Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Water for Health.
“Sarvam dravyam panchabhautikam asmin arthe” — Our Vedas, Upanishads, and Shastras all declare that the entire creation is made up of the five great elements (Panchamahabhutas): space (akash), air (vayu), fire (agni), water (jala), and earth (prithvi).
Among these, wise scholars opine that air is subtler than space, fire is subtler than air, water is subtler than fire, and earth is the densest of all. Another perspective states that water is three times more prevalent than earth. This refers to the universe — the macrocosm.
“As in the universe, so in the body”
Just as water is predominant in the cosmos, so too in the human body, fluids are more abundant than solids. Hence, all bodily functions depend on water. The health of every organ is closely linked to it.
According to Ayurveda, the body is a collective of Dosha-Dhatu-Mala:
- Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are functional forces of the body.
- Dhatus (seven types: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medas, Asthi, Majja, Shukra) are the structural components.
- Malas (Purisha – solid waste, Mutra – urine, and Sveda – sweat) are the waste products.
All three — Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala — are largely fluid-based. One of the major factors that affects their balance is the water we consume. If there’s an imbalance in any of them, it can be corrected through appropriate water intake. Water can bring equilibrium to the body.
That’s why our Vedas declare, “Apo Vai Bheshajam” — meaning, Water is Medicine.
Ayurveda too considers water a potent medicine, as it has the capability to correct imbalances in the body.
Water has a special property called “Yogavahi”, meaning it easily carries the properties of the substances it is combined with and spreads them across the body quickly. Due to this quality, water plays a vital role in transforming food and medicine into body tissues. But if this Yogavahi substance is misused, no food or medicine can properly nourish the body.
Ayurveda also calls water “Jeevana” — Life-giver. For instance, a single sip of water can help sustain life in someone on the brink of death. Nothing else can provide as much satisfaction as water to a thirsty person suffering under the sun. Hence, water is equated with life.
However, Ayurveda also warns — “Ati Ambu Paana” — Excessive water consumption leads to disease. Let me share a few cases of people affected by excessive water intake:
- A 50-year-old man had extreme gastric trouble, bloating, headache, reduced appetite, and irregular bowel movement.
- A young woman had constant sneezing (50-60 times) after waking up, nasal discharge, eye irritation, and nasal blockage.
- Another woman experienced unusual weight gain with no medical reason — all her reports were normal.
- Someone else had symptoms of diabetes and another person had joint swelling.
Upon thorough evaluation, all these cases had one thing in common: excessive water intake, in liters! Even without thirst, they consumed large quantities of water due to reminders from water alarm apps.
The common belief: “The more water, the healthier.” But after educating them about proper water usage and Ayurveda’s perspective, all their symptoms gradually disappeared.
According to Ayurveda, diseases from a cold to diabetes can arise due to water misuse. But often, we don’t even suspect that water could be the reason for our ailments.
Since we believe water is the healthiest substance, it’s hard to imagine it causing harm.
When I asked several of my patients about their thoughts on water, they said: “Water purifies and cleanses the body. The more we drink, the cleaner our body remains.”
What does Ayurveda really say?
Today’s “facts” on social media may be debunked by new research tomorrow. But Ayurvedic principles are eternal and universal truths. Even after centuries, they remain 100% valid. Thus, for our health’s safety, it’s always wise to turn to Ayurveda.
Ayurveda offers a complete explanation about water. Let’s learn it and use water wisely to move toward better health.
In one of my lectures, I said something surprising about Ayurveda that left many faces in the audience stunned. Do you know what I said?
“According to Ayurveda, water is a food substance — it belongs to the group of foods. We can consider it as ‘liquid food.’ This means water too must be digested by the digestive system. It should undergo digestion before moving further. It doesn’t just pass through like a flowing river.”
One person stood up and said, “Madam, I always thought the water we drink flows smoothly through the system, flushing out toxins and cleaning the body. I had no idea it had to be digested!”
To which I replied, “The moment we take something by mouth, it doesn’t immediately get flushed. Our body is not a toilet system. It is a living, intelligent mechanism. Everything we ingest passes through the food pipe into the stomach, contacts digestive fire (Jatharagni), undergoes digestion, and only then gets separated into useful essence and waste.”
Fire digests water through its influence, and water also exerts its influence on the digestive fire. Therefore, when the water we consume is not regular, of the right quality and quantity, the first thing that gets deranged is our ‘gastric fire’, that is, our digestion. Because our digestion depends on our stomach fire.
Just as it is natural for the fire element in the world to be extinguished by excess water, it is equally natural for our digestion, which is dominated by fire, to be slowed down by excessive water. According to Ayurveda, this extinguished/slowed fire is called ‘Mandagni’. This destroys the metabolism of our entire body.
The scriptures say that this ‘Mandagni’ is the cause of all the diseases that arise in our body. Maintaining our digestive fire properly is most vital in maintaining health. Consuming water properly is a very important factor in trying to protect this fire.
Ayurveda goes on to explain in detail – what should be the quality of the water we consume, how much water should we drink, when to drink it, how to drink it, how to consume water in relation to food, when not to drink water, who should not drink it, what kind of water should be consumed in which season, the importance of hot water, the medicinal properties of water.. It opens up many things before us.
Remember – if you drink water without considering all these things, and drink water in any quantity, without thinking about it, then you will definitely get sick.
If you know the Ayurvedic water consumption method and follow it in your daily diet and outings, then there is no doubt that ‘water’ can also be a medicine like ‘Jahnavi Toya’ – THE SACRED GANGA WATER .
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ayurveda, water is seen as a vital element that supports all bodily functions, balances doshas, and even acts as a medicine—‘Āpo vai bheṣajam’ (water is medicine).
Yes. Excess water intake can disturb digestion and dosha balance, potentially leading to issues like bloating, fatigue, sinus problems, and even diabetes-like symptoms.
Yes. According to Ayurveda, water is a type of “liquid food” (dravāhāra) that must be properly digested and assimilated, not just flushed through the system.
There is no one-size-fits-all. Water intake should be based on thirst, body type, climate, activity level, and digestive strength—not just arbitrary litres.
Ayurveda advises mindful water intake—preferably sipped throughout the day, sipped with food ,not in large quantities before or after meals, and always warm or room temperature for better digestion. Always consider water for health.
Conclusion
Water is not just a thirst-quencher — it is liquid food, a life-giver, and, when used wisely, a medicine.
But when misused, it can quietly become the cause of imbalance and disease. Ayurveda urges us to go beyond trends and listen to the timeless wisdom of nature.
So before your next sip, pause and ask — Is this water aiding my health or weakening my inner fire? Think before you drink.
Water for Health!
Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Sadhanashree P. BAMS, MD(Ayu)
Dr. Sadhanashree P., M.D. (Ayurveda), is a passionate Ayurvedic physician with expertise in Panchakarma and holistic wellness. As the founder of Arogyavardhini Ayurveda, she blends ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern lifestyle solutions. Dr. Sadhanashree is committed to spreading Ayurveda’s benefits through consultations, workshops, and rural health camps, empowering individuals and communities to achieve optimal health.
About Arogyavardhini Ayurveda
Arogyavardhini Ayurveda is dedicated to promoting holistic health through Ayurveda and Yoga. Led by Dr. Sadhanashree, the clinic offers personalized consultations, Panchakarma therapies, wellness retreats, and community outreach programs, including rural health camps and corporate wellness initiatives.
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Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. This site may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Arogyavardhini Ayurveda is not responsible for any adverse outcomes resulting from the application of information found here.