BIOENERGETIC AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO THE MANIPURA CHAKRA: CORRELATION OF NABHI WITH GASTROINTESTINAL AND SLEEP REGULATION

The Manipura chakra, located at the navel or solar plexus region, is traditionally associated with digestion, energy regulation, and personal vitality in Ayurvedic and yogic systems. Although often considered metaphysical, modern scientific perspectives suggest possible correlations with the enteric nervous system, gut-brain axis, and neuroendocrine pathways.[1,2] This pilot study investigated the physiological effects of Nabhi oil therapy, a traditional practice involving the application of medicated oils to the navel, on bioelectrical activity, circadian hormones, gastrointestinal function, and sleep quality. In a randomized, controlled, single-blind design, 60 participants were assigned to either an intervention group receiving a herbal oil blend applied nightly to the umbilicus for 21 days or a placebo group using mineral oil. Outcomes were assessed using Electro Photonic Imaging (GDV)[3], serum melatonin, salivary cortisol[4], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), actigraphy, heart rate variability, and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared to placebo, including increased melatonin levels, reduced cortisol, and enhanced sleep quality, reflected by a decrease in PSQI scores from 8.6 to 4.1 and reduced sleep latency. Bioelectrical measurements indicated increased energy output and improved coherence in the navel region.[6] Participants also reported better digestive health, with reduced bloating and improved bowel regularity. These findings suggest that the navel region may represent a functional physiological hub involving vagal and neurocutaneous signaling pathways.[7,8] Nabhi oil therapy appears to be a promising non-invasive approach for supporting circadian balance, stress reduction, and digestive health, warranting further large-scale clinical investigation.