Podcast #1 - How COLD WATER affects your body
Welcome to our first episode of the Ancient Life Hacks Podcast! I'm Jared Madsen and have a masters degree in Chinese medicine. I'm fascinated by the various philosophies and ideas from different cultures. Chinese medicine appealed to me because it offers a practical application of ancient Chinese philosophy.
In today's video, we're going to explore the concept of cold water. Contrary to popular belief, cold is not simply the absence of heat; it is a form of energy. Water, being one of the five elements, is considered to have a cold nature. This is why water in rivers and lakes tends to be colder than the surrounding air or land.
It's interesting to note that ocean water is considered a different substance, not true water. Sea water is closer in quality to a teardrop. Additionally, boiling water transforms it into a different substance, so it's generally recommended not to mix boiled water with unboiled water.
The purity of water is highest when it first emerges from a spring. As it flows downstream, it accumulates waste and other substances, especially in today's world with new types of pollutants. Therefore, the further down a river you go, the more important it is to purify the water before consuming it.
Water plays a vital role in the purification of our bodies. It is associated with the kidneys, which are the yin organ, and the bladder, which is the yang organ. The kidneys have a cold nature, and you may have noticed that the lower back is usually colder than other areas of the body. In Japan, it's common to see older men wearing back warmers to keep this area warm.
Considering the body's need for energy to maintain its temperature, it's advisable to drink water at body temperature or warmer unless you have a strong constitution. Since water is energetically cold and found cold in nature, consuming cold water can potentially cool down the body and even harm the organs.
Water-related issues such as water retention and swelling are signs of dampness, which occurs when water stagnates in the body. By drinking hot water, the cold nature of water becomes more balanced. Water not only aids in purification but also serves as a convenient medium for transporting substances like tea, coffee, or Chinese herbs.
Recently, there has been a lot of hype about the benefits of cold baths. Some Scandinavian cultures swear by the health benefits of alternating between saunas and jumping into icy lakes during winter. However, in Chinese medicine, we generally advise against extremes, including extreme temperatures. Going from a cold environment to a hot one or vice versa can potentially lead to colds and imbalances.
Cold baths can be seen as a form of training the body through adversity though, much like the practices found in Chinese martial arts. Theoretically, exposing yourself to cold baths can help strengthen your immune system over time.
I hope you found this information about cold water insightful. Remember to consider the energetic properties of water and make informed choices about its consumption and use. Stay tuned for more health-related topics from various cultures and philosophies.