You must have heard the phrase “Drink water and mind your business” a lot and wondered what it meant. It can mean a lot of things but bringing it down to the health angle, water is the best form of alternative health treatment known to man and the coolest part is, it is very affordable and easy to reach for. 

So, grab a glass of water, and let’s get started!

What Is Water Therapy?

“Water is like medicine for a stressed out mind– it has an immediate calming effect” Marine biologist, Wallace Nichols

Water therapy is a traditional healing method that has been used in Nigeria since the beginning of time. It involves the external or internal use of water in a variety of forms and temperatures to improve health, well-being, and can be used to address a variety of health concerns. Water therapy can be as simple as drinking more water every day or as complex as steam baths and cold plunges.

History Of Water Therapy In Nigeria

Many cultures embrace the concept of water therapy and all the benefits that it has. For example, the Indians practice “abhyanga”, a process that involves bathing in warm water infused with herbs. 

The Japanese have natural hot springs called “Onsen” in which they soak themselves, scrub the body with washcloths and relax afterwards and because they believe that water has healing properties, the Onsen are often located in beautiful settings so that relaxation is not forced because the environment encourages it.

In ancient Greece, bathing was considered a ritual that had a specific time to be undertaken and in ancient Rome, bathing was a social activity and the type of bath used symbolized class.

In Nigeria, it’s no different. Dating back to the 16th century, the Yoruba people believed that water has healing effects on the body, soul and mind, so they bathed in rivers and waterfalls, as well as drinking water from specific wells to tap into the cleansing power of water.

The Igbo people are said to have bathed in cold water and then jumped into fire because they believed this combination would purify their bodies and make them stronger.

These traditional Nigerian cultures apart from their external use of water therapy have also used water as a cure for a variety of health conditions like menstrual pain, skin problems, bloating, and indigestion.   

Health Benefits Of Water Therapy

Some benefits of this alternative health process like preventing dehydration and refreshing the individual are easily noticed but there are several benefits that until they are well explained, you might have no idea about them. They include:

Water helps to flush toxins out of the body:

There is a common misconception that water is an effective way to detoxify the body, but that is not exactly true. While drinking water is important for good health and well-being, it doesn’t exactly flush out toxins in the way most people imagine. The body has its detoxifying mechanisms, through the kidneys, skin, liver, and other organs and drinking plenty of water allows these organs to function properly and carry out the detoxification process.

Using the kidneys as an example, the kidneys filter waste products from the blood and produce urine, which contains these waste products. Water is needed to transport urine out of the body and without proper water intake, waste products can build up in the body and cause worse problems.

Water boosts your metabolism and aids digestion:

Water helps to break down food and dissolve nutrients. It keeps the digestive system moving, preventing constipation.

Did you know that when you are dehydrated your metabolism slows down? Water helps to keep your metabolism running at a healthy pace and this also aids in weight management because when you drink water in between meals, you feel fuller and you tend to avoid overeating.

Water as a transport system:

Nutrients and other substances are absorbed from the digestive tract into the blood. Water helps to transport these nutrients around the body to the cells that need them.

Reduces bloating and water retention:

Bloating is a feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach, often accompanied by gas or discomfort while water retention is the buildup of fluid in the body’s tissues, which can cause swelling.

Both bloating and water retention can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet, medications, and hormones. Drinking water can reduce these occurrences by flushing excess fluid out of the body.

Reduces inflammation in the body:

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, and it can be caused by several factors.

When the body is inflamed, it produces chemicals called inflammatory cytokines. Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute these cytokines and reduce inflammation.

Water also helps to transport nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Water and skin health, here’s what you should know:

 Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the skin hydrated, elastic and less likely to become dry, itchy, or wrinkled.

Water helps to flush out toxins that can damage the skin,  to improve the appearance of the skin, making it look more youthful and radiant, and also helps to reduce the appearance of acne, by regulating oil production in the skin.

Improved mood and emotional well-being:

this is because of the calming effect that water can have. This increases focus and concentration, making work much more easier to do.

How To Do Water Therapy At Home

Drinking water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is the most basic form of water therapy. So if you are wondering what water therapy is and if you have ever done it then here is your cue to calm down.  This can help to flush out toxins that have accumulated overnight and jumpstart the body’s detoxification processes. Drinking water before meals is also a good idea, as it helps to cleanse the digestive system and prepare it for digestion.

Another popular way to use water is through hydrotherapy. You must have seen videos of certain people indulging in ice baths and thought “What’s going on?” Well, what’s going on is cold hydrotherapy, which involves using cold water, such as in a cold shower or cold plunge pool. This can help to reduce inflammation, increase alertness, and boost the immune system. Hot hydrotherapy involves using hot water, such as in a hot bath or steam room. This can increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and help to remove toxins from the body.

Some people have complained about water being bland to take all the time despite all its benefits and that’s why they prefer soft drinks and soda.

One method of making water more attractive to you is to add certain ingredients to water. For example, adding lemon to water can increase its detoxifying properties. Lemon also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help to support the body’s natural cleansing processes. Ginger and cayenne pepper can also be added to water for a similar effect. Adding cucumber, celery, or apple cider vinegar to water can also be beneficial.

The idea behind all of these ingredients is that they contain compounds that can help to support the body’s natural systems.

Things To Keep In Mind When Doing Water Therapy

Now that we’ve covered the basics of water therapy, let’s talk about some safety tips. 

• Firstly, it’s important to be aware of any medical conditions you may have and to consult with a doctor before starting any type of water therapy. 
• Second, make sure you have a stable surface to sit or stand on, and don’t use water therapy if you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded. 
• Third, avoid drinking alcohol or taking any medication before or during your water therapy session. alter
• Finally, don’t rush the process – take your time and enjoy the experience.

How Much Does Water Therapy Cost?

It costs as much as getting your drinking water and bathing meaning that it costs next to nothing when compared with other therapies or orthodox medicine.

You might incur additional costs if you decide to go to the sauna or buy the ingredients needed to spice up your water but that’s as costly as it can get.

Final Thoughts

A young man went to see a physician because he had a severe headache. After clerking him, the doctor discovered the young man was not being properly hydrated and was under a lot of stress so he was asked to go back and drink enough water and get quality rest.

If you are dehydrated, you get grumpy and your day becomes very disorganized, leading to a long line of bad incidents. That’s how important water is to you as a human being.

Water is essential for everything from something as basic as saliva production to helping you lubricate your airways.

So have a drink of water and feel better!!