Do you know that drinking one glass of normal water just after waking up can help you lose weight and get glowing skin? Well, Japanese people call it Japanese Water Therapy which helps them to stay healthy and fit all day.
What is Japanese Water Therapy?
“Mizu-no-ryoho” or Japanese water therapy refers to drinking some glasses of warm water or normal water on an empty stomach, which can help to gain several health benefits. Originating from Japan, this water therapy can help to detoxify the body and improve overall health.
Drinking around 4-5 glasses of warm or room-temperature water after waking up is the first rule of this water therapy. After that waiting for 30-45 minutes before consuming food is the second rule. The third rule is to avoid eating or drinking anything at least two hours after each meal throughout the whole day.
The key to gaining the benefits of this therapy is consistency. For significant health benefits, one needs to follow this route daily. Japanese practitioners have claimed that having cold water in the morning can negatively impact the digestive system. Conversely, warm or room-temperature water can help to build a better digestive system.
Historical background of Japanese Water Therapy
The traditional medicine of Japan is called Japanese Kampo medicine. It has roots in Chinese medicine. Around the 6th century, the Kampo was introduced to Japan. Kampo refers to use the of natural remedies for restoring balance and harmony in the body. Water therapy also refers the natural remedies to prevent health care in daily routines.
In the traditional medicine practice of Japan, water is not only seen as a tool of hydration but also as a purification and detoxification tool. Japanese people believe that water therapy can help them to maintain an internal balance in the body which is also known as “ki” in Japan.
In ancient Japan, the word “Mizu” which means water, is often entrusted to individuals who were believed to embody the qualities of water including adaptability, purity and strength. Water symbolises resilience as it can easily overcome obstacles by flowing around them. Moreover, water can easily adopt the shape of anything while retaining its essence.
The individuals who were called “Mizu” were believed to consist of these qualities of water. Even in the Japanese culture, water is believed as the core source that connects the spiritual and physical world. As an example, waterfalls are believed to be sacred and a source of purity.
Because water has a deep and historical connection with Japanese culture, therefore Japanese people believe adding water to their routines in the early morning can help them purify and detoxify their whole days. The evaluation of water therapy aligns with the broader philosophy of Japan that upholds a harmony between the mind, body and spirit.
Health Benefits of Japanese Water Therapy
With strong historical beliefs, water therapy in Japan has been proven to provide several health benefits. Some of them are –
Enhanced digestion
Drinking water on an empty stomach can enhance digestion. It helps in cleansing the bowels. The health issue of constipation can be prevented by drinking water in the early morning.
Drinking warm or room-temperature water can stimulate gastric juice and enzyme production. It is important in breaking down food efficiently. Water hydrates the gastrointestinal tract which leads to better digestion of foods.
Detoxification
Water has a crucial role in handling kidney function. The Japanese water therapy supports kidneys for better filtration. Henceforth, drinking water on an empty stomach helps in excreting toxins through urine which promotes overall health benefits.
Drinking water in the morning and throughout the day promotes frequent urination. The process of frequent urination indicates optimal detoxification. The kidney filters excess fluids and waste products from the bloodstream through urine which refers to a healthy well-being.
Helps in weight loss
Just waking up in the morning and drinking a couple of glasses of water has a filling effect. The practices of water therapy help in activating metabolism and prepare the whole body for the day ahead. It helps in preventing cravings and overeating habits that help in preventing unwanted weight gain.
Today’s urban lives are hectic and full of consumption of junk foods. It is difficult to follow a healthy routine while doing a 9 to 5 job, which ultimately leads to unwanted weight gain. However, following the three rules of Japanese water therapy helps to stay hydrated throughout the whole day which can resist unhealthy snacks that can lead to better weight management.
Improved hydration
A hydrated body helps in enhancing several body functions like circulation, digestion and more. Taking warm or room-temperature water in the morning can give a kickstart of hydration after a night of sleep.
The average water intake of Japanese people is around 1,575 mL from beverages, 675 mL from food and 300 mL from metabolic water. However, the per-capita water intake in Japan is approximately 1.28 litters per day. Henceforth, improving hydration is the key principle of Japanese water therapy which has been followed by the Japanese people.
Improved skin health
One of the core benefits of Japanese water therapy is glowing and hydrated skin health. Skin elasticity can be improved by drinking an adequate amount of water in the morning and throughout the day.
Skin is the largest organ of the body and it requires the highest amount of water to function efficiently. Hydrated skin helps in maintaining the moisture barrier of skin that promotes glowing and smooth skin.
Boost energy level
The cognitive function and energy level can be boosted by practising water therapy in Japan. Dehydration can cause headaches, tiredness, less concentration and more. Consistently following the water therapy promotes sustained energy levels throughout the day.
In Japan, only 20% of the land is used for the cultivation of rice and other crops. However, because of Japanese farmer’s innovative methods like green farming, terracing and others, this limited area became highly productive. This became possible because the Japanese farmers start their day early and follow the water therapy that promotes higher energy in them to be productive, innovative and hardworking throughout the day.
Reduce stress
Japanese water therapy has holistic benefits. It plays a crucial role in improving mood and reducing stress levels. Starting the day with some glasses of normal or warm water may help calm the mind and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Water therapy in Japan promotes drinking more water throughout the day and can regulate hormone production and neurotransmitter activities that enhance mental wellness. Stress, fatigue, headaches and more happen due to dehydration. However, staying hydrated can promote mental stability.
