If you could change one thing to improve your well-being, what would that be?
Would your answer be, drinking hot/warm water?
How is hot water different? Water is water, right?
We all know the refreshing feeling after drinking a glass of clear water when thirsty. I know some might prefer something different to have this “ahhh” effect, but let’s stay with the water. Its importance does not surprise us as our body is made up to 60 %.
Water supports many processes in our bodies. Our digestion needs a substantial amount of water to function correctly. Furthermore, water is required to flush out the waste and lubricate joints. All mucus membranes need oil fat for lubrication and fluids/water for hydration.
Did you know that our intervertebral discs lose plumpness once we pass 25 years? After that, we must actively hydrate them by taking sufficient fluids. If we don't drink enough or our food is too dry, the discs take the water from the surrounding tissues.
The regulation of body temperature and blood pressure requires water, too. You might have noticed when you feel tired, dizzy, or lightheaded and drink a glass of water, you feel immediately better.
Why the hot/warm water, though?
According to Ayurveda, everything we eat or drink cold must be heated up inside first to be digested and processed. Our average body temperature is about 36°, so everything cooler must be heated, which takes time and energy. Considering that most of our energy is used up for digestion, eating/drinking warm frees up some energy for us to tend to other matters.
My students often ask for suggestions regarding possible changes in their diet or lifestyle. My suggestion always is: Start your day with a glass of hot water.
Feedback arrives surprisingly fast. Within a few days, they start feeling better within their body, calmer and emotionally more balanced.
For instance, Vivienne used to suffer from frequent migraines. Upon attending one of my Ayurveda workshops, I recommended starting the day with hot/warm water. A few weeks later, she reported that she hadn't experienced any migraines since the workshop. While the frequency of her migraines has reduced significantly, she continues with her morning routine.
After the night, our system is empty and dehydrated. When we drink a glass of hot/warm water first thing in the morning, all in one go, it rushes through our system and helps to cleanse and eliminate; remember, the body doesn't need to heat it up. The hot water hydrates the tissues immediately.
Healthy elimination is essential in Ayurveda, as it is how your body gets rid of toxins responsible for developing diseases.
The warm/hot water will be easily absorbed by our body and transported to tissues needing nourishment.
This gives you an excellent start to the day; rehydrating and eliminating waste products makes your body develop the appetite for breakfast.
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Are there other Benefits of hot Water?
Hot Water stimulates our Agni.
Hot water supports detoxifying the body. Ayurveda recommends eating seasonally and according to our constitution. Eating either out of season or not to our constitution, or processed food, incompatible food combinations can lead to ama build up in our body. Ama is a toxin in the form of half-digested food, which circles our system and leads to illness once it settles in one of our weak spots. Ama is a sign of weak Agni and weak digestive capacity. Sipping hot water every 10 – 20 minutes during the day strengthens our Agni, which melts ama like cheese, or a block of butter melts with heat.
On the other hand, cold water is slowly suppressing our digestive capacities, as cold dampens the Agni.
As it helps to detoxify and eliminate waste, our skin becomes clear, we feel light in our body, and our brain and mind are less foggy.
Hot water through the Seasons
Everyone should drink hot water independently of their individual constitution.
However, Vata and Kapha dominant constitutional types benefit most, as both doshas have naturally a weaker digestive system (Vata's is weak, and Kapha's is slow, which can lead to reabsorption of toxic waste content of the colon back into our system). Both have cold qualities, which need to be balanced with warm ones.
Vata dominates autumn and early winter. However, Kapha presides during the late winter and spring, making these seasons ideal for drinking hot water.
The summer is hot. Still, we should drink hot/warm water as it helps to balance Pitta dosha.
How to make hot water?
It seems straightforward. However, it is not just done by merely putting on the kettle. For the quality of hot water to become effective, the water needs to be boiled in a pot for at least 10 minutes. Then the subtle energies start to change.
Here are some tips on how to make the water even more type specific:
Vata dominant can have a few drops of lemon juice in the water.
Pitta dominant benefits from adding a few fennel seeds.
Kapha can add some grated ginger.
Here is a very special tip: My teacher Shreeguruji suggested adding a gold coin to the water during boiling. This enhances and charges the water. Gold is excellent for our hearts.
Let's remind Ourselves!
Hot water rehydrates and detoxifies the body. It stimulates and strengthens our digestive fire and, with this, keeps toxins at bay. Everyone benefits from drinking hot water; it can be used all year round. In addition, the water can be prepared constitution specific.
Drink hot water and be happy.
Let’s have a little challenge. Start your day with hot water and keep drinking it throughout the day. Let me know what you experience on Instagram, Facebook or even good old email.
I love hearing from you!
Katja x
P.S. If you like to learn more about season living with Ayurveda and how to cook delicious, nourishing meals, head over to the Back to Balance Course for more information and hop onto the Waitlist. The course is going to start up again soon.
