Healing Havens: Exploring the Restorative Powers of Rainwater
Utilizing Rainwater Offers Additional Benefits Beyond Conservation
Living in harmony with nature provides insightful lessons, one such lesson from residing in the countryside being the significance of water. In the peak of summer, temperatures would spike to 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) within the house, and outside temperatures were even more scorching. A pressing challenge was the scarcity of water, as we depended solely on rainwater collected on the ground. The water well would dry during the summer months, leading to harsh consequences; trees shed their leaves and withered, while birds were only sighted at sunrise and sunset.
However, the arrival of the monsoons brought a splendid transformation. The rainwater that engulfed the barren landscape turned it into a vibrant spectrum of lush greenery. Birds returned, displaying their most vibrant colors, and serenading with their finest tunes to attract mates. Flowers bloomed, butterflies danced, and dragonflies zipped around. The rains altered the entire ambiance of the countryside, as each element moved into a state of growth and reproduction, permeating a sense of positivity.
As children, it was customary for us to venture outside during the first rainstorm, as the dampness relieved the intense heat. Historically, all Indian healers advocate for the use of rainwater in the treatment of cancer. However, in modern cities marred by pollution, this rain can turn into acid rain, not suitable for healing purposes.
Pankaj Oudhia conducted research on the role of rainwater in traditional medicine. He mentioned, "The healers prefer the water from the first rains, but in the event of poor collection, they gather water from subsequent rains. For the collection of rainwater, they prefer copper vessels. Traditional healers in remote regions, without the means to purchase copper vessels, use earthen pots to collect rainwater.
According to them, the water must be collected before it reaches the ground. Although rainwater falling from plants is also collected, they have a specific list of plants that can be used for this purpose."
Ayurveda posits that rainwater contributes to weight loss in its recipes. Masaru Emoto's study corroborates this notion by emphasizing that water adapts to its environment, further endorsing the idea of employing rainwater in traditional medicine practices.
Seven days following the onset of the rains, the groundwater was replenished. We used this untreated, unfiltered water for bathing and drinking with no boiling required. The sensation of rejuvenation derived from consuming this water, or even bathing in it, was incredibly refreshing. People with extended lifespans often have access to high-quality, pure water.
The soothing sound of rainwater is believed to activate the heart chakra. On a personal note, I attribute the cessation of my hair loss and some regrowth to this effect.
Another noteworthy consideration is the holiest river in India, the Ganga. Despite experiencing pollution in some areas, there remains an unknown factor, one yet to be identified by scientists, that enables the Ganga to recuperate itself. We posit that this factor is the faith of the countless individuals who bathe in the river daily and believe in its purifying properties.
Investigating the additional benefits of using rainwater, one may discover reduced stormwater runoff, improved groundwater quality and quantity, versatile use, and enhanced sustainability. Combining smart irrigation systems with rainwater harvesting optimizes water usage, potentially reducing water bills by 35%.
Historically, certain states in the U.S. had restrictions against collecting rainwater due to outdated water rights laws. However, many states have updated their laws, recognizing the environmental advantages of rainwater harvesting and allowing it for various uses. For example, Colorado originally had strict regulations but now allows extensive rainwater collection for both residential and commercial properties. It is essential to familiarize oneself with local regulations prior to implementing a rainwater harvesting system.
Science in the realm of health-and-wellness has found healing properties in rainwater, where traditional Indian healers advocate for its use in cancer treatment. Additionally, environmental-science reveals that rainwater can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment, as observed through its impact on the countryside and the recovery of polluted rivers like the Ganga, possibly influenced by faith.
Pankaj Oudhia's research in traditional medicine highlights the preference for copper vessels to collect rainwater and the significance of collecting it before it reaches the ground. Furthermore, climate-change research reveals the environmental benefits of rainwater harvesting, such as reduced stormwater runoff and improved groundwater quality.
