Did you know that there are 67 different types of bacteria in the average belly button?

Our belly button (a.k.a. navel) is an area we don’t pay that much attention to, unless it’s been pierced and adorned… or unless it’s been lightly touched… you all know what I mean: it is definitely one of our erogenous zones…

But this beautiful little detail on our belly can be a breeding ground for dirt, sweat, bacteria, etc… Yes, about 67 different types of bacteria can be found in the average belly button!⁠

Yikes!⁠!!⁠

⁠So… What should we do?⁠ Simple: let’s keep our belly button clean!⁠

⁠Tip #1: ⁠

1. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol (or hydrogen peroxide) and gently rub the inside of your belly button. Repeat until the swab is clean. Be as gentle as possible!!!⁠

2. Use a couple of swabs dipped in water to remove the residual alcohol which is drying to the skin, and pat dry or use a clean swab to dry the inside of the belly button.

Tip #2:⁠

1. You can use oils to clean the belly button if you don’t want to use alcohol. Good choices are grapeseed, jojoba or MCT oils for example.

Add essential oils and actually massage your belly button. Place a few drops (carrier oil + essential oils) on your fingertips. Gently massage the skin around the belly button. You can also use a light pinching motion for a minute or so.⁠

⁠Some people recommend pouring a little oil (mixed with the essential oils) in the belly button for extra therapeutic benefits. Wait 15 minutes ⏳ before wiping off.⁠

I actually use Rêves de Sabine Calm Wellness Body Oil to clean my belly button. It contains soothing and anti-inflammatory essential oils and the right carrier oils as well (as you know I like simple solutions!). And it smells great! Here are some essential oil ideas:

1. To increase your creativity, and balance your Navel Chakra (see more on Ayurveda and the navel at the end of this post), try adding a drop of sandalwood or ylang ylang. Make sure to dilute the essential oil with the carrier oil. NEVER use undiluted essential oils.⁠

2. To relieve a bloated tummy, try a drop of peppermint essential oil (diluted, not neat!).⁠

3. To relieve anxiety, or for a good night’s sleep, try a drop of camomile and a drop of lavender essential oils mixed with the carrier oil (diluted, not neat!).⁠

So… Who is doing belly button care today?

Those of you who are familiar with Ayurvedic practices, and know the importance of the navel in our overall wellness and fitness, may find the following articles helpful:

http://bit.ly/TOI_Power_of_the_Navel

http://bit.ly/India_Times_Navel_Article

http://womenswellnessmovement.org/belly-buttons

Let me know your thoughts. I always welcome input/comments/suggestions!