The human body is 60% water. That doesn’t mean that the body can do without fluid intake, it instead means that we need at least 2-3 liters of water daily to maintain a well-hydrated state. According to traditional Ayurvedic texts, clean water is crucial for the overall well-being of the body and mind.
Water as long as it’s drinkable and not too cold or sweetened with sugar works great for the body. According to Ayurveda, it’s best to drink hot water as it increases blood circulation and keeps the vital organs well-functioning. 1
The Wonderful Benefits Of Ushnodaka Therapy
Ushnodaka Therapy is the regular intake of warm water to help alleviate diseases. This ancient and effective therapy can flush out toxins that cause disease. We all have a biological fire or agni that carries out the digestive processes in the body. Pitta is the digestive energy that aids in digestion. Agni and pitta go hand in hand when in comes to regulating the overall health and longevity of the body.2
Unfortunately, due to various reasons, many a time the intensity of the agni gets reduced in some individuals and accumulation of ama or toxins occur. When the accumulation of toxins occur due to reduced agni, it leads to imbalance and diseases. This is when the body needs hot water to rejuvenate itself. Here are several ways you can make the most of Ushnodaka therapy.3
- A glass of hot water first thing in the morning kick starts the elimination processes in the body
- Its bronchodilating and mucolytic effects melts solidified kapha move from the respiratory passages for elimination thereby relieving respiratory problems like asthma, cough and sinusitis
- It also accelerates the metabolism to burn fat cells faster
- It regulates the functioning of vital organs
- It prevents dehydration and digestive disorders
- It prevents the formation of kidney stones
- Being well-hydrated can prevent headaches that occur due to dehydration
- Adequate water intake can regulate blood volume, pressure and heart rate
- Relieves constipation by increasing fluid content in stools
- During fever, it stimulates sweating that flushes out microbes and toxins
- Can protect against delirium and dementia among the elderly
- Flushes toxins and give the skin a clear and natural radiance4
How To Drink Hot Water For Your Constitutional Type?
There are three predominant body constitutions or prakritis in Ayurveda, namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Having hot water in different ways can help balance a dosha from becoming too excessive.5
Vata-Balancing Hot Water
To two liters of boiled water add:
- 3 leaves of mint
- 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon of marshmallow root
Fill it in a thermos flask and sip all day long.
Pitta-Balancing Hot Water
To 2 liters of boiled water add:
- 1/4 teaspoon of fennel seed
- 2 rose buds
- 1 clove
Fill a thermos flask with the water and drink it all day long.
Kapha-Balancing Hot Water
To 2 liters of boiled water add:
- 3 freshly plucked basil leaves
- 2 thin slices of ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of fennel
Pour the water into a thermos and drink it all day long.
It’s also crucial to remember that thirst is the best indication that your body needs water. During meal times also drinking plain hot water helps to boost digestion. If you have a lot of hot soups as a part of your diet, that will also meet your body’s fluid demands. Given a choice between hot and cold water daily, choose hot water. However, if you’ve just finished a workout session or were in the hot sun for too long, cold water is most preferred.
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