Human body is made up from 5 elements, which are fire, water, earth, wind and space in a unique way, as suggested by the doctrines of traditional Mongolian medicine. The water element in our bodies generates blood, as well as moist tongue and is manifested as the bodily fluids ensuring the maintenance and correct functioning of internal organs such as heart, kidneys and digestive system. But we lose fluid through saliva, tear, sweat, breathing and urinating. Therefore, replenishing the fluid that we lost is crucial for our bodies.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, loss of temperature, headache, anemia, decreased activity of kidney and heart due to the fact that water is an important factor increasing metabolism. Drinking hot or warm water in the morning on a regular basis relieves dry skin, detoxifies our bodies, improves healing process and contributes to physical rehabilitation. In some cases, drinking an excessive amount of cold water in one go can be harmful, instead, we should try to drink warm water at appropriate times. However, during the stages of acute hot disorder and disorders caused by disturbed bile element, drinking cold water is recommended. Drinking an excessive amount of water in one go can weaken the digestive heat, leading to a weak digestion, localized edema or even kidney failure. Many people drink a significant amount of water to lose weight, which is wrong. Drinking water excessively during bad-kan or phlegm element hours, which are from 07:40am-11:40am, and from 19:40pm-23:40pm is not recommended as it can definitely cause edema. Instead, we should try to do prayers or exercises during these hours as it can improve our body heat and has many other benefits. Also, there is a risk of reduced immunity, leading to many other disorders rather than losing weight if nutrient poor food is taken on a regular basis and drinking too much water during wrong seasons.
In “Four Tantras” which is the fundamental medical textbook of traditional Mongolian medicine, there are 7 types of water mentioned, which are rain water, snow water, river water, spring water, well water, sea water and forest water. In succession, the former types of water are superior and the latter types are inferior. Depending on the place, season and potencies, we make one third or half of the water evaporate before using it. The water, that is boiled until the bubbles on the surface disappear, has the potency to generate digestive heat in the stomach, helps the digestive system and fights against hiccups, stomach bloating, asthma, common cold and acute contagious diseases. Finally, it is recommended that refrain from drinking water that has been boiled but sitting overnight or longer than that, as it turns into a poison causing many disorders in our bodies.
Teacher at Faculty of Traditional Mongolian Medicine of “Otoch Manramba University”, Doctor Batchimeg.B