Oiling Your Belly Button: The Exciting New Menopause Relief

Menopause, eh? The joys of hot flashes, mood swings, sleepless nights, and brain fog—like a hormonal rollercoaster nobody asked for! While we can’t exactly hit the “off” switch on this wild ride, there are a few tricks up our sleeves that might make it a bit smoother. One such quirky but rather fascinating method is oiling your belly button. Yes, you read that right. We’ve tried face creams, bath salts, and the odd herbal tea—but oiling our belly buttons? That’s a new one!

Why the Belly Button, You Ask?

Let’s start with a bit of ancient wisdom, because sometimes, old remedies come with a dash of brilliance (or a drizzle of oil, in this case). The navel is seen as a central hub, connected to all sorts of important bits and bobs in our body. Think of it as the body’s ‘control centre’—and by applying oils there, we’re sending soothing signals all over.

I know what you’re thinking: “Oiling my belly button? Really?” Yes, really. This ancient Ayurvedic practice, often called navel therapy, suggests that applying oils to your navel can help with everything from dry skin to digestion to, wait for it—hormonal balance. And for those of us deep in the throes of menopause, anything that promises to take the edge off those pesky symptoms is worth a try, right?

So, What’s the Magic Potion?

Here’s where it gets interesting. The type of oil you choose can make all the difference. It’s not about slapping on whatever you’ve got lying around (no, your leftover chip oil won’t do!). Certain oils are believed to work wonders, and here’s a quick run-down of the main contenders:

1. Clary Sage Oil – Now, this one is a gem for balancing hormones. I mean, if I could send my hormones on a permanent holiday, I would, but clary sage might just help ease those hot flashes and mood swings. You can use it in aromatherapy or rub it (diluted, of course) right onto your belly button.

2. Lavender Oil – A classic for calming the mind. Perfect for those nights when your brain decides to replay every embarrassing thing you’ve ever done instead of letting you sleep.

3. Peppermint Oil – Ah, the cool one. This is the perfect little helper when you feel a hot flash coming on—dab a bit (diluted, always diluted!) around your navel or chest, and enjoy the cooling sensation. It’s like popping a mint for your skin.

4. Geranium Oil – Sweet-smelling and hormone-friendly. Helps keep you from turning into a raging monster when the mood swings kick in. Geranium oil knows what’s up.

5. Roman Chamomile Oil – Think of this one as a cup of chamomile tea for your emotions. Great for helping with mood swings and anxiety.

6. Rose Oil – Feeling a bit out of touch with your feminine side during menopause? Rose oil may just rekindle your self-love, leaving you feeling a little more you again.

And Don’t Forget the Carriers!

Now, essential oils are great, but let’s not forget the humble carrier oils that help deliver the magic without turning your skin into a fiery mess.

Jojoba Oil is a fab moisturizer, and as an added bonus, it’s wonderful for mature skin. Think of it as your skin’s personal hydration assistant.

Coconut Oil is like a comforting hug for your skin, great for hydration (especially when the dryness starts creeping in).

Evening Primrose Oil is fabulous for hormonal balance—perfect for those tender breasts and the sudden, random tears.

Flaxseed Oil is another winner, packed with omega-3s to help smooth out those hormonal bumps.

How to Use These Oils Without Feeling Like a Greasy Spoon

Don’t worry, you’re not about to turn into a walking oil slick. You only need a small amount, and there are a few easy ways to make this work:

Bath Time Bliss: Add a few drops of oil to your bath (mixed with a carrier oil first, of course). It’s like a spa experience at home, and perfect for when you need to relax after one of those days.

Topical Massage: Mix your essential oil with a carrier oil (about 3-5 drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil), and gently massage it around your belly button. Some even say to apply it to the abdomen or lower back—areas that feel the strain during menopause.

Aromatherapy: Pop a few drops of your favourite essential oil into a diffuser. Sit back, breathe deep, and let those calming vibes flow. Perfect for when you’re feeling on edge.

Does It Actually Work?

Here’s the thing—while there’s limited scientific evidence to back up the whole “oil your belly button” thing, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. At the very least, you’ll be treating yourself to a bit of self-care, and who doesn’t deserve that? Worst case, you’ve got beautifully soft skin. Best case? You might just find a little extra relief from your menopause symptoms. Either way, it’s worth a go.

So, grab a bottle of your favourite oil, have a giggle at the oddness of it all, and give your belly button some well-deserved love. After all, in the menopause marathon, we’ll take every drop of help we can get! Have you tried this? What were the results like?