Navel Displacement: The Ultimate Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Have you ever felt an unsettling sensation around your belly button? No, we’re not talking about gas but something like your navel shifting or protruding. If yes, then you might be experiencing navel displacement. But don’t worry, in this article, we will explore the ins and outs of this lesser-known condition and spill the beans on its symptoms, causes and treatment options, including natural remedies.

What is Navel Displacement?

When the centre of your navel or belly button shifts upwards or downwards, it is known as navel displacement. In some rare cases, the belly button may even shift sideways. Like spinal cord displacement, the displacement of the navel can lead to an imbalance in the stomach muscles.

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Navel Displacement Symptoms

The immediate question that comes to mind is how to check navel displacement. Well, here are some changes in and around your navel that can help you identify whether it has displaced or not:

• Instead of being in the centre, the navel may appear to be pointing towards the front or side

• A visible bulge on one side of the navel

• The navel may appear pulled inside or sunken

• The navel may appear raised above or swollen

• A hard lump may surround the navel

• There may be an abnormal division between the rectus abdominis muscle

• There may be a discharge such as blood from the navel

Besides these changes in and around the navel, you may also notice the following symptoms of navel displacement:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

• Severe stomachache

• Constipation

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in back and thighs

• Heart palpitations

• Painful and heavy periods for women

These symptoms can interfere with your day-to-day life and even cause further complications, so it’s best to visit a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

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Navel Displacement Causes

The navel is said to be the focal point of our body. Its displacement can be caused by various conditions, such as:

• Lifting heavy objects

• Sudden or abrupt movements

• Chronic constipation

• Improper sexual intercourse

• Pregnancy

• Childbirth

Navel displacement is common among children, but adults may also suffer from it.

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Navel Displacement Treatment with Home Remedies

If you’re suffering from navel displacement symptoms that’s been caused due to improper food consumption or digestion problems, then these home remedies can help treat:

1. Indian gooseberry (Amla)

Make a mixture of amla powder and lemon juice, then apply it around the navel and lie down for some time. Apply the mixture twice daily. This can help relieve abdominal pain, cramps and constipation and bring the navel back to its proper place.

2. Massage

Gently massaging the navel and surrounding area can help reduce the pain. However, the massage must be carried out by a professional and the patient should avoid carrying any excess weight in such circumstances.

3. Mustard oil

Warm some mustard oil and pour it into the navel depression. Doing this on an empty stomach can help provide relief in the pain.

4. Fennel seeds

Consuming fennel seeds along with some crushed jaggery (gur) on an empty stomach in the early morning can also be beneficial. Continue doing so for 2-3 days for the remedy to work.

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Yoga for Navel Displacement

There are various simple yoga asanas that can help with a displaced navel. These asanas are simple and can be performed at home with minimal assistance. All of these asanas must be performed at a slow pace and must be held for a few minutes before releasing them. Deep inhalation and exhalation are key.

1. Utanpadasana

To perform this exercise, one has to lie down on their back and join their legs together. Then, raise both legs at 30 degrees angle. Hold them in that position for as long as possible while inhaling and exhaling. Do the same by lifting the legs to 60 degrees. This can be performed 3-4 times.

2. Ardha Halasana

While lying on the back, raise the legs upwards to 90 degrees. The toes must be in line with the eyes. From this position, the lower back must be lifted upwards and downwards. This can be performed 3–4 times.

3. Ardha Pawanmuktasana

While lying down on the back, one leg has to be brought close to the chest and held. This can be performed 3–5 times with each leg.

4. Markasana

While lying down on the back, both legs have to be folded and moved to one side. The head must be turned to the other side. This can be done 3–5 times on each side.

5. Setubandhasana

For this, both legs must be folded with feet on the floor. The lower back must be lifted from the floor while the hands are touching the ankle. This can be done 2–5 times.

6. Supta Vrajasana

This exercise is performed by folding both legs under oneself so the feet touch the buttocks. Hold the feet with both hands while the back rests on the floor. To be done 3–5 times.

Hold each of these positions for a few seconds, and then gradually increase the time.

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FAQs

1. Can Navel Displacement Cure Itself?

A displaced navel does not go away on its own and is often a recurring condition. In order to fix this condition, it is recommended to practice Yoga asanas and home remedies. Yogic asanas can also help prevent this condition from occuring again and again.

2. How Do You Check for Dharan?

Dharan is checked by the position of the nipples in males, and the toes in females. This is compared in reference to the position of the umbilical cord. Under normal circumstances, the umbilical cord is positioned at the centre. While inspecting these areas, any shift in the navel should be observed.

3. How to Cure Navel Displacement Permanently?

A displaced navel can be treated permanently through a combination of home remedies and specific yoga asanas. Some effective remedies include massage using amla and giloy paste, mustard oil and consuming fennel seeds along with practicing Yoga asanas such as Utanpadasana, Ardha Halasana, Ardha Pawanmuktasana, Markasana, Setubandhasana, and Supta Vrajasana.

Closing Thoughts

Navel displacement can happen due to various causes. What makes it challenging is the pain. The severe pain that is caused by the displacement can prevent people from performing their daily activities. Home remedies and yoga can be very beneficial. However, if there is no improvement, one must visit a doctor and get themselves checked. If left untreated, a lot of health problems can arise.

References

1. Wand A, Kaur R. (2014). Dharan or Nabhi Sarakna: a cultural syndrome presenting with unexplained medical symptoms. Psychosomatics.

2. Raziani Y, Salah Othman B, Raziani S. (2021). A common but unknown disease; A case series study. Ann Med Surg (Lond).