Japanese water therapy: Know its benefits for glowing skin

Your body is made up of 75 percent water, and your skin, being the largest organ, is impacted by any decrease in water levels. Your skin will become dry, flaky and lifeless if it does not get enough water. Wrinkles and age spots are more likely to appear on dry skin. You need to replace the water you lose through perspiration and sweating each day to keep your skin hydrated. So, make sure to stay hydrated to keep your skin healthy. You can even try Japanese water therapy, which involves drinking several glasses of room-temperature water the first thing every morning.

What is Japanese water therapy and how does it work?

Japanese water therapy is a wellness practice that involves drinking several glasses of water at room temperature when you wake up each morning for potential health benefits. You need to consume four to five glasses of room-temperature water upon waking, before brushing your teeth, and waiting 45 minutes before breakfast. You also need to eat within a 15-minute window during meals and wait at least 2 hours before consuming anything else.

Japanese water therapy is centered on the belief that adhering to specific water consumption practices, particularly in the morning before eating, holds various health benefits, despite lacking robust scientific backing. It can help in morning hydration, activating bodily functions, and initiating metabolic processes. Additionally, syncing meal and water timings is thought to facilitate gut cleansing and potentially aid in the healing of certain health conditions.

What are the benefits of water therapy for healthy skin?

Incorporating water therapy could potentially enhance metabolism, assisting in weight management as consuming water on an empty stomach aids the body’s natural detoxification process by eliminating toxins.

It improves digestion by clearing and preparing the stomach for the day’s food intake, potentially boosting energy levels by initiating hydration and bodily functions.

Japanese water therapy might positively impact skin health, contributing to a clearer complexion, regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation, and potentially balancing the body’s pH levels.

Adequate hydration from this routine is also purported to benefit brain function, energy levels, and blood pressure, and could help prevent headaches, constipation, and kidney stones.

How to practice Japanese water therapy for healthy skin?

• Drink at least four to six glasses of water as soon as you get up in the morning.
• Water should fill each glass to the top of 160–200 ml.Do this on an empty stomach.
• It should be at room temperature or lukewarm. Brush your teeth after you have had water.
• Do not eat anything for the next 45 minutes.
• Keep a two-hour window between each meal you consume during the day. Additionally, refrain from eating or drinking anything during these two hours. For example, have your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks within 15 minutes, and then for the next two hours, refrain from eating or drinking anything.
• Take a little break every few minutes in between each glass of water if you are unable to down four or six at once.

Does water therapy help in weight loss?

Drinking water, particularly before meals, might indirectly aid weight loss by creating a sense of fullness, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake during meals, says Madhura L. Gurav, a specialised dietician. However, the precise techniques suggested in Japanese water therapy such as when and how much water to consume aren’t universally proven as effective weight loss strategies.

Weight management involves a complex interplay of factors, encompassing diet, physical activity, genetics, and overall lifestyle. While maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall health, solely relying on specific water consumption practices for significant weight loss is unlikely to yield substantial results. If considering Japanese water therapy or any wellness approach for weight loss, it is wise to seek advice from healthcare professionals or registered dietitians. Their personalised guidance, tailored to your health status, needs, and goals, can offer valuable insights.

Are there any side effects of water therapy?

While Japanese water therapy is generally deemed safe, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential side effects of excessive water intake or sudden habit shifts. Overhydration, characterised by consuming too much water in a short span, can lead to hyponatremia, disrupting electrolyte balance and causing symptoms like nausea, headaches, and in severe cases, seizures.

For some, drinking too much water or overhydration on an empty stomach might induce discomfort, leading to bloating or nausea. Additionally, an imbalance in electrolytes due to excessive water consumption without proper electrolyte intake can occur. Increased urination frequency can also be an inconvenience with significant water intake.

Precautions should be taken, especially if on medication affecting fluid balance, as excessive water intake might interfere. Individuals with kidney issues or conditions impacting fluid balance should avoid this therapy altogether. Monitoring your body’s response to the routine is crucial; if discomfort or adverse effects arise, adjusting or discontinuing the practice is recommended. Recognising individual differences is vital; what works for one may not for another.

Consultation with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians before adopting Japanese water therapy, especially for those with underlying health concerns, is strongly advised. This approach ensures careful consideration of personal health status, preferences, and tolerance levels before making significant hydration or lifestyle adjustments.

Water consumption is one of the most popular remedies for practically every health problem, including skin care. There are several advantages of using water treatment. It enhances the skin’s regular physiology while detoxifying, cleansing, and increasing skin density. While doing so, it promotes healthy, radiant skin.

But before beginning the therapy, you should speak with a doctor to determine how much water you need.