I. Consuming hot and cold foods and drinks results in completely different physical sensations
In summer, when outdoor temperatures are high, the pores all over our skin are open and our bodies are actively dissipating heat. At such times, gulping down an ice-cold drink causes the low temperature to instantly stimulate the stomach and intestines, whilst simultaneously causing the pores on the skin's surface to contract and close rapidly. Although you may feel a momentary sense of coolness on the surface, the heat and dampness accumulated within the body are trapped and cannot escape. Before long, you will feel stifled and hot all over, with a tightness in the chest, and you may also experience a heavy, clammy and uncomfortable sensation throughout your body. This is particularly true for those with sensitive stomachs; frequent consumption of cold drinks can easily lead to bloating, diarrhoea and a sensation of coldness in the stomach. In contrast, warm tea has a gentle temperature that does not irritate the stomach. When sipped slowly in small sips, the warmth spreads throughout the body, causing the pores to open naturally and the body to break out in a light sweat. As the sweat evaporates naturally, it gently draws heat away from the body's surface. This cooling sensation is gentler and lasts longer, preventing the return of heat and restlessness shortly after finishing the drink.
II. Heavy sweating: drinking tea helps replenish lost nutrients.
During the height of summer, when sweating is profuse, not only water but also various trace elements in the body are lost through sweat. Ordinary brewed tea contains natural tea polyphenols and various minerals. Drinking small amounts of warm tea frequently throughout the day not only replenishes fluids but also gently restores the nutrients lost through perspiration; whereas iced drinks often contain large amounts of sugar and additives, and consuming them in large quantities only places an additional burden on the body without replenishing the nutrients lost through sweating. Relying frequently on cold drinks to beat the heat over the long term can gradually disrupt the body's natural temperature regulation mechanisms, leading to a heightened sensitivity to even mild heat and a progressively lower tolerance to it.
III. There is no need to go out of your way to practise health preservation; drinking tea in harmony with the seasons is more comfortable
The old adage 'drink warm tea in summer' is passed down from previous generations; its essence lies not in any special therapeutic benefits, but simply in adapting to the lifestyle of the summer season: in summer, yang energy rises to the body's surface, so it is best to guide it gently rather than forcibly suppressing the sensation of heat with cold beverages. We need not force ourselves to drink only tea and avoid cold drinks entirely; we can simply adjust our daily habits: after being exposed to the blazing sun outdoors or when drenched in sweat, do not rush to gulp down ice-cold water; when working from home or resting in the cool, switch to a cup of mild, refreshing tea and sip it slowly.
There is a parallel between beating the heat and navigating life: when faced with sweltering heat and restlessness, seeking a fleeting sensation of coolness offers only temporary relief; just as with sipping hot tea slowly, it is only through gentle, gradual adjustment that one can achieve lasting comfort and ease. As the seasons turn and the height of summer arrives, living in harmony with the time of year, accompanied by a cup of light tea, is the simplest and most comfortable way of life.
