Naval Pulling

Navel pulling has become widely popular. It isn’t a new idea, it originates from Ayurvedic medicines. Being a more holistic or natural way to aid and heal the body. Navel pulling is when you use oil to fill the belly button and pressing or rubbing the oil into the skin. The most popular oil to use for this is castor oil.

Castor oil has been used for centuries for a number of different health related things. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Castor oil is also antimicrobial which means it may benefit in wound healing. It is also known as a very effective laxative especially when taken orally. It is also very moisturizing and can be used on your skin or hair to help with moisturizing. Castor oil is being added to more beauty products. It is high in fatty acids which can help moisturize skin, and help heal acne. It is also great for your hair. It can aid in hair growth, help moisturize your hair, as well as help repair split ends. For years castor oil was used to help induce labor. Many midwives to this day still use castor oil to help induce labor in patients. Making sure you take the right amount when ingesting is important. You can ingest too much which can lead to toxicity.

The thought behind navel pulling is that the oil is absorbed through the skin and then in return has an effect on the body. The belly button isn’t a hole. It is actually a scar from the umbilical cord when you are born. So there may not be as much absorption happening from the belly button and skin.

People who have started navel pulling claim there are a number of benefits. Believed benefits include; improving digestion, reducing bloating, improving bowel movement regularity, promoting sleep, promoting weight loss, and reducing symptoms from endometriosis, and ovarian cysts.

There is no scientific evidence that navel pulling is actually working. There are no studies showing if any of these benefits are really happening due to the navel pulling. You may be reaping benefits from navel pulling due to the belly massage that goes along with rubbing in the oil to the skin. Rubbing the stomach in a circular motion can help with motility as well as gas relief which can help with bowel movements and release of gas which can debloat your stomach.

Castor oil is usually safe for anyone to use. If you have sensitive skin, castor oil can lead to skin irritation, itching, and allergic reaction. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should not use castor oil. Castor oil can induce labor so before using you need to speak with your healthcare provider. If taking castor oil orally it is important to make sure you are only taking the right amount. Taking too much can cause nausea, cramping, vomiting, and dizziness.

If you are looking for something more scientifically backed to help with your digestion and bloating there are some remedies you can try. You can try over the counter laxatives to help when you are constipated. Make sure your diet is high in fiber. Tweaking your diet a little bit, staying away from processed foods as much as possible. A low FODMAP diet can help with digestion and bloating. Exercising regularly can also help with regular bowel movements and digestive health. Reduce the amount of foods that cause bloating in your diet. Foods that can cause bloat are broccoli, beans, wheat, or carbonated beverages. A belly massage may help with digestive health. Rubbing your fingertips clockwise over your belly can help stimulate the colon and get things moving in your digestive system. Utilize probiotics when necessary. These can help improve digestion as well as aid in reducing bloat.

Navel pulling is an old medicine remedy that may help with digestion and reduce bloating. There is no scientific evidence that navel pulling is effective. If you suffer from continuous digestion troubles you may want to speak with your doctor. If you have conditions such as IBS, or celiac disease you may want to steer clear of castor oil since it can cause diarrhea, which can worsen these two conditions. You can try this holistic approach that is growing in popularity and know that you may not have any harm come to you, it is relatively safe your belly may be extremely moisturized from the castor oil.