Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Vidya Malavade’s Nighttime Wellness Routine May Aid Sleep
Vidya Malavade shared three things she does before going to sleep.
She hums while breathing, which is called Bhramari Pranayam.
She also puts a few drops of warm castor oil in her belly button.
Finally, she meditates and imagines letting go of stressful feelings.
A yoga expert says the breathing exercise may help people feel calmer.
A doctor says meditation and breathing can help the body relax for sleep.
However, a skin doctor says there is not much scientific proof that oil in the navel improves health.
The doctor also warns that dirty skin around the navel could lead to irritation or infection.
Vidya Malavade says she uses Bhramari Pranayam, warm castor oil and meditation before bed.
A yoga expert says Bhramari breathing may calm the mind, reduce anxiety and improve concentration.
Meditation and breathing exercises can encourage relaxation and may help people fall asleep more easily.
A dermatologist says there is limited scientific evidence that navel oiling provides significant health benefits.
Experts warn that oil applied to an unclean navel may trap moisture and encourage bacterial or fungal growth.
- Who
- Actor Vidya Malavade, along with yoga, dermatology and internal-medicine experts quoted in the article.
- What
- Malavade shared a nighttime routine involving Bhramari Pranayam, warm castor oil applied to the navel and cord-cutting meditation.
- When
- At night, before sleep; Malavade shared the routine on Instagram.
- Where
- The routine was shared on Instagram, while experts were quoted by The Indian Express.
- Why
- Malavade uses the practices to relax and sleep better; experts discussed their possible benefits and limitations.
Potential Wellness Benefits
Evidence And Safety Limits
Bhramari breathing
Potential Wellness Benefits
The yoga expert described the humming-bee breathing technique as calming and said it may reduce anxiety, improve concentration and support emotional balance.
Evidence And Safety Limits
The article does not present a significant expert challenge to the breathing practice, but its claimed effects are described by a yoga and alternative-health expert rather than established as guaranteed outcomes.
Warm castor oil at the navel
Potential Wellness Benefits
Malavade said seven drops may help with bloating, mild constipation, moisturising, menstrual cramps and eliminating toxins.
Evidence And Safety Limits
The dermatologist said the navel is not a special pathway for delivering nutrients or medicinal compounds and that there is limited scientific evidence for these benefits.
Meditation and sleep
Potential Wellness Benefits
The internal-medicine specialist said breathing exercises and meditation can promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and may support quicker, deeper sleep.
Evidence And Safety Limits
The article cautions that people should stop navel oiling if they develop discomfort, rashes or persistent itching and seek medical advice.
- Routine practices
- Bhramari Pranayam, navel application of warm castor oil and cord-cutting meditation
- Castor oil amount
- Malavade said she uses seven drops of warm castor oil
- Claimed breathing benefits
- A yoga expert said Bhramari may reduce anxiety, regulate emotions and improve concentration
- Meditation and sleep
- An internal-medicine specialist said relaxation from meditation and breathing may help people fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply
- Evidence on navel oiling
- A dermatologist said there is very limited scientific evidence for significant health or skin benefits from absorption through the navel
- Potential skin concern
- Oil on an unclean navel may trap dirt, sweat and moisture, potentially encouraging bacterial or fungal growth
- Medical advice
- The article advises consulting a health practitioner before starting the routine