USHNA JALAPANA (DRINKING WARM WATER IN EARLY MORNING)

USHNA JALAPANA (DRINKING WARM WATER IN EARLY MORNING)

TIME OF USHNA JALAPANA

• The ideal time for drinking warm water is early morning, specifically:

  • During Brahma Muhurta (approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise)

  • On empty stomach, before any oral intake

• Brahma Muhurta is considered sattvika kala, best suited for cleansing the body and activating agni.

Reference – Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 2/1:
ब्रह्मे मुहूर्त उत्तिष्ठेत्स्वस्थो रक्षार्थमायुषः॥

• Implies a healthy person should wake up in Brahma Muhurta for preserving health – and ushna jala is ideally consumed during this time for its detoxifying benefits.

QUANTITY OF USHNA JALAPANA

• Quantity should be adjusted according to individual’s agni and koshtha:

  • For Mridu koshtha (soft bowels): 3/4 to 1 glass (~150–250 ml)

  • For Madhyama koshtha (moderate): 2–3 glasses (~400–600 ml)

  • For Krura koshtha (hard bowels): up to 1 litre, gradually

• Avoid excessive quantity in:

  • Mandagni (low digestive fire)

  • Peenasa, Kasa, or if person has mala sangrahana dosha

Ideal Temperature:

• Should be Ushna (warm), not hot – i.e., warm enough to touch comfortably

BENEFITS OF USHNA JALAPANA

A. AYURVEDIC BENEFITS

1. Deepana and Pachana

   • Stimulates Jatharagni (digestive fire)

   • Helps in better digestion and absorption of food

   • Useful in Mandagni and Ama pachana

   Reference – Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5/9:
   जीर्णे जीर्णेऽम्भः पिबेत् स्वल्पं जीर्णं वा भोजनं हितम्।

2. Ama Nashaka

   • Ushna jala helps in removal of Ama (toxins) by liquefying and flushing them from GI tract.

3. Strotoshodhana (Channel cleansing)

   • Removes srotovaigunya by improving circulation and eliminating toxins.

4. Mild Anulomana

   • Promotes soft evacuation of bowels, prevents constipation.

5. Kapha Shamana

   • Ideal for Kapha prakriti and in Kapha dominant disorders such as:

     • Kasa (cough)

     • Shwasa (asthma)

     • Pratishyaya (cold)

6. Srotorodha Hara

   • Clears blockage of micro-channels, enhancing metabolic activity

B. MODERN SCIENCE & COMMUNITY MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE (PARK'S TEXTBOOK & WELLNESS LITERATURE)

1. Activates Digestive Tract

   • Warm water helps in stimulating peristalsis, promoting bowel movements.

2. Detoxification

   • Warm water in the morning helps flush out metabolic waste, improving renal function.

3. Weight Management

   • Enhances basal metabolic rate, helpful in weight loss programs.

4. Improves Circulation

   • Enhances blood flow and prepares the body for physical activity.

5. Hydration after Overnight Fast

   • Rehydrates body tissues and brain after night-long fasting.

6. Soothes Throat and Respiratory Tract

   • Beneficial for patients with upper respiratory infections or allergies.

7. Promotes Healthy Skin

   • Supports skin hydration and clear complexion by internal cleansing.

CONTRAINDICATIONS / PRECAUTIONS

• Should not be taken too hot – may cause:

  • Burns to oral/esophageal mucosa

  • Pitta vitiation

• Should be avoided:

  • In Pitta prakriti during hot seasons

  • Immediately before or after meals