadis, or energetic channels. The navel is the juncture point at which the nadis meet—it is the root and the plexus for these nerve channels. Therefore, it is easy to see why the belly button is considered so important.
Also, thinking in more obvious terms, when a fetus is in the womb, it is attached to the placenta (its source of nourishment) via the umbilical cord, which goes into the navel. Therefore, the belly button relates to our source of nourishment. Thus, another connection between the navel and the Sun.
Why Put Ghee in Belly Button
Ghee is wonderfully nourishing and offers a plethora of benefits, such as:
- Supporting healthy digestion and elimination
- Softening and moisturizing the skin
- Supporting healthy, supple joints
- Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, including Omega 3s
Since the navel is a physical and energetic nexus, it can disperse the benefits of ghee throughout the body. When you apply ghee to your belly button, these beneficial qualities are dispersed throughout your body—on a physical and subtle level.
How to Apply Ghee in Belly Button
When applying ghee to your belly button, it is best to warm it slightly. The evening, before bedtime, is a nice time for this soothing practice. Or, you can apply ghee to your belly button after bathing. Just be careful not to put on your fanciest top right afterward as ghee is an oil and will stain your clothing if you aren’t careful. If you do abhyanga, you can apply ghee to your belly button as part of your self-massage practice.
References
(1) Iyengar, B.K.S. (1993) Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Harper Collins.
