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Unique Properties of Water (H₂O)

The crucial thing that distinguishes Earth from other planets is water. About 70% of our planet is covered with water in the form of oceans, ice caps, glaciers, lakes and rivers. Water vapor is always present in the Earth's atmosphere. Life evolved in water and our adult bodies consist of 75% water. Newborn humans are 97% water. The human brain is 75% water, bones are 22% water and tooth enamel is 2% water. This water is located both inside the cells of the body (intracellular) and outside (extra-cellular). Most of the important chemical reactions in living tissue occur in aqueous solution; water serves as a solvent to transport reactants and products from one place in the body to another.

The properties that make water such a good solvent are its hydrogen-bonding capacity and its polarity. Water dissolves many compounds because it solvates ions and molecules (floods them apart). Water is important in the human body not only because it dissolves ionic substances, but also because it hydrates all polar molecules in the body¹. We must have water to survive. We were born from it, and all life depends on it. We are watery creatures living on a watery planet. Water is the essence of life.

Water has many unique and unusual properties. Among these are very low vapor pressure, high heat of vaporization, high boiling point and high surface tension. All of these are caused by the hydrogen-bonded structure of the water molecule. A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, hence the molecular symbol H₂O.

The bonds that hold these atoms together are extremely strong. One aspect that makes these bonds so strong is the positive and the negative poles of the atoms involved. Water is a polar molecule known as a dipole. An oxygen atom (O-) has a dipole bond (negative charge) that is twice as strong as the dipole of a hydrogen atom (H+) that has a positive charge. That is why two hydrogen atoms are so strongly attracted to one oxygen atom. This strong attraction-repulsion secures the bonds holding the molecule together. For this reason the amount of heat is takes to pull these atoms apart (or change their bonding structure) is much greater than the forces needed to pull other molecules apart in many of the other elements. For example, the boiling point of water is 100° C (212° F), but the boiling point of Methane is -161° C (about -95° F). It also takes a lot of heat for water to become vapor, or steam, whereas liquid nitrogen becomes a boiling vapor at room temperature.

Water's solid state (ice) is also very different than that of other elements. Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F, but lead becomes solid at 32° C or 50° F. Because of its low freezing temperature, the hydrogen-bonded superstructure of ice has empty spaces in the middle. Therefore, the molecules in ice are not so closely packed as those in liquid water.

Because of this, ice has a lower density than liquid water. This is why ice floats on top of water instead of sinking to the bottom. (The next time you are at a cocktail party, check out who is drinking ice water and who is drinking gin or vodka on the rocks. Hint: ice floats in water, not in alcohol).

Such behavior is highly unusual. Most solids are denser than their corresponding liquids. The lower density of ice keeps fish and microorganisms alive in many rivers and lakes that would freeze solid each winter if the ice sank to the bottom. The presence of ice on top insulates the remaining water and keeps it from freezing.

Another unique quality of water is its surface tension. The polarity and strong hydrogen-bonding of its atoms gives rise to a water surface tension that behaves as if a force were pulling in on it. A steel needle can easily be made to float on the surface of water, whereas the same needle pushed beneath the surface will sink to the bottom. Also, because if this tension, insects can easily stand on the surface of water without falling in.

Because of these unusual qualities, water is much more than a concrete phenomenon with scientifically described properties and abilities. It is quite literally more valuable than gold, for without it we could not survive. It is a mysterious living creature, which nurtures all life. Water is a powerful carrier, mediator and even producer of energy. It has the ability to link, transform, and capture physical elements and subtle energy forces, and it operates on both physical and spiritual levels². Water can transmit molecular information. Hydrogen bonds can shift to transmit both positive and negative subtle energies³. Many people believe that all sin can be washed away through the sacredness of water. Rivers and sacred waters have always attracted sacrifices and offerings, and practices still continue in many agricultural societies where water is the obvious difference between life and death, prosperity and destruction.

Water cleanses, water purifies, and pure water helps the body to detoxify. Other therapeutic values of water include helping the body to remove fatigue, enhancing the glow of the skin and helping to prevent constipation. Other benefits attributed to water are increased stamina, aiding the heart to pump, helping the digestion to flow as well as keeping the body cool.

Sometimes people have dry skin and unquenchable thirst even though they drink lots of water. The deeper physiology is that they are not getting enough moisture into the system. This occurs when mucus blocks the micro channels that carry water to the cells. In order to clear the mucus blocks, an Ayurvedic tea made of 2 quarts water, 3 tsps. mint leaves and ½ tsp Bishop's Weed helps the body to clear the mucus and balance the desire for more water.

How much water you should drink depends on your age, how much physical work or exercise you do, the weather, your diet, your stress levels, your herbal food supplements, and your body type. Pitta or fiery type people tend to need more water than Kapha or water type people. Vata or airy types are often constipated or have dry skin and need to drink more water.

For many reasons we must regard with deep respect the value of water. Water is a colorless liquid that enables us to see the colors of the rainbow. It has no form but gives form to everything. It is billions of year old but can constantly rejuvenate itself. It is at the beginning and end of every cycle of life and history. It provides a constant interchange between the Earth and all the other planets in the cosmos. In every drop of water is a microcosm of the universe, carrying information from ancient eras and from worlds that we cannot yet understand. It is a liquid, a solid, and a vapor. It is everywhere and in everything. It holds the key to our health, and we hold the key to the health of water². It literally is worth its weight in gold. So, not only do we need to protect this natural resource, we need to appreciate the healing effects it has on our bodies and on our planet; this unique and amazing substance we call water.