The Belly Ritual — A Simple Practice for Circulation, Flexibility & Movement
Where rhythm begins — breath, movement, and simple daily care.
This article explains how abdominal movement, breathing, and castor oil may support circulation, lymphatic flow, and relaxation.
The Belly Ritual uses breath, pressure, and movement to create rhythmic motion through the abdomen.
Step 1: Belly Massage with Castor Oil (Simple Salve)
Start with a blueberry-sized amount (about 3 mL) of Simple Salve. Massage around the belly in a circular motion— from the ribs down to the lower abdomen, across the sides, and into the lower back and spine.
Massage a little extra in the belly button.
Put on a comfortable t-shirt to protect bedding.
Step 2: Lie Down and Move into the Belly Twist
Lie flat on your back.
Pull one knee toward your chest.
Guide it across your body so your hips rotate.
Let the opposite arm rest outward.
Turn your head away from the bent knee.
Relax into the position.
This creates a twisting effect in the belly — one side compresses while the other lengthens, shifting fluid, pressure, and tension.
The Belly Twist — a simple position that combines pressure, rotation, and breath to support movement through the abdomen.
Step 3: Belly Breathing for Circulation and Movement
Inhale (through the nose):
Expand the low belly
Let the breath rise into the ribs
Then into the low throat just above the sternum
Exhale (through the nose):
Release from the low throat
Let the ribs fall inward
Pull the low belly in and upward as the diaphragm rises
This wave of expansion and contraction acts as a continuous internal pump.
Breathing Into Tightness
While in the twist, you may feel areas of tightness or mild discomfort.
Breathe into those areas.
Then exhale, allowing them to release.
As tension changes, it may shift to other areas — deeper into the hips, sacrum, spine, or even the chest and shoulders.
Follow it. Stay with the breath and let the body unwind gradually.
Step 4: Switch Sides
Gently return to center and repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Fall Asleep
Let the body settle and drift off naturally.
Why Belly Massage, Breathing, and Movement Work Together
This ritual combines:
Mechanical pressure
Twisting and compression
Internal pressure changes from breathing
Together, these actions create movement through the abdominal tissues and fluids — helping circulation, reducing stagnation, and improving overall mobility.
For a deeper look at how our breathing, pressure, and internal motion work together, see:
The Breathing Pumping Belly
https://www.vancoction.com/news/the-breathing-pumping-belly
Try It for 30 Days
Getting Started with Simple Salve
A 120 mL jar of Simple Salve lasts approximately 40 days when using about 3 mL per night.
https://www.vancoction.com/store/p/simple-salve-120ml
If you’re new to using castor oil on the skin, start with a smaller amount.
Consistency matters more than quantity.
Why Simple Salve
Only two ingredients: Castor oil and beeswax
Nothing synthetic
No devices, packs, or wraps required
Simple, clean, and easy to use daily
Castor oil has a long history of traditional use over the abdomen.
Real World Results
“Twisting feels easier.”
“My hips feel looser when I wake up.”
“I feel more calm.”
“I fall asleep faster and sleep better.”
Let us know how you’re doing.
Albert and Vanessa Wilking
P.S. While playing tennis — We’ve noticed increased strength, coordination, and mobility
Does Castor Oil on the Abdomen Help Circulation?
Applying castor oil to the abdomen, combined with massage and breathing, may help support circulation by increasing movement through the tissues. The mechanical pressure, twisting, and diaphragm-driven breathing create shifts in pressure that encourage blood and lymph flow.
Vanessa Wilking
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