The Pechoti method (sometimes called the Pechoti intake method) is based on the idea that you can absorb substances like essential oils through your belly button. This includes massaging them in for pain relief and relaxation.
It’s thought that a gland called the Pechoti gland in your navel allows you to absorb substances like CBD oil into your body. However, there’s no evidence that this gland actually exists.
There’s no harm in trying the Pechoti method to see what it does for you. Let’s get into whether it works, whether it’s safe, and how to do it if you want to try it.
The Pechoti method comes from Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal practice that originated in India. It focuses on connections between physical and spiritual health.
But there’s no clinical evidence to support the existence of the Pechoti gland or any other part of your anatomy that lets you absorb oils through your belly button.
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Almost no research has been done since then. But that doesn’t mean that myths about the Pechoti method haven’t spread.
Does it transfer through old umbilical cord tissue?
This belief may be based on the fact that you absorbed nutrients through the navel tissues and the umbilical cord when you were in the womb. Therefore, these same navel tissues could also pass the essential oils, the thinking goes.
But that belief contradicts what actually happens after you’re born and your umbilical cord is cut off.
Once you leave the womb, the flow of blood and fluids through the cord gradually stops. Then, the doctor cuts off the umbilical cord, which is the only method of transmission between mom and baby.
All that’s left behind on your navel after birth are skin tissues and hard, solid ligaments that eventually fall off or seal up. There’s no gland left here that can absorb anything.
Do CBD oils in your belly button help you digest?
Here’s another idea related to the Pechoti method that seems to have research behind it: Nerves in the gut contain
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But there’s no specific research that supports the idea that putting CBD oil in your belly button has any connection to this use of CBD to act on your gut nerves.
Does it give you essential oil benefits?
You can’t absorb oils through your belly button, but the scents of oils on your body and the methods of applying them can be calming.
Research does show that many oils, including CBD oil, can have both pain-reducing and calming effects when they’re applied to your skin.
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Yes! There’s no harm in putting a little oil in your belly button.
Just don’t press down too hard on your belly button, as there’s a large amount of nerves around your gut, and the pressure could be painful.
Be careful with the oils you use, too. Make sure you’re not allergic to them before you put them on your skin, as this can cause irritation.
Some oils, like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus, can also cause uncomfortable or painful reactions if you put too much on at once.
Before using essential oils on your skin, dilute them with a carrier oil. Never put essential oils in your mouth or eyes.
The Pechoti method likely won’t cause anything to get absorbed through your navel.
But here’s a step-by-step guide so you can try it for yourself and get some of the benefits of the oils and the massage:
- If you’re using essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil.
- Rinse or clean out your belly button and let it dry.
- Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable, like your bed or couch.
- Put a few drops of oil into your belly button and let it absorb into your skin.
- Put a clean towel or sheet over your belly button so you’re not touching your belly button directly.
- Gently press down on your belly button with both thumbs, or your index, middle, and ring finger all at once.
- If you feel any discomfort or pain, continue pressing gently until the pain begins to subside.
- Press a little more firmly until it’s no longer painful or uncomfortable to press on that area.
- Move on to other areas around your belly button and stomach, and repeat steps 5 to 7 until you begin to feel tension or discomfort relief.
- Stroke your stomach clockwise with your palm for about a minute.
Here are some oils you can try that may make this experience more relaxing and beneficial:
- CBD oil for pain or tension
- tea tree oil for skin irritation and inflammation
- peppermint oil for nausea and gut pain
- neem oil for skin or hair health
- ginger oil for nausea and inflammation
You can’t absorb these oils through your belly button because there’s no such thing as the Pechoti gland.
But the Pechoti method has other benefits that have more to do with massage and essential oil use. Feel free to try it and see what benefits it has for you.
