Ayurvedic Principles of Water Consumption (Ambupana Vidhi): A Critical Review of Traditional Concepts and Contemporary Evidence

Water consumption practices play an important role in Ayurveda under the concept of Ambupana Vidhi. This concept outlines the Ayurvedic perspective of timing, quantity, temperature, and method of intake of water. The present review looks critically at the traditional Ayurvedic hydration principles and contemporary biomedical evidence. A narrative review method was adopted using observational studies, protocol-based investigations, narrative reviews, and physiological literature related to hydration science. The main principle of Ayurvedic literature emphasizes the individualized hydration practices according to Prakriti, Agni, environmental conditions, and disease state. Based on contemporary evidence, it is suggested that hydration behavior may affect gastrointestinal comfort, satiety regulation, and behavioral health patterns; however, most available studies are still predominantly observational and methodologically limited. The intent of warm water intake and conscious drinking behavior shows partial physiological plausibility through thermo-sensory and behavioral mechanisms, although robust clinical evidence is still insufficient. Major limitations in existing literature include reliance on self-reported behavioral data, lack of randomized controlled trials, and absence of objective hydration markers. Ayurvedic hydration practices may contribute to preventive lifestyle awareness and behavioral regulation, but further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish clear clinical relevance.