When looking for ways to take care of overall well-being, Japanese water therapy is often considered the most straightforward practice with great potential. Rooted in ancient traditions, this therapy is
straightforward yet powerful. In short, it promotes drinking water as the first thing in the morning.
But the question is, does a simple thing like this work? If yes, how? What are its benefits and side effects, if any? How to practice it?
In this post, we will dive into the science and traditions behind Japanese Water Therapy and uncover the answers to such questions.
What is Japanese water therapy?
It is a holistic wellness practice that involves drinking a specific amount of water immediately after waking up. As the name explains, this practice comes from the Japanese tradition, where the health benefits of water and its positive effects on the body’s various systems are explained.
To practice this therapy, one must consume four glasses of room-temperature water (approximately 640 milliliters) on an empty stomach before engaging in other activities or consuming food or beverages. Water intake should be slow and mindful so the body can absorb it. It shouldn’t be like gulping down water without a break or breathing. When one follows this ritual regularly, various health benefits can be experienced. This includes the following.
Health Benefits of Japanese Water Therapy
Improved Metabolism: When we wake up in the morning, our body and metabolism are slow. Drinking normal-temperature water soon after waking up helps kickstart the metabolism, potentially aiding digestion and weight management. When you drink water, the toxins are flushed out, which helps the body and digestive system to work properly and keeps the body energized and active.
Detoxification: When you drink four glasses of water after you wake up, the toxins are flushed out, promoting overall cleansing. This helps rehydrate the organs after hours of sleep, optimizes their performance, and even boosts alertness and energy. Individuals who practice this therapy or drink water in the morning feel more attentive and alert when awake.
Clearer Skin: Hydration is crucial for healthy skin, and Japanese Water Therapy, as it focuses on drinking water, contributes to a clearer complexion. As the waste is flushed out of the system, healthy cells get activated, which helps get clear and spotless skin.
Improved Digestion: Drinking water on an empty stomach also stimulates the digestive tract, potentially aiding in smoother digestion throughout the day. When you drink water on an empty stomach, a lining is created around your digestive system, which helps you digest food easily as digestive enzymes and fluids are secreted more than when you drink caffeine in the morning.
How To Do Water Therapy?
Performing water therapy is not at all problematic. Anyone can follow this routine of drinking water. It’s just that it has to be followed in the morning on an empty stomach before you drink or eat anything. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do water therapy:
Step 1: Wake Up Early
Try to wake up early in the morning, preferably around dawn, kickstarting that day with Japanese water therapy and maximizing its potential benefits.
Step 2: Freshen Up in the Morning
Before starting the therapy, try to attend to nature’s call. This ensures your digestive system is clear.
Step 3: Drink Four Glasses of Water
Immediately after clearing your bowel, consume four glasses of water at room temperature, as cold water is unsuitable for your digestive system.
Drink each glass slowly so that the body can absorb water. It should be like you are eating water.
Step 4: Do Not Eat or Drink Anything for the Next 45 Minutes
After drinking four glasses of water, avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 45 minutes. This will help in water absorption and will benefit physical and mental health.
Step 5: Follow Your Regular Morning Routine
After 45 minutes, start with your regular morning routine, including brushing your teeth, showering, and preparing breakfast.
Step 6: Maintain a Balanced Diet
Following water therapy, maintain a balanced diet throughout the day. Consume nutritious meals and stay adequately hydrated.
Important Considerations:
Consistency: For the best potential benefits, practice water therapy consistently. Make it a daily routine.
Quality of Water: Drink filtered or purified water.
Listen to Your Body: When you consume water, pay attention to how your body responds. If you experience discomfort, adjust the amount of water. Try to minimize water intake in the morning and drink it slowly.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you have bowel or other health problems before starting Japanese water therapy, consult the doctor.
What are the benefits and risks of water therapy?
Hydration: Water helps keep the body hydrated, which is the primary benefit water therapy offers. However, there’s a catch to staying hydrated: proper water intake is a must as it helps maintain bodily functions, regulate body temperature, and support various physiological processes.
Improved Metabolism: Consuming water in adequate quantity and on an empty stomach in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism. This helps in digesting food and helps with weight management.
Flushes Toxins: Drinking water and keeping yourself hydrated helps flush out toxins from the body and promotes a sense of cleansing and rejuvenation.
Better Organ Function: Hydrating in the morning after sleep helps rehydrate organs and is crucial for brain functioning. Also, it helps in staying alert and mentally focused.
Clearer Skin: Proper hydration is essential for healthy, radiant skin.
Risks and Considerations:
Overhydration: While staying hydrated is crucial, excessive water intake in a short period can lead to hyponatremia, which decreases sodium levels in the body and brain, creating life-threatening situations and sometimes mental disorders.
Affect Everyone Differently: The effectiveness of water therapy varies from person to person. Some individuals experience its benefits, while some feel uncomfortable.
Digestive Discomfort: Downing a large amount of water can lead to feelings of fullness or discomfort in the stomach. This is applied to those with sensitive digestive systems.
Frequency of Urination: Drinking a significant amount of water in the morning may lead to frequent urination, which can be inconvenient if outside or there is no access to a washroom.
Pre-existing Health Conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems or heart conditions, may need to be cautious with water therapy and consult a healthcare professional before adopting this practice. Also, everyone must pay attention to water quality, as unclean water can lead to several other problems.
When following any therapy, listen to what your body says. Don’t force anything if your body is not responding positively because it is trending.
Does Japanese Water Therapy work?
Japanese Water Therapy isn’t just a tradition; its benefits are scientifically proven. Various studies show that a hydrated body is healthy. After waking up, toxins are flushed out of the body when drinking water, and the data starts with good energy.
Also, water therapy helps flush out toxins. Additionally, it boosts your organs to start the day and prepares them for the day ahead. Many individuals have shared the benefits of adopting this therapy – like increased alertness and sense of well-being.
How many glasses of water do Japanese drink in the morning?
In Japan, it’s common practice to kickstart the day by consuming four glasses of water, each at room temperature. The reasoning behind this quantity lies in its effectiveness at kickstarting the body’s systems without overburdening the digestive tract.
Why is Japanese water so good?
Japanese water is known for its purity and the benefits it offers. The therapy works well if continuously followed and even helps boost metabolism and improve concentration and attention.
Embrace the Refreshing Change
Japanese Water Therapy is a refreshingly simple yet potent practice in a world filled with complex wellness routines. Embracing this daily ritual can be the small change that profoundly affects your overall well-being. So, why raise a glass to better health each morning? Embrace the Refreshing Change.