How to drink water according to Ayurveda

Thanks to its properties and inherent qualities, water has always been a symbol of well-being. However, according to the Ayurvedic philosophy it is essential to follow the correct method of intake to fully enjoy its benefits.
Let's find out more about the connection between hot water and Ayurveda with the help of Dr Silvia Serio, manager of the Ayurveda Centre at the Hotel Caesius Thermae & SPA Resort.

Discover the world of Ayurveda at Hotel Caesius here.
 

Water from an Ayurvedic perspective

In Sanskrit, water is called Ap, and it is one of the five elements responsible for the creation, movement and renewal of all life and its progress.
Water as an element is also something that humans need to consume daily in order to stay healthy. However, it should be taken following certain rules to avoid an imbalance of one's constitutional type. Thus, water in Ayurveda functions as food that can either make ill or heal, depending on how it is used.
 

Preparing hot water according to Ayurveda

Before drinking the water, it should be boiled at low heat in a pot of steel, terracotta or copper.  As per Ayurveda, boiled hot water has properties that are able to increase the digestive fire (agni dipana) and dissolve and release toxins (ama pachana). These toxins are then carried away by appropriate channels (srotas) and excreted with faeces, urine and sweat.  

In Ayurveda, water is boiled in different ways depending on the concept of the 3 doshas: For Vata types, it should boil for at least 5 minutes until its volume is reduced by one third, for Pitta types about 15 minutes until the amount of water is reduced by half, and for Kapha types more than 20 minutes until it is cooked down to a third of the original amount.
 

How to drink hot water

Boiled hot water should be drunk at regular intervals throughout the day, especially in the morning (even you are not feeling thirsty). Always drink in small sips and on an empty stomach also throughout the day. During meals, a small amount may be taken, but not more than about a quarter of the amount of the food consumed. With meals like soups drinking should be avoided completely. After each meal, it is best to wait an hour before taking in more fluids.  
The amount of water to drink depends on the season, time of day and above all on the dosha type: Vata and Pitta need to drink more water than Kapha, which remains balanced even with a lower water intake. In summer, however, all three doshas require an increased water intake. 
For types of Kapha and Vata constitution, the water should be very hot and for Pitta lukewarm. Depending on the constitution type, herbs or powders can be added, for example slices of fresh ginger for Vata, fennel seeds or rosebuds for Pitta and dry ginger or trikatu for Kapha. 
As a final note, it is recommended to drink from copper cups for Vata and Kapha types and silver or steel cups for Pitta.
 

Conclusions

It is therefore important that each individual follows the correct method of water intake according to the dosha type in order to take full advantage of this vital element and food for the human body.
 

The Caesius Thermal Water

The Hotel Caesius is well aware of the benefits water provides to the human body, in particular thermal waters. Here, in fact, you will find an oasis of relaxation that was created to gather all the purity of the Caesius Thermal Water and make the most of its properties to promote the well-being and inner balance of our spa guests.

Discover the benefits of the thermal water and the treatments at the thermal water centre in this blog post.