Nabhi Basti

Definition:Nabhi Basti is the pooling of warm herbal oil over the navel in a prescribed manner.

Sanskrit: Nabhi = navel, Basti = to retain

Description: Nabhi Basti is a gentle yet deeply nourishing Ayurvedic therapy focused on the navel area, which is considered the center of life energy. The practice involves creating a small reservoir around the navel using a dough dam, into which warm herbal oil is poured and retained for a specific duration. This therapy supports digestive health, balances the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra, and enhances the body's ability to detoxify and absorb nutrients. Nabhi Basti is particularly beneficial in relieving digestive disorders, improving circulation, and promoting emotional balance by soothing the nervous system.

Benefits

• Reducing anxiety, stress and nervousness

• Relaxing the digestive systems improving assimilation and elimination

• Enhancing blood supply to the area

• Soothing nerves

• Promoting better circulation by removing stagnant toxins for the area

Procedure

At the start of the appointment, you will be asked to lie on your back in a comfortable and relaxed position. The practitioner will gently cleanse the abdominal area, particularly around the navel, to ensure it is free of any impurities.

Next, a well-like structure is created around the navel using dough made from whole wheat or black gram flour. This dough dam is carefully sealed to prevent any leakage. The practitioner will then warm the selected herbal oil to approximately body temperature and pour it into a bowl.

Once the oil has reached the ideal temperature, it is slowly poured into the dough well, ensuring the navel is fully immersed. The oil is retained for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing deep penetration and nourishment of the abdominal region. During this time, the practitioner may gently massage the surrounding area in circular motions to enhance the therapy's effectiveness.

To maintain the desired warmth, the oil may be recollected, reheated, and poured back into the navel well as needed. After the treatment duration, the oil is carefully removed using cotton or a sponge. The dough dam is then gently taken off, and the abdominal area is wiped clean with a warm cloth. A light abdominal massage may be performed to support circulation and relaxation.

Duration: 60 minutes

Post-treatment care

• Keep the oil on for a few hours to allow deeper absorption, or gently wipe off excess oil if needed.

• Use warm water for bathing and drinking to support digestion and circulation.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods for at least a day, as they may counteract the therapy’s benefits.

• Follow a light, warm diet consisting of easily digestible foods such as soups, steamed vegetables, and herbal teas.

• Avoid strenuous activities and allow the body to rest for optimal healing and rejuvenation.