Better immune function
Although there is no scientific evidence that water therapy in Japan promotes better immune function, still Japanese people believe in this process. For optimal health, this therapy helps to be well-hydrated throughout the day. By consistently following this therapy, one can prevent health issues like constipation, kidney stones, headaches and more. This refers to building a better immune system that helps in better digestion.
Side Effects of Japanese Water Therapy
There are several benefits of pursuing Japanese water therapy in daily life. However, if not following it properly or neglecting other health aspects, it might cause some side effects. Some of them are –
Overhydration
According to the rules of water therapy, one needs to drink a lot of water in a short period which might cause overhydration. Overhydration can lead to hyponatremia. It is a situation where the sodium level becomes considerably down in the blood because of excessive water intake.
Hyponatremia can cause several complications in the body including brain swelling, seizures and more. Therefore, it is necessary to have water around one litre per hour which can easily handled by kidneys and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Restrictive guidelines
The water therapy followed by the Japanese people has a restriction on meal timing. According to the therapy, one needs to wait around 30-45 minutes between drinking water and consuming food. This might be difficult for the modern and busy lifestyle.
Nowadays people follow a flexible eating pattern for which the restricted guidelines for eating food and drinking water might be difficult for an individual. Many people prefer a quick breakfast in the morning and in this condition waiting 30-45 minutes might disrupt their focus.
Might harm kidney
There has been noted a limit in the hydration process. Overhydration can cause harm to the kidneys. Women need to have eight 200 mL glasses of water a day and men need to have ten 200 mL glasses of water a day. Excessive amounts of fluid might cause hyponatremia.
Drinking excessive amounts of water might impact the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood. Both sodium and potassium help to maintain two vital electrolytes. Therefore, an imbalance in it might create problems like fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, and more.
Alternate water therapies
Besides Japanese water therapy, several other therapies can help in weight loss and other health benefits. The alternate water therapies are cold water therapy, warm water therapy, salt water therapy and ayurvedic water therapy.
Cold water therapy
The cold-water therapy also offers some incredible health benefits. This therapy involves exposing the body to 15°C cold water through cold showers, ice baths, and more. It helps boost metabolism in the body, stimulates brown fats, and enhances blood circulation which ultimately leads to better weight management.
Warm water therapy
Consuming hot or warm water in the morning refers to warm water therapy. Having warm water in the morning supports the fat-burning process. Adding a squeeze of lemon to the warm water can enhance the digestive system. Additionally, warm baths can also help reduce stress, relaxation of muscles, and promote better well-being.
Salt water therapy
Salt water therapy indicates to drinking of the mixture of water and natural salt. Drinking saltwater on an empty stomach can help in weight loss by detoxifying the body. Through this therapy, better bowel movements have been found through which toxins can be removed from the body promoting better digestion.
Ayurveda water therapy
Ayurveda water therapy refers to drinking water by maintaining a balance. It suggests drinking a slow sip of normal or room-temperature water by sitting. Ayurveda suggests to drink 3 litres of water daily to avoid dehydration and maintain a healthy well-being.
Practical tips to adopt Japanese Water Therapy
Japanese water therapy is an easy yet effective practice to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While adopting this therapy, it is necessary to intake 4-5 glasses of normal or room-temperature water. It might be challenging for the initial stage, henceforth starting with 1-2 glasses and then gradually increasing it to 4-5 glasses might be helpful.
According to the therapy, one has to maintain a gap of 30-45 minutes after drinking water and before having breakfast. In this gap, doing some simple exercise might light up the energy for the day.
The therapy also states that before having each meal one needs to drink one glass of water for 30 minutes. This can help to control appetite by filling effects. The most important thing in this therapy is consistency. One needs to be consistent to achieve the potential long-term benefit of this therapy.
For instance, mindfulness towards the therapy is highly essential to avoid potential risks. It is necessary to adjust the water intake based on the body type and necessity. In severe medical issues, one needs to take professional guidance.
FAQ
What is Japanese water therapy?
“Mizu-no-ryoho” or Japanese water therapy refers to drinking some glasses of warm water or normal water on an empty stomach, which can help to gain several health benefits. Originating from Japan, this water therapy can help to detoxify the body and improve overall health.
Does Japanese water therapy help in weight loss?
The practices of water therapy help in activating metabolism and prepare the whole body for the day ahead. It helps in preventing cravings and overeating habits that help in preventing unwanted weight gain.
Does Japanese water therapy have any side effects?
According to the rules of water therapy, one needs to drink a lot of water in a short period which might cause overhydration. Overhydration can lead to hyponatremia. It is a situation where the sodium level becomes considerably down in the blood because of excessive water intake.
How much water has been suggested for intake in the water therapy of Japan?
Drinking around 4-5 glasses of warm or room-temperature water after waking up is the first rule of this water therapy.
Who are “Mizu”?
In ancient Japan, the word “Mizu” which means water, is often entrusted to individuals who were believed to embody the qualities of water including adaptability, purity and strength.
What are the benefits of Japanese water therapy?
The therapy can help to improve digestion, skin health, weight management, detoxification and more.
How does Japanese culture perceive water?
In the traditional medicine practice of Japan, water is not only seen as a tool of hydration but also as a purification and detoxification tool. Japanese people believe that water therapy can help them to maintain an internal balance in the body which is also known as “ki” in Japan.
Does Japanese water therapy help in getting glowing skin?
One of the core benefits of Japanese water therapy is glowing and hydrated skin health. Skin elasticity can be improved by drinking an adequate amount of water in the morning and throughout the day.
What are the alternate water therapies of Japanese water therapy?
The alternate water therapies are cold water therapy, warm water therapy, salt water therapy and ayurvedic water therapy.
