Hello friends,

The belly button, or umbilicus, is a small yet significant feature, marking the spot where the umbilical cord once linked us to our mamas. Let’s take a closer look at the curious world of belly buttons—where embryology meets unexpected trivia.

• In utero, the umbilicus functioned as a group of tubes allowing for transfer between mother and baby. When the cord is cut, it leaves behind a scar we know as the belly button.

• Belly buttons cannot be custom designed by the doctor that cut the cord. Every belly button is unique, just like your fingerprints. But a belly button can undergo surgery to, for example, go from an outie to an innie.

• Belly buttons are self-cleaning, although it is recommended to practice good hygiene. Neglect them long enough and you might cultivate a fungal terrarium.

• They are bacteria collectors - over 2,000 different kinds giving each of us a unique ecosystem. You can use this to make cheese. Belly Brie, anyone?

• Fine hair in the belly buttons make them great lint collectors, which is why men tend to have lintier belly buttons.

• In utero, the urachus connects the bladder to the umbilicus to allow urine to exit the fetus. After birth, the urachus become the median umbilical ligament, and still attaches the bladder to the belly button. This means you might feel like you need to pee when it gets touched. If the urachus doesn't fully close after birth, urine may leak out of your belly button.

• The belly button also attaches to your liver by a different ligament conveniently called the round ligament of the liver.

• Your belly button is the social butterfly of the internal organs. In The Fajardo Method®, it’s understood that a fascial bag encases all the internal organs. This bag is connected to the belly button—imagine it as a balloon holding all your organs, with the knot representing the belly button. This is why when you move your centerline more or differently than usual you might start to feel a bit nauseous. Congrats

Onwards, Amy