Water - Inside and Out
Gratitude for the effects of Water on the Earth and on our Bodies.
This month I want to share about WATER. I am a water sign, and I have always loved being near and in the water. I feel nourished and rejuvenated by its healing power. As a result of last month's nature mandala making, I was inspired to take a Mandala painting workshop in Laguna Beach. On my way up and back I chose to listen to an audio book on the drive.
I listened to "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.
This is not a new book. It has been around for decades and many of its principles we discussed in Hydrotherapy class in massage school. I was inspired to hear the book in its entirety and to adopt the idea that most of us are chronically dehydrated, and have lost the ability to listen to our bodies signals of thirst. Many of the aches, pains and ailments we suffer from can be reduced or remedied with proper hydration. I highly recommend reading this doctor's theories, hearing about his research and trying out his simple remedy of drinking water for many of the health issues that plague us. Water inside and out can be replenishing, rejuvenating, and healing.
This book recommends drinking at least 2 quarts of water per day (ideally 1/2 your body weight in ounces). Drinking this much water each and every day consistently will rehydrate your body. Dr. Batmanghelidj suggests to start your day with 2-3 glasses of water upon rising, then 2 glasses 30 min. before each meal and another 2 before bedtime. A little salt (preferably sea salt) on the tongue after drinking 2 glasses of water helps with proper absorption. Take about 1/2 teaspoon of salt throughout the day if taking in 10 (10-12oz.) glasses of water. I have been conscientiously practicing this for the past 12 days and have noticed better sleep, fewer aches and pains and better bowel movements. My goal is to feel the effects and see how my overall health is affected after 4 weeks. I invite you to explore the possibility that you too are chronically dehydrated and that hydrating your body properly might allow you to realize that those aches, pains, and ailments are your body crying out for water - not soda, juices, lemonade, coffee or tea - just plain water.
Our internal hydration is essential, but what about all the wonderful hydrotherapy we can apply externally? Hot Baths are one of my favorite ways to soak away the stress. Add 2-3 cups of Epsom Salt and 2-10 drops of your favorite Essential Oil to a tub full of warm to hot water and soak for at least 20 min., letting the stress just float away. Another great treatment is to do contrast immersion baths. This is most easily accomplished at a spa or mineral springs where they have hot pools and cold pools, but it can be done in your own backyard if you have both a jacuzzi spa and a cold swimming pool. "Exercisingโ tissues with quick changes in temperature, helps with pain and injury rehab, especially good for repetitive use injuries. Spend about 2-5 min. in the hot water, then plunge into the cold for 1-2 min., going back and forth 3-6 times.
You will emerge feeling relaxed yet invigorated.
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