Nearly every wellness supplement turned trend has seen its fair share of out-of-this-world claims – and CBD oil is no different.
From curing incurable diseases to outright replacing traditional medication, cannabidiol (CBD) oil seems to be the solution to everything for many in the alternative medicine and Ayurveda communities.
CBD oil’s latest claim to fame? Absorbing through the belly button.
Anecdotally reported to provide all of the benefits of CBD you’ve probably heard of (and some extras you haven’t), including pain relief, better sleep, decreased anxiety, protection from immunodeficiencies, and even help with weight loss – all without any of the drawbacks (like a dry mouth or grogginess) associated with other methods of taking CBD oil.
So, does this method work? We did some digging to find out.
The Pechoti Method
Pechoti comes from the Sanskrit word for “to absorb” and in this context, refers to the belief that applying tea tree oil, cannabis oil or other essential oils to the belly button can allow for better transdermal absorption directly into the bloodstream.
This belly button healing belief is based on the theory that during prenatal development, glands at the end of the umbilical cord transfer nutrients from the mother to the developing foetus through the Pechoti gland located in the navel.
After birth, this gland continues to be a sensitive reflexology point rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, making it an ideal spot for absorption, at least according to Ayurvedic medicine practitioners and herbalists.
The Science Behind It
The thought that the Pechoti Method works to provide the unsubstantiated benefits of CBD is driven by application common to CBD oil tinctures. These popular CBD products are potent hemp cannabis plant extracts that are dropped under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membranes.
This direct application to the rich vein network under the tongue allows CBD and other cannabinoids to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream relatively unchanged. From there, cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytocannabinoids can interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system to provide wellness support.
So, the Pechoti Method builds on this natural and common process of taking liquid supplements and medications and applies it specifically to the navel region rather than the entire body.
Does It Work?
While there are anecdotal reports of the Pechoti Method’s success in delivering CBD oil’s benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Therefore, the best we can do is examine the logic behind the method and see if it holds up.
As we mentioned before, the Pechoti Method is based on the theory that the navel region is rich in veins and nerve endings, making it ideal for absorption. And while this may be true, it’s important to remember that the gland thought to be responsible for this ingenious consumption method is no longer active once we’re born.
So while it’s possible that the Pechoti Method could help increase absorption of CBD oil (or any other liquid supplement), it’s likely that this wouldn’t be to a significant enough degree to make a noticeable difference in terms of the oil’s effects.
Additionally, because CBD oil is typically taken in small doses (usually just a few drops), it’s hard to see how this method could provide any comprehensive CBD experience you couldn’t get from simply taking CBD oil orally.
So while it’s possible that some of the CBD oil applied to the navel region might be absorbed through the skin’s endocannabinoid receptors, it’s more likely that putting CBD oil in your belly button is not an effective way to consume CBD oil.
What is the Best Way To Take CBD Oil?
If you are looking for an effective and fast way to get full CBD saturation into the bloodstream, consider using the already numerous popular ingestion methods that include:
CBD oil tinctures: Potent CBD oil drops are placed under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream directly from the rich network of veins there.
Capsules and gummies: CBD edibles are taken orally, allowing them to be processed through the digestive system before being metabolized by the liver and entering the bloodstream.
Vaping: CBD oil is heated and inhaled as a vapour, allowing it to be absorbed directly into the lungs and diffused into the bloodstream.
Topical skincare creams: CBD creams and other topical products are applied to the skin, where they can be absorbed through the pores and interact with CB2 receptors for targeted CBD wellness solutions.
While each of these methods delivers CBD oil into the bloodstream in different ways, they all share one commonality – they allow you to get full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate in a way that is both effective and fast-acting.
The Takeaway
While it would be great to drop a few CBD oil tincture drops directly into the navel and enjoy a more enhanced CBD experience, the reality is that this method is not likely to be effective.
The navel region is no longer rich in active absorption glands once we’re born, so putting CBD oil there is not likely to provide any significant increase in terms of the oil’s effects, onset, or other supernatural claims.
Additionally, because CBD oil is typically taken in small doses, it’s hard to see how this method could provide any comprehensive CBD experience you couldn’t get from simply taking it orally.
So, while there are anecdotal reports of the Pechoti Method’s success, the best way to take CBD oil will still likely be one of the more traditional ingestion methods such as oil drops, edibles, or vaping e-liquids containing CBD.
