Water is an essential part of our bodies. In fact, up to 60% of our bodies consist of water. This miracle liquid is responsible for maintaining fluid levels in the body, which assists with absorption, transporting nutrients through the body, maintaining the body’s temperature, digesting food, and many other vital functions.
Mayo Clinic reports that a recent study found the need for water consumption for men and women to be different. They found men need around 3 liters of fluid per day, while women only require around 2.2 liters of fluid per day. They also recommend counting your total fluid intake against your water consumption. On the other hand, reports indicate that nearly 50% of the American population does not consume an adequate amount of water in one day.[1]
What is (Japanese) Water Therapy?
(Japanese) Water Therapy, also known as Ushapan in Ayurveda, is an ancient technique with roots in traditional practices. However, it doesn’t have a single inventor, as it draws upon historical cultural practices rather than being attributed to a specific individual.
Japanese Water Therapy is a practice that involves drinking water right after waking up, before brushing your teeth. This therapy, originating from Japan, is based on the idea that drinking water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can cleanse the digestive system, improve metabolism, and potentially help with various health issues.
The typical process of Japanese Water Therapy involves:
Health Benefits of Water Therapy
Water therapy is a hydrotherapy technique that provides several health benefits. The technique has been used as a traditional treatment since the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also known as Japanese, Indian, or Chinese water therapy. This technique involves the consumption of up to one-and-a-half liters of water upon waking up on an empty stomach. It is advised that the body will have more bowel movements during the first phase of this technique but will soon adapt to the change, and health benefits will also soon start to show.
1: Rehydrates the Body
Water is the most essential nutrient required by our body for proper functioning. It is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day. Our body loses through sweat, urine, and stool on a daily basis.
According to Lisa Richards, nutritionist and author of the Candida Diet, long-term dehydration may increase the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. By staying properly hydrated, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and promote optimal bodily functions. It is essential to regularly consume an adequate amount of water and fluids to maintain proper hydration.
Harvard School of Public Health reports that more than half of the children in the United States are not properly hydrated. A study that was conducted on 4,000 children aged between 6 and 19 years provided evidence to support this statement.[2]
2: Refreshes the Brain
When we don’t drink enough water, the brain cells don’t receive sufficient water, which leads to reduced alertness and focus. Water also aids in circulation and ensures a smooth flow of blood to the brain. The increased blood flow provides oxygen and glucose to the brain, which helps release endorphins that leave us feeling refreshed and relaxed. The Daily Mail reports that a single glass of water can speed up the brain’s processing power by up to 14%. The benefits of water therapy on the brain include a more focused mind, better creativity, and the ability to improve memory.[3]
3: Puts the Glow Back in the Skin
Dehydration can cause the skin to look older and drier. It takes away the natural glow of the skin and makes the skin look older than the person really is.
As per research, it was found that higher water inputs in a regular diet might positively impact normal skin physiology.[4]
By using morning water therapy, toxins in the body are flushed out, which helps to restore the hydration of the skin. This results in the natural glow of the skin returning. The skin will also start to look and feel younger.
4: No more Headaches
A major cause of headaches is dehydration. In fact, research shows that even mild dehydration may lead to headaches ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain in the head. Therefore, you should always watch out for symptoms of dehydration and also sip water throughout the day.[5]
The headache occurs because water is essential for various physiological functions in the body. When dehydrated, the blood volume decreases and becomes thicker, which increases pressure inside the skull. This extra pressure on the delicate tissues inside the head is what causes the headache. So maintaining proper hydration levels is important to prevent dehydration headaches.
5: Stimulates Bowel Movement
Drinking adequate water plays a key role in smooth digestion and regular bowel movements. Water helps soften the stool by bulking it up. Softer stool passes through the intestines more easily. Water also helps transport waste through the digestive tract and out of the body.
The Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University study shows that up to 27% of the American population might be affected by chronic constipation.[6]
When the body is dehydrated, the stool can become hard and dry, making it difficult to pass. Drinking water keeps the digestive system hydrated and lubricated. It stimulates the intestines to contract and push waste along. Proper hydration also helps dilute toxins in the colon. This prevents constipation and promotes one or two bowel movements per day.
6: Improved Immunity System
Water is an essential part of our body and also helps the immune system with several functions by balancing the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands that help transport white blood cells and filter out toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.
When we drink enough water, it keeps the lymphatic system functioning optimally. This facilitates the smooth flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. A well-hydrated and balanced lymph system strengthens the immune cells’ ability to identify and destroy pathogens.[7]
As a result, the body’s defense mechanism is boosted, making us more resilient to diseases and infections.
Conclusion
Water is life. It is a part of our bodies, and we simply cannot live without it. Many people fail to realize just how important water and proper hydration is for their overall health.
Water plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It is involved in nearly all the functions of the human body. In addition, water keeps us energized and refreshed throughout the day. Given all these important benefits, it is clear that water intake is one of the best things we can do for our health. Ensuring optimal hydration should be a top priority for everyone to lead an active and productive life.
Water therapy has been researched and used for centuries and is a great way to provide your body with essential hydration while also gaining many additional health benefits.
Was this article helpful?
7 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Study finds inadequate hydration among U.S. children: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/study-finds-inadequate-hydration-among-u-s-children/
[3] How drinking a glass of water can make your brain 14% faster: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2366353/How-drinking-glass-water-make-brain-14-faster.html
[4] Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
[5] Dehydration Headache: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21517-dehydration-headache
[6] Epidemiology and burden of chronic constipation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206560/
[7] How Your Lymphatic System Works: https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/how-your-lymphatic-system-works#:~:text=Drink%20plenty%20of%20water