What Is Japanese Water Therapy?
Japanese water therapy gets its name as it is widely used by common Japanese folk and Japanese medicinal practices. How does Japanese water therapy work? One must drink warm or room temperature water on an empty stomach, the first thing once they wake. Warm water effectively cleanses the gut of toxins and bacteria, keeping your digestive system healthy. Moreover, warm water consumption on an empty stomach can heal various health complications.
On the other hand, cold water causes oil and fat content in your food to harden, solidifying your digestive tract. This causes problems such as constipation and slows down the digestion process.
Japanese Water Therapy vs Water Therapy for Weight Loss: Is There Any Difference?
Yes, they are different. Here's how:
What is Japanese water therapy for weight loss?
An unhealthy gut is the root of almost all diseases, including obesity. Japanese water therapy is a traditional method used by Japanese people, which helps in detoxifying your stomach and strengthening your digestive system.
What is water therapy for weight loss?
This therapy involves water fasting. You eat nothing and drink only water for a specific period. There is no specified time for fasting. However, according to the medical expert's, the maximum time one can go without food can be between 24 hours to 3 days. It may deteriorate your health if carried out for too long.
Also read: Ashwagandha for weight loss
The significant difference between these two therapies are:
- In Japanese water therapy, there is no involvement of fasting, but it is part of water therapy.
- In Japanese therapy, you must drink warm water early in the morning, whereas water therapy involves drinking only water for a specific period.
Japanese Water Therapy For Weight Loss & More: How Does It Work?
This therapy involves drinking several glasses of lukewarm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Japanese people believe that cold water isn't good for health as it doesn't melt away the fats and oils of food from your digestive system. Warm water helps in melting away stored fat and decreases your weight.
Results may be visible within a month. Keep in mind that this therapy should not be used as a medical treatment substitute suggested by any healthcare expert.
What Does The Research Say About Japanese Water Therapy?
The results of scientific studies are mixed.
- According to research, Japanese water therapy has a hydration component that helps weight loss and maintain fitness. However, Japanese therapy alone will not help you. The quality of your diet and exercise schedule also plays a vital role in weight loss.
- Furthermore, calorie deficit may initially decrease your weight but increase levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
- Hydration may prevent overeating, but the effectiveness of Japanese therapy isn't proven yet.
Here's How You Can Follow The Japanese Water Therapy
- You need to drink 4-5 glasses of warm water in the golden hours (early morning hours) on an empty stomach and before brushing your teeth. Initially, you may start with two glasses and can gradually increase the number.
- You must wait for at least 45 minutes before having breakfast.
- Eat only for 15 minutes at each meal,
- Keep a gap of at least 2 hours between your meals.
Japanese Water Therapy Benefits
Increased water Intake
In this therapy, you drink water a lot which keeps you hydrated all the time. When you're adequately hydrated, your brain functions efficiently.
Hydration also helps in maintaining energy levels, and it also controls body temperature and blood pressure. Increased water intake prevents constipation, headaches, and kidney stones.
Lower calorie consumption
Water is a natural appetite suppressant, and when you drink more water, your overall calorie count decreases. This calorie reduction may help you in weight loss.
Cleanses the system
Water helps the kidney to flush out toxins from your body. It helps in the flow of oxygenated blood to the organs. Water helps in maintaining the digestive system and regulates your daily bowel movement. It also increases your metabolism.
Improves skin health
Water cures dry, itchy skin and increases the skin's overall elasticity by maintaining the hydration level. It also retains the skin's natural moisture. Water improves the texture and tone of the skin, giving you fresher and younger-looking skin.
Precautions You Should Take While Doing Japanese Water Therapy
- Avoid getting overhydrated or water intoxicated by drinking more water. Excess water dilutes the salt of the body. This condition is called hyponatremia in your blood.
- Don't drink more than one litre of water per hour.
- 15 minute eating time in the therapy is over-restrictive, and a person may overeat or eat too fast.
- Excessive calorie restriction may initially reduce your weight. However, after the therapy, your weight may increase.
Also read: Yoga for weight loss
Are There Any Japanese Water Therapy Side Effects?
Yes, the therapy carries specific side effects with it. Excessive water intake increases the chances of hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). It may cause symptoms like confusion, headache, fatigue and nausea.
Summing Up Japanese Water Therapy for You…
Japanese water therapy ensures a disciplined water intake, and staying hydrated in the right amount is always good for your body. However, Japanese water therapy cannot treat severe underlying diseases or health conditions and should not be used as an alternative to a professional's medical treatment.
References
Shivani Bhatia (2019) EFFECT OF JAPAN WATER THERAPY INFUSED WITH CINNAMON ON BODY WEIGHT, WAIST/HIP RATIO, AND BODY MASS INDEX OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE SUBJECTS (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338747558_EFFECT_OF_JAPAN_WATER_THERAPY_INFUSED_WITH_CINNAMON_ON_BODY_WEIGHT_WAISTHIP_RATIO_AND_BODY_MASS_INDEX_OF_OVERWEIGHT_AND_OBESE_SUBJECTS
