Healthy human beings can survive without food for about 5 weeks- but without water, they would not survive past 3 days or so. The average person’s body is composed of approximately 60-70% water, although the water content varies considerably from person to person. The body’s water supply is responsible for and involved in nearly every bodily process, including digestion, absorption, circulation, and excretion. Water is also the primary transporter of nutrients throughout the body and so is necessary for all building functions in the body. Water helps maintain normal body temperature and is essential for carrying waste material out of the body. Therefore, replacing the water that is continually being lost through sweating and elimination is very important.

A drop in the body’s water content causes a decline in blood volume. The lowering of blood volume in turn triggers the hypothalamus, which is the brain’s thirst center, to send out the signal to take a drink. This causes a slight rise in the concentration of sodium in the blood. These changes trigger a thirst sensation. The thing is, people only consume enough water to quench the throat, but by the time yur throat is dry you’re already dehydrated.

Hydrate Yoself

Quality water is beneficial for most disorders and imbalances. Bowel and bladder problems, as well as headaches, can be reduced by drinking water with a high pH level. If not enough water is consumed, toxins can build up in the system. Anxiety attacks, food intolerances, acid stomach, heartburn, muscle pains, colitis pain, hot flashes, and many other imbalances can easily be eased by hydrating the body. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is another disorder that necessitates consuming plenty of water daily to flush out toxins and other substances that contribute to muscle aches and extreme fatigue. If you’re in KC stop by Herban Tea Bar, inside of The Laya Center, we fill bottles with Kangen water for $3 per gallon.

The Water Element

Water comes fourth because it evolves from ether, air, and fire; water contains aspects of the other three elements within it. Ether provides water the space to exist within. Air provides water with the ability to move and flow. The relationship between fire and water is more esoteric. Air creates the friction that generates the heat of fire. Fire moves in a fluidic or flowing manner. In each evolution from one element to the next, nature becomes denser. As fire becomes denser it cools and takes greater form. This is the form of water. In the human body, water is expressed in five distinct ways, known as the five types of kapha. The water that protects the mouth against the actions of chewing and against the enzyme that begins the breakdown of carbohydrate (salivary amylase) is called bodhaka kapha. Bodhaka kapha is the salivary fluid, and also the mucous membrane secretions of the lips, checks, and pharynx. The water that protects the mucous membranes of our stomach against the acids that aid digestion is called kledaka kapha. The water that stabilizes the flow of neurological impulses and protects the nerves of the brain is called tarpaka kapha. The water that protects the joints from the friction of motion is called sleshaka kapha. Sleshaka kapha is found in the synovial fluid that moistens joint surfaces, and in the bursae that allow tendons to glide smoothly over each other. The water that protects the respiratory system from the movement of breath (a drying process) is called avalambaka kapha. Avalambaka kapha keeps the mucous membranes of the bronchi and lungs healthy and also provides the fluids that support the pleura and pericardium. To learn more about Versatility, Wisdom, Creativity, and Defense of the Water element, see our Water page.

IV Hydration

Anyone unable to meet their hydration needs from drinking may be a good candidate for IV hydration. You may benefit from a rapid infusion of fluids if you’re:

• Recovering from an illness

• Suffering from jet lag

• Losing excess fluids from diarrhea or vomiting

• Exercising for long periods of time or in hot temperatures

• Suffering from hangover symptoms related to dehydration

We also specialize in chronic care, and may recommend IV hydration to help you manage your chronic health condition, such as migraines or chronic fatigue syndrome.