Navel oiling has been having a moment online but for Diljit Dosanjh, it’s a ritual that has been a part of his routine for years. On Vogue‘s newest In The Bag, the actor and singer shared that he applies a blend of neem oil and mustard oil to his navel before bed. He then lies down on his back for half an hour to allow the oils to absorb before gently massaging the area. According to Dosanjh, the belly button is deeply connected to the rest of the body, making it an area worth nurturing. Backed by Ayurveda, it’s a simple ritual that he swears by.
Of course, I had to try it for myself after this testimony. I stumbled upon it a few months ago, courtesy of my algorithm. The promises were buzzy: better digestion, less bloating, clearer skin. Friends and family echoed the benefits with their own success stories. I was intrigued. So I tried it, hoping for a low-effort gut reset.
“Navel oiling, also known as Nabhi Purana in Ayurveda, is an ancient self-care ritual that involves applying warm oil to the navel (nabhi),” explains Dr Ipsita Chatterjee, Ayurveda expert. “The Nabhi Marma is a vital energy centre for digestion, circulation and overall well-being.”
There are two types of Nabhi Purana: curative and preventive. “Preventive navel oiling is the one that is advised as a general wellness practice,” says Dr Vaishali Shukla, MD, Ayurveda. While it can be done at any time of the day, it is recommended at night for maximum absorption. “Put 2-3 drops of warm oil in your navel and massage it gently in circular motions for a few minutes,” she says.
So, that’s exactly what I did. I got a bottle of cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil, as recommended by Dr Chatterjee. Every night, I’d use the dropper to place a few drops into my navel and massage it in. Castor oil is thick, viscous and can stain your clothes. So you should patch it up with a cotton ball or castor oil patch to keep it in place, then go to bed.
