By
Dr Rita Khanna
(36 years experience in teaching yoga)
Yoga for Navel Displacement
In Northern India, navel displacement is called Nabhi Chadna / Tharan Chadna. Just as a misalignment occurs within the spinal cord, so a misalignment of the navel and stomach muscles (rectus abdominus) also occurs. It is the condition when the navel centre shifts.
In most cases the navel will take a move in either an upward or downward direction; only sometimes a sideways movement occurs. The displacement is directly connected with the navel, nerves, stomach muscles and movement of Prana, and will affect each of these in some manner.
Normally this problem corresponds to weakening of ligaments related to large intestine.The problem is said to occur more in women and may produce unaccountable menstrual pain and excessive or scanty bleeding. The ailments caused by this particular trouble usually involve only the abdominal area.
CAUSES
Uneven walking, running, unbalanced jumping, picking up heavy objects, a sudden twisting or bending movement, sexual activity.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms are varied according to the direction of movement. For instance, if the navel has moved up, there is a chance of constipation, vomiting or feeling of nausea. If the navel has moved down then it leads to diarrhoea. Whichever way it moves, there is always pain in the abdominal area which may extend into the back, buttocks, thighs and calves. After the navel has shifted once, it is a problem which occurs frequently thereafter unless Yogic precautionary practices are started.
HOW TO DIAGNOSIS THE CORRECT ALIGNMENT
• The misalignment can be detected by using string to measure the distance from the large toe of both feet to the navel centre. Lie down on the flat surface facing upwards. If there is a difference in the length of these two measurements it indicates shift in navel position. However, when measuring the position with string, care should be taken to ensure that the body is correctly aligned.
• The original position can also be detected in some people by feeling for a pulse in the area. Lie on the flat surface facing upwards and press your thumb in the navel. If throbbing sensation under the navel is there, it means pulse and navel are together, the position is correct.
• In men, the measurement can be taken from the right and left nipples to the navel. If disparity in distance is there, it indicates the incorrect position.
YOGA FOR NAVEL DISPLACEMENT
Correct Yogic treatment for displacement and its adjustment eliminates this trouble within a short period, say 3 to 4 days. The Asanas that should be mainly practised are those which give equal backward stretch to the rectus abdominus muscles. Asanas such as Uttanpadasana, Bhujangasana, Matsyasana, Kandharasana, Supta vajrasana, Chakrasana, Dhanurasana, Makarasana, Naukasana, Matsyakridasana, will give relief. Shankhaprakshalana asanas can also be effective.
No forward bending Asanas can be practised excepting Shashankasana and Marjariasana in some cases. After cure, practice of these Asanas should continue so that stomach and back muscles strengthen and prevent further recurrence. Following is a method of Uttanpadasana. It is very simple and easy to do.
METHOD OF UTTANPADASANA
• Lie down straight on your back with the palms flat on the floor, legs straight and toes together.
• Inhale and raise both the legs upwards up to 30degrees and hold it for 10 seconds,
• Then 60 degree, again hold it for ten seconds,
• Then 90 degree and hold it again for 10 seconds.
• Then same way come back while exhaling.
• While returning, place the feet slowly on the floor, avoiding any jerks.
• After resting for a while repeat the exercise 3 to 6 times.
This Asana helps in keeping the dislocated navel in its proper place.
NOTE
Those suffering from acute backache should practice it using one leg at a time.
BENEFITS
• This Asana strengthens the intestines and makes them free of diseases. It removes constipation, gas formation, obesity and improves the digestive system.
• It is useful in preventing displacement of the navel, heart disease, stomach pain, and respiratory problems.
• It is especially useful for back-ache, when performed using one leg at a time.
SOME OTHER METHODS
• Normally elders have good knowledge about this problem. Some people cure this by massaging the area near navel. Make sure they must have proper knowledge of massage otherwise further damage may result.
• Another massage technique is applied to different areas of the legs, corresponding to acupuncture points. When this method is used, a piece of string is tied around the big toe ‘to keep things in place’.
• Another method involves an herbal pack placed on the stomach.
• These latter methods are local Indian methods usually practised in the villages. They provide good treatment but fail to prevent recurrence. They can be used successfully in conjunction with Asanas.
