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Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being1828
draws a little water from the system in order that the machinery shall not
entirely stop, but she dare not draw too much—so she compromises. She
does just as you do when the water in the spring is nearly exhausted—you
try to make a little do the work of much, and must rest content with doing
things only half-way right.
The Yogis are not afraid to drink a sufficient amount of water each day.
They are not afraid of “thinning the blood,” as are some of these “driedup”
people. Nature throws off the surplus quantity, if it be taken, very
readily and rapidly. They do not crave “ice water”—an unnatural product of
civilization(?)—their favorite temperature is about 60 degrees. They drink
when they are thirsty—and they have a normal thirst which does not have
to be restored as does that of the “dried-up” people. They drink frequently,
but mark ye this: they do not drink large quantities at any one time. They
do not “pour the water down,” believing that such a practice is abnormal
and unnatural, and injurious. They drink it in small quantities, though often
during the day. When working they often keep a vessel of water near them,
and frequently sip therefrom.
Those who have neglected their natural instincts for many years have
almost forgotten the natural habit of water drinking, and need considerable
practice to regain it. A little practice will soon begin to create a demand for
water, and you will in time regain the natural thirst. A good plan is to keep
a glass of water near you, and take an occasional sip from it, thinking at the
same time what you are taking it for. Say to yourself: “I am giving my body
the fluids it requires to do its work properly, and it will respond by bringing
normal conditions back to me—giving me good health and strength, and
making me a strong, healthy, natural man (or woman).”
The Yogis drink a cupful of water the last thing before going to bed at
night. This is taken up by the system and is used in cleansing the body during
the night, the waste products being excreted with the urine in the morning.
They also drink a cupful immediately after arising in the morning, the theory
being that by taking the water before eating it cleanses the stomach and