Today, take 3 minutes to drink some lukewarm water as soon as you wake up. It’s a simple practice that will wake up your body—and especially your digestive fire (Agni).
A glass of lukewarm water upon waking (Ushapana)
1. Gently stimulate the digestive system. Overnight, theagni (digestive fire) is at rest. Lukewarm water stimulates it without overwhelming it, whereas cold water, of good quality sheeta (cold) and guru (heavy), tends to slow him down. The morning is also the time of kapha (from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.): heaviness, stagnation, phlegm. The warmth and lightness of lukewarm water help relieve these symptoms.
2. Help with elimination (apana vayu). Waking up is an ideal time for natural elimination. Lukewarm water supports the downward movement of vata and promotes regular bowel movements, which is the foundation of good internal health.
3. Eliminate nighttime amaama nocturne. Toxins or residues from incomplete digestion (ama) build up overnight. Warm water helps loosen them and cleanse the srotas (channels), which is also evident on the tongue (a whitish coating upon waking).
4. Moisturize and get ready for the day. After several hours of fasting, the body is slightly dehydrated. This is a simple and gentle way to rehydrate before having coffee, tea, or breakfast.
5. A dinacharya ritual dinacharya. Beyond the physical benefits, drinking slowly while sitting down and being mindful is a way to take a moment for yourself before starting the day.