AMBUPANA VIDHI (DRINKING WATER) FOR HEALTHY LIFE PRESCRIBED IN AYURVEDA – A CRITICAL REVIEW

Water is life and getting enough water in right way every day is important for health. When it is judiciously consumed in appropriate quantity, it acts like nectar and if not then the same acts as poison. The quantity of water intake differs for different person. So the right way of drinking water is to be understood in relation to meal, according to thirst and hunger and according to place. Water has verity Hrudya, Jivan, Tarpan, Budhiprabhodana, Tanu, Shita, Laghu. If a person consume water in inappropriate way, then the balance of Mahabhutas in our body is disturbed which cause the diseases. Ayurveda has also explored the conditions for no intake of water, leass intake of water, proper intake of water and many more as except in proper way all causes vitiations of Doshas leading to manifestation of different ailments. Thinking about the nature of water, the conditions vary for the use of Hot and Cold water. Although drinking hot water is best in all time, the use of cold water is required in conditions where there is dominance of Pitta Doshas. So, the water is the sustainer of life of all living beings; the entire world is full of it and hence it should be consumed as per the requirements of the individuals.