Ushapan is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy to restore vitality of the body to its fullest and keep the body young and fit at any age. It has been called as nectar in Ayurvedic epics. It is made up of two words Usha and Paan. Usha means dawn and Paan means drinking. Ushapan is preformed a few minutes before sunrise when you cannot see the sun but can see the light. For Ushapan you are required to keep a copper or earthen vessel filled with water overnight.
Basic Rules For Ushapan
Three types of vessels should be used for keeping water overnight to get utmost benefit of Ushapan.
- Golden vessel
- Earthen pot
- Copper vessel
- Silver vessel
Vata and Pitta body type people should drink water kept in golden pot or earthen pot.
Kapha body type should drink water kept in copper pot.
2. Warm water is ideally preferred for Ushapan.
3. Amount of water to be consumed varies from person-to-person. It depends on how much a person can hold in 8 Anjali. Anjali means concavity formed by adjoining both the hands.
4. Ayurveda recommends waking up at Brahma Muhurta, which is around 96 minutes before sunrise. Usha means dawn which is just before sunrise. So, if you wake up at Braham Muhurta, you could perform Ushapan after 60 minutes.
5. It should be performed before cleaning teeth and tongue as morning saliva has healing properties. When we sleep, the stomach becomes acidic due to enzyme activity in the night. The morning saliva is alkaline in nature and balances and nutralizes the acidity in the body.
How to do Ushapan? : The Method
1. Wake up at Braham Muhurta (1hr 30 min before sunrise), or at most by 6 am.
2. Sit up and take few minutes to wake up completely.
3. Take the water from the copper vessel (or whichever you are using according to your prakruti).
4. Drink the water completely.
5. Take a walk in fresh air.
Ayurvedic Rules For Drinking Water
- Sit while drinking water: One of the most important rules of Ayurveda is that first sit and then drink water rather than standing. While standing the water flows without complete filtration which leads to kidney disorders. It also causes joint pain.
- Do not drink all water at once: Always drink water slowly, one sip at a time. Breathe after swallowing a sip of water.
- Drinking warm water: Cold water is considered inappropriate for consumption. According to Ayurveda water should be warm or at room temperature as it improves blood circulation, process of digestion and prevents constipation.
- Do not drink water soon before or after the meal: Avoid drinking water immediately before or after having a meal as slows down the digestion process.
Ushapan Benefits
Stimulates Digestion
Copper has anti- bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that kills harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation in the stomach, making it a great remedy for ulcers, indigestion and infections. It helps to clean the stomach, regulates proper functioning of liver and kidneys, and ensures absorption of food and proper elimination of waste.
Copper induced water helps in breaking down the food particles and improve digestion. Water stored in copper and silver vessel is high in alkaline, drinking it improves digestion as alkaline water contains magnesium, calcium and other minerals that act as laxative to help digestion. It reduces the acidity in the body and digestive system works best when it is alkaline as it can easily produce enzymes that help digest the food.
Removes Toxins
Ushapan helps flushing all the toxins out of the body and cleanse the intestines. Copper induced water is highly alkaline in nature and helps detoxify the body. It washes out the Ama in the intestines and moves it out the excretory channels through urine and stool which treats and prevents diseases such as constipation, hyperacidity and dyspepsia.
Balance Doshas
In Ushapan the water should be kept in a container overnight so that the properties can be infused in the water. Vessels can be of Copper, Gold and earthen. Water stored in these vessels can help prevent many diseases from starting which start with a dosha imbalance.
Ayurveda suggests that drinking water stored in copper and silver vessels has the ability to balance all the three doshas in the body and it positively charges water that has many health benefits.
Vata and Pitta body type people should drink water kept in golden pot or earthen pot.
Kapha body type should drink water kept in copper pot.
During summer seasons the pitta is aggravated so, Ayurveda suggests drinking maximum water to maintain body temperature. Pata pacifying herbs can be mixed with the water such as: lemon, mint, kokum and fennel seeds.
Weight Loss
Ushapan can help in losing weight as well. Copper charged water has properties that reduce the Kapha Dosha in the body, which leads to reduction in fat.
Relieves IBS & Constipation
Ushapan is recommended for Grahani Rog, it removes undigested food particles from the walls of small intestines, which are the cause of irritable bowels, and thus getting rid of the problem completely.
Improves Hydration Level
Water stored in copper container overnight is alkaline in nature and alkaline water has smaller molecules than tap water, which makes it easier for the body to absorb the water and improve the hydration level of the entire body, it also contains an electrolyte that is needed by the body for recovery and hydration.
Boosts Immunity
Copper is known to be oligodynamic in nature and can kill bacteria effectively. It fights the bacteria and boosts immunity. It is especially effective against causing organisms such as E.coli and S. Aureus, the 2 bacteria present in the environment known to cause severe illness. It is very essential for most of the processes that occur in our body starting from cell formation to aiding the absorption of iron, copper is very essential for functioning of the body.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve aches and pains caused due to inflamed joints. It has bone and immune system strengthening properties which makes it the perfect remedy for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties, which makes it a great tool for healing wounds quickly.
Improves Skin Quality and Radiance
Ushapan also helps get rid of various skin issues and make it look radiant. Copper induced water contains anti-oxidant and cell forming properties; it fights free radicals, which is one of the main reasons for fine lines and wrinkles.
Copper is the main component responsible in the production of melanin in our bodies that alleviate the colour of eye, skin and hair. Water stored in copper and silver vessels have anti-aging properties it aids in the production of new cells and replenish the top most layers of the skin leaving it smooth and supple.
Stimulates The Kidneys
Regular practice of Ushapan stimulates the kidney to perform its functions normally. Copper helps in absorption, circulation of nutrients and also helps in excretion of impurities.
Ushapan Precautions
– Ushapan should not be performed by person undergoing Snehan.
– Always drink water on empty stomach.
– Not recommended for person undergoing Panchakarma therapy.
– Person with chest injuries should avoid drinking large amount of water in the morning.
– Person suffering from excessive hiccup should avoid drinking water in the morning.
– Person with abdominal heaviness should not drink water in the morning.
– Ushapan should not be performed by a person with intestines disorders, serious or worse wounds.
– To stop Ushapan one must reduce water quantity slowly and then stop this activity.
Side Effects & Precautions Of Ushapan
No known side effects when Ushapan is performed keeping precautions in the mind. Whereas, drinking too much water can cause over hydration and can lead to falling electrolyte levels which can cause:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle weakness
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