Abstract

Chirag Warty, Aditi Bhagat*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The circadian rhythm is a fundamental biological mechanism regulating sleep-wake cycles, hormonal secretion, and metabolic function. Disruptions to this rhythm are profoundly linked to various physiological and psychological disorders, including insomnia, depression, and metabolic syndrome. This study explores the potential of Nabhi therapy, an ancient Ayurvedic practice involving the targeted application of herbal oils to the navel (nabhi marma), as a novel, non-invasive method for restoring systemic circadian balance. Ayurvedic texts describe the nabhi as a central energetic hub, and modern theory posits that umbilicus-based transdermal delivery may influence the gut-brain axis (GBA), vagal tone, and the HPA axis, thereby modulating the principal circadian regulators: the pineal (melatonin) and adrenal (cortisol) glands. Methods: This research aimed to evaluate the influence of Nabhi oil therapy on melatonin (sleep-wake cycle) and cortisol (stress response). A randomized, controlled trial design was employed, where participants received either a specific herbal oil intervention or a placebo applied to the navel region. Outcome measures included serial serum melatonin and salivary cortisol samples, collected at defined circadian intervals to assess hormonal patterns. Subjective sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), objective sleep metrics were gathered via actigraphy, and psychological stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Preliminary findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group compared to the placebo. Participants receiving Nabhi therapy reported reduced sleep latency and increased overall sleep duration. Crucially, hormonal analysis revealed an adaptive restoration of hormonal circadian patterns. Specifically, melatonin secretion showed better entertainment, peaking closer to the physiological nocturnal time, and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) exhibited favorable normalization, indicating a reduction in chronic stress-induced cortisol flattening. Conclusion: Nabhi oil therapy presents a promising integrative approach for non-invasive circadian rhythm regulation. By successfully modulating key neuroendocrine markers (melatonin and cortisol) and improving sleep parameters, this practice bridges traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary neuroscience. These findings offer vast clinical implications for managing shift work disorder, insomnia, jet lag, and adrenal fatigue, supporting a chronobiological approach in lifestyle medicine.