Who has put essential oils in their belly button before?
Go on….. you know you have……..

It’s called the Pechoti Method and it refers to an Ayurvedic approach that has been used over centuries whereby oils are dropped into the belly button. It’s big in the Cannabis community and it seems it’s slowly creeping into the world of Aromatherapy as well.

The name Pechoti comes from the Pechoti gland which resides behind the belly button and houses more than 72,000 veins and millions of nerves. This gland apparently remains in existence once the umbilical cord is cut and continues to be a superhighway of nerve connectivity and blood supply to the rest of the body. According to Ayurvedic anatomy ‘marma’ (the umbilicus) is the point where muscles, arteries, veins, nerves, ligaments and joints converge.

So interesting!

I will just note here that – there is no evidence that the Pechoti Gland exists. It certainly isn’t referenced on any anatomical charts, however I’m an open-minded individual and just because science hasn’t acknowledged it, it doesn’t discount the strong energetics associated with this highly sensitive area or the fact it has been referenced and revered in Eastern texts for hundreds of years.

The belly button is located in our center of gravity and energy. It sits over your intestines, major lymph nodes and blood vessels. It’s also right near your vagus nerve which is responsible for the rest and digest functions of your body.

Oils such as Lavender, Balance, Frankincense, Vetiver and Bergamot would be ideal for activating and supporting the parasympathetic nervous system which is your rest and digest ruler.

The navel is the thinnest part of the abdominal wall and there is no muscle or fatty tissue behind your navel which makes it the perfect access point to what’s happening inside your abdomen, particularly if gut dysbiosis or dysfunction is at play.

Oils such as DigestZen, Lemon, Lemongrass, Thyme, Peppermint and Oregano (all diluted) would be good options to support gut health using this method.

Below you will see an image which shows just how well connected the Umbilicus is to the rest of the body.

The rest of your body connects to the belly button via connective tissue and it’s also the entry point for the major energy center – your solar plexus, the source of our personal power.

Navels are super reflexology points that stimulate your whole body. In the acupuncture world, it is considered to be the forbidden point. No needling of the belly button is allowed.  I know for myself that I am exceptionally sensitive to having my belly button touched and it takes all my might to sit still and let someone do that to me 🤣

By stimulating your belly button, you send vital life force to all parts of the body which reinvigorates us on all levels and incorporating essential oils allows us to access and support nearly all systems of the body from one tiny location.

The Navel, or bellybutton, is called “Shenque” in the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the navel is the origin of the all internal organs, controlling all the veins of Qi in the body. Therefore, it is considered the root of life.

Belly stimulation also helps pump nutrients, toxins, waste, lymph and blood in the abdomen which helps your systems stay clear and flowing. It warms your abdomen which increases immune function, relaxes muscles and fascia which in turn calms and helps you breathe more deeply sending more oxygen to your body and brain.

Oils to support and stimulate the lymphatic system would be grapefruit, cypress, geranium, spikenard, juniper berry, basil or the Zendocrine Blend.

The gastrointestinal tract also contains a whole heap of cannabinoid receptors which makes the Petochi Method really well suited for using essential oils such as Copaiba, Black Pepper, Ylang Ylang and Turmeric which support and activate the endocannabinoid system.

Activating our endocannabinoid system means in turn supporting our central nervous system, neurological pathways and brain function, endocrine system and gastrointestinal system. It’s also key to pain management.

Interestingly research shows that the efficiency and effectiveness of absorption using this method and also that of sublingual (under the tongue) application rivals that of intravenous uptake.

For women experiencing fertility, or hormonal challenges such as severe cramping, using the belly button as an application point can be extremely beneficial and provide fast acting relief. Try Spikenard, Geranium, Clary Sage, Myrrh or any of the floral oils to rebalance and support the reproductive organs. For PMS of course ClaryCalm, Copaiba, Fennel, Marjoram, Ginger, Ice Blue or Ylang Ylang would all be great choices.

It’s really important that we dilute essential oils when using this approach ok as the skin in the belly button is very sensitive and delicate. Please always dilute unless you know your body and it’s responses very well.

If you would like some guidance on anything I’ve mentioned in this article please feel free to ask, I would love to hear from you.

Now go forth and love thy belly button ☺️