Are you having a bowel movement every morning soon after arising? According to Ayurveda, this is critical to good health. Otherwise, toxins remain in the body and this can set the stage for disease.

According to Dr. Marc Halpern in his textbook, “Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine”:

“Each morning upon awakening, drink a glass of room temperature or warm water. Following ingestion, sit on the toilet. Even if this does not produce a bowel movement, the practice of sitting will eventually support the alignment of apana vayu (the downward motion of elimination) with the rhythms of the universe. Continue this practice each day until the movements are regular.”