Nabhi Vasti Treatment (Tutorial)

Nabhi Vasti is a simple and safe treatment commonly used in Vedic medicine for balancing the Nabhi marma or vital center located behind the navel, with warm medicated oil. 

That is the center where all 72.000 subtle energy nerves connect and also a site where 12 types of Prana or vital force are present. According to Ayurvedic anatomy marma is the point where muscles, arteries, veins, nerves, ligaments and joints converge.

Nabhi marma controls sacral chakra and solar plexus chakra, governs the small intestine and circulates energy to the entire body. It is also one of the main sites of Pitta dosha. Pitta dosha is subtle energy made of fire and water elements, that is responsible for our entire physical, mental and emotional functions.

Agni or digestive fire that governs metabolism can be strengthened through this main point. Agni stimulation is one of the most important aims in Ayurveda. According to modern medicine all the main digestive enzymes are produced by the small intestine which is also located behind the navel region.

Navel point remains active right from the time of conception. Nabhi marma is the first source of nutrients for the fetus while it lives in the womb connected with the mother's body.

Any imbalances in the Nabhi marma due to emotional or physical trauma can cause severe pains, diarrhea, constipation, impotency, conceiving problems, menstrual disorders, indigestion, poor memory, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, abdominal cramps lethargy, hypothyroid, obesity and losing balance while walking.

Lay down in a supine position and place the tips of index finger, middle finger and ring finger deep into the navel. If your Nabhi marma is balanced you will feel strong pulsation under the fingers. If you have some kind of gastrointestinal problems you will not be able to feel pulsation.

Lifting weights, pushing heavy objects, running or eating very spicy food will damage navel point.

How to do Nabhi Vasti at home

1. Mix black gram flour or whole wheat flour with water and knead the dough for 10 minutes.

2. Make a dough ring and apply it to your stomach. Glue the edges to the skin with your fingers, using a small amount of water.

3. Once it is secure, begin to pour warm medicated oil into the ring, allowing it to fill up. Ayurvedic physicians will always select the type of medicated oil to be used, based on the disease being treated and body constitution of patient. Some of the most commonly used oils are sesame oil, ghee, Dashamula, Brahmi, Mahanarayan, Bala. If you are not a professional, choose sesame oil or ghee. The oil is squeezed in with cotton. When the oil cools down, squeeze it out and replace with warm one. However, cold oil should not be completely removed so make sure to leave 1/4 of oil in the ring. The oil should be heated up to a tolerable temperature. The temperature tolerance will vary between individuals. Be careful not to burn yourself. The temperature of oil should remain constant during the Nabhi Vasti treatment.

4. Replace the oil 3 or 4 times. The treatment should last around 30 minutes.

5. When you are done, remove the dough ring and gently massage the stomach in circular motion for 5 minutes.

6. Take a rest for 30 minutes after the treatment.

Repeat every day for 7-21 days.

For best results do this treatment on an empty stomach or 5 hours after eating.

This therapy is also known as Chakra Vasti or Nabhi Chikitsa. There are also similar Ayurvedic treatments for lower back, neck, chest, knees and eyes.

Avoid this treatment during pregnancy or menstruation. Nabhi Vasti is recommended during post natal period and before conceiving. If you are trying to conceive or you have menstrual problems, you may want to try vaginal steaming after you are done with Nabhi vasti and belly massage. After you finish both treatments take a rest for 30 – 60 minutes. 




Author: Ayurveda Tutorials