Why Navel Oiling Is the Ritual You Didn’t Know You Needed

It begins with a few drops of warm oil, tenderly placed into the navel. This intimate and remarkably simple practice, steeped in the wisdom of Ayurveda, is now capturing the attention of those seeking holistic well-being and an unparalleled glow. In Ayurveda, specific points on our bodies serve as concentrated hubs of vital life force (prana), intricately woven into our tissues and consciousness. “Think of your belly button as the gateway to your health... it was through your umbilical cord that you received nutrition from your mother. Nabhi Marma is a vital centre of energy, with over 72,000 nerve endings and 12 important marma points connecting to the rest of the body,” explains Dimple Jangda, a gut-health coach and author of Heal Your Gut, Mind & Emotions.

This dense network, including crucial vagus nerve endings, orchestrates everything from our emotional equilibrium to our digestive harmony. It meticulously balances Vata Dosha, one of the three foundational mind-body doshas, nurturing the gut and enhancing digestive health. It supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and fosters hormonal balance by supporting the liver. The navel, once simply a remnant of our beginnings, is now rightfully reclaimed as a focal point of tender, mindful attention. The cornerstone of this elegant ritual is castor oil, a true hero. Unlike lighter oils that vanish on contact, its rich consistency invites the body into a slower, more receptive rhythm. “Castor oil is a powerhouse,” stresses Supriya Malik, Founder of Indulgeo Essentials, a brand synonymous with conscious luxury. “Its unique molecular structure allows it to penetrate deeper than most oils, making it ideal for absorption through the navel.”

A recent study published in the International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation highlighted the anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties of castor oil and its positive impact on health and bowel regularity. “It’s all about tapping into your body’s natural rhythms and aligning with natural remedies,” Dr Jangda adds. “Your body is extremely porous, and your navel, especially, absorbs everything you apply to it. Regular navel pooling can reduce period cramps and give you radiant skin and beautiful hair.” Imagine the exquisite radiance this can bestow upon a bride-to-be, enhancing her natural glow from within. The application is elegantly straightforward: traditionally, warm a teaspoon of oil, place a drop into the navel, allow it to absorb or gently massage in spirals, then cover. Recognising the desire for both tradition and modern convenience, Indulgeo Essentials has reimagined this age-old practice for the modern brides- and grooms-to-be.

Their innovation lies in filtered, cold-pressed castor oil paired with ultra-soft, stick-on cotton patches. “As a mother, a wellness enthusiast, and someone deeply rooted in traditional Indian remedies, I’ve always believed in the power of simple rituals that ground you. Navel oiling was one of those personal rituals I leaned into, especially during times of stress, hormonal imbalance, or digestive discomfort. I loved the ritual but found it messy. Especially for working women or mothers like me, a simplified, no-fuss format made sense. That’s how the patch idea came to life—fuss-free, but deeply rooted in the ritual,” Malik tells Manifest.

With Indulgeo’s innovative patch, you simply peel, adhere, and allow the magic to unfold as you rest. It’s a ritual, on your terms, designed for effortless integration into a busy schedule. “For someone trying it for the first time, I’d suggest doing it at night, before bed. It’s a calming ritual that helps you reconnect with yourself. And when you wake up, your body truly feels the difference,” Malik advises. In a world perpetually pursuing the next miraculous serum or the latest gut protocol, castor oil navel therapy offers a quieter, more profound kind of rejuvenation. It’s a gentle reminder that perhaps the most coveted glow, the one that truly captivates and endures, begins not on the surface, but from the very centre of your being.