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Water is essential for life, but according to Ayurveda, the ancient science of natural healing from India, how we drink water can significantly affect our health. Ayurveda provides detailed guidance on consuming water to maximise health benefits.
Unlike modern health advice focusing primarily on quantity, Ayurveda emphasises quality, timing, and temperature to ensure that water optimally supports our body’s functions. Here are some key practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to drink water in a way that supports your health and vitality.
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Tips for Drinking Water According to Ayurveda
Here are the tips for drinking water as per Ayurveda:
1. Sit Down to Drink Water Rather Than Standing
It's better to sit down when you drink water rather than stand. Drinking while standing can throw off the balance of fluids in your body. This might mean more fluid builds up in your joints, leading to arthritis.
When you sit to drink, your muscles and nerves are more relaxed. This helps your body digest food and liquids with less effort. Sitting also lets your kidneys filter at a steady pace.
2. Drink Water in Appropriate Quantity
Moderation is key for Ayurveda when it comes to drinking water. Ayurveda says you should drink water according to your thirst, known as Matrayajalapana. This keeps you hydrated without throwing off your dosha balance. Nowadays, busy routines and too much activity can make Vata dosha out of balance.
This may cause people to ignore their feelings of thirst. Then, they either drink too little or too much water. Following Ayurveda's balanced approach helps prevent these issues. Drinking the right amount for one's thirst helps maintain balance and wellness.
3. Avoid Drinking Large Amounts of Water at Once
Don't gulp down lots of water all at once. Instead, take small sips and repeat this throughout the day. This advice also applies to drinking during meals. Zandu Care's senior Ayurvedic consultant says there are three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. How you drink water should balance these doshas.
It's best to get a prakriti analysis from a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. This analysis looks at your doshas. Then, the practitioner can properly guide you on drinking habits for improved well-being.
4. Avoid Chilled Water
During very hot summers, a glass of cold water may feel refreshing. But don't drink water straight from the refrigerator. Instead, mix chilled water with water that's at room temperature to balance it out.
In winter, stick to room temperature or warm water. Cold water can cause digestion problems and constipation. On the other hand, warm water can help digestion and even control cholesterol.
5. Drink Only When you are Thirsty
Your body lets you know when it needs water. Ayurveda says you should drink only when thirsty. Everyone's body is different, so the same amount of water can't be recommended. The body can't absorb too much water at once.
So, it's important to recognise when your body is telling you it's thirsty. Drink enough to satisfy your thirst without feeling too full. Let your own body be the guide for when and how much to drink.
6. Drink Water Stored in Silver and Copper Vessels
Ayurveda has long recommended drinking water kept in copper (Tamba) and silver (Chaandi) pots. The water in these containers is positively charged and can balance all three of the body's doshas.
Ayurvedic doctors point out that copper has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that support the body's immune system and is also anti-cancer. The water in the silver vase can cleanse the body of free radicals, calm the intestines, and facilitate digestion.
7. Drink Herbal Tea or Hot Water During Meals
Water consumption during meals can hinder digestion by diluting stomach acid. On the other hand, a little herbal tea or hot water can help with digestion. One common Ayurvedic tea that can be taken during meals to aid in digestion is cumin, coriander, and fennel (CCF) tea.
If you don't have CCF tea on hand, drinking hot water might also help promote digestion. However, since cold water and chilled drinks can impede digestion, avoid them during meals.
8. Optimal Timing of Water Intake
Ayurveda says drinking water is important for good digestion and overall health. There is an ideal time for water intake called Jalapana kala. Following these guidelines strengthens your digestive fire and helps your body properly digest meals.
Nowadays, people often eat and live in ways that hurt digestion. By sticking to Ayurveda’s water-drinking rules, you can avoid these issues and get the most nutrients from food. Drinking water before you eat weakens digestion and could lead to weight loss.
Consuming water at the end of meals can cause weight gain and too much kapha. It is best to drink water in the middle of meals. This maintains balance, ensures proper digestion, and supports the body's health.
Conclusion
Ayurveda teaches us that the quality and way we drink water can profoundly impact our health. By making a few mindful adjustments to how and when we drink water, we can improve our digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Ayurveda’s emphasis on sipping warm water, drinking mindfully, and balancing the digestive fire are simple yet effective ways to optimise our health. Begin incorporating these Ayurvedic water-drinking practices into your daily routine, and notice their positive effects on your body and mind.
FAQs
1. Why does Ayurveda emphasise sitting while drinking water?
Sitting helps relax the muscles and nerves, allowing for better digestion and fluid balance. Standing can disrupt body fluid levels and contribute to arthritis.
2. What is matrayajalapana?
Matrayajalapana means drinking water according to your thirst rather than forcing yourself to drink a set amount. This prevents disrupting your dosha balance.
3.Is it okay to drink a lot of water all at once?
No, Ayurveda recommends taking small sips of water throughout the day instead of gulping down large amounts at one time. This prevents disrupting digestion or overwhelming the body's absorptive capacity.
4. Should I avoid chilled water?
Yes, very cold or icy water can hamper digestion and cause constipation. It's better to mix some room-temperature water to balance it out or drink warm water in winter.
5. How do I know when I'm thirsty?
Pay attention to body signals like a dry mouth or lips, sticky saliva, dark yellow urine, fatigue, or headaches. These cues indicate you need to drink water.
References:
- Water, a key element in Ayurveda's Panchamahabhuta, is vital for health and requires balanced consumption alongside nutritious food. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
- When told to drink more water, people feel confused, as Ayurveda advises drinking only when truly thirsty. (https://www.jpmhh.org/)
- Drinking water after meals weakens digestion, increases stomach kapha, reduces nourishment to tissues, and leads to obesity despite healthy food.(https://www.jpmhh.org/)
