Fact Check: Can oiling of the navel cure joint pain?

Can oiling of navel cure joint pain?

Claim: A social media post on Pinterest claims that oiling the navel has several benefits: moisturising skin, curing infection, improving fertility, reducing pimples and acne, and decreasing menstrual pain. Among those, one of the claims was to cure joint pain. The link to the claim can be assessed here.

Fact Check:

The claim is FALSE.

What is the oiling of the navel?

Navel treatment, or the Pechoti technique, is a traditional Ayurveda technique that refers to applying oil to the navel to detoxify the body and fix different afflictions. It's based on the belief that the navel (or Pechoti gland) is connected to various organs and systems in the body, and applying oil to this area can have therapeutic effects. (1)

According to Ayurvedic teachings, the navel (nabhi) is considered a focal point of consciousness, harbouring immense energy reserves. The belly button is believed to be linked to nearly all the body's organs via a network of 72,000 veins. Therefore, massaging the navel can activate these nerve endings, offering incredible health benefits by stimulating various bodily functions.

Can oiling of the navel cure joint pain?

We couldn’t find enough scientific evidence to support the claim that oiling the navel can directly cure joint pain, as joint pain can have various causes, including inflammation, injury, arthritis, or underlying health conditions.

Speaking to the Medical Dialogues team, Dr. Dhruv Rawal, Orthopedic surgeon at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, explained, “Putting oil on the navel is a traditional Ayurvedic technique, but there is limited scientific proof that it is useful in treating joint pain. Joint pain management necessitates a multifaceted strategy that includes accurate diagnosis, medical treatment, physiotherapy, and self-care. While oil treatment may provide temporary comfort, it is not a stand-alone remedy. Consultation with an orthopaedic professional ensures that treatment is tailored to the individual's optimal joint pain management needs.”

How to treat Joint pain?

On conversing with the Medical Dialogues team, Dr Anyapu Deepak, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Mamata multi-speciality hospital in Andhra Pradesh, explained, “The most important aspect of managing acute pain or exacerbation of chronic pain is by Rest or joint Immobilization. Hot or ice packing will soothe joint pain. Topical NSAIDs or oral medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen are helpful. Pain is also a protective response of the body from preventing excessive damage to the joints. Avoiding the activities that are causing the pain gives the joint time to heal and start resuming normal activities as the pain allows. Contact your doctor if the pain accumulates, is associated with joint swelling, or is not responding to conservative management. Chronic pain, like arthritic pain, can be managed with weight reduction with a healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle, including aerobic and resistance exercises. Using a cane or crutches while walking; avoiding activities like squatting and sitting cross-legged reduces pressure on joints and helps reduce pain episodes.”

Medical Dialogues Final take:

No, Joint pain can’t be cured. Moreover, we could not find explicit scientific evidence that oiling the navel can help cure joint pain. Hence, the claim that oiling the navel can cure joint pain is false.

References:

1. https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/is-navel-therapy-effective-in-treating-joint-pain-an-overview-74096.html.