
Water is essential for life, and Chinese Medicine provides a unique perspective on how to enhance our health through proper hydration.
Chinese Medicine recognises that it's not just hydration that's important, but also how we consume water and how it impacts our bodies.
Drink water the Chinese Medicine way and see how it makes you feel!
Try these hydration tips below:
Water Temperature Matters:
Cold water might quench your thirst quickly but is believed to weaken your digestive fire which is required for healthy digestion.
Warm or room-temperature water is gentler on the digestive system and promotes better digestion. This is why as a general rule of thumb Chinese Medicine practitioners are against excessively consuming drinks with ice in them, especially in Winter, because it slows down the functions of the spleen and stomach, (the Earth element), and has a knock on effect to the functioning of the vital organs.
The Earth element is very important in our overall health and wellbeing because it is the place where food & drink is transformed into usable Qi (energy) and transported throughout the body. The Earth element functions best when its predominantly nourished by cooked and easy to digest foods and warm/room temperature drinks, rather than cold, raw foods and icy drinks.
Small Sips for Smooth Digestion:

Instead of gulping down water in one go, take slow, deliberate small sips throughout the day. This approach is rooted in the belief that small sips helps the digestive system process the water more effectively and are easier for the spleen and stomach to manage, preventing it from overwhelming the digestion system.
In Chinese Medicine the Spleen & Stomach are paired organs - with the Spleen disliking an accumulation of fluids, and the Stomach disliking dryness, so finding a balance between drinking two much or too little water, and the way we drink is key for hydration and balance of the these organs.
Start Your Day the Right Way:
Start the day with a glass of warm water which is a great way to kick start your metabolism and blood circulation throughout the body.
So, the next time you reach for a glass of water, consider the way you drink impacts the way your body functions and make it a small sip of nourishment for your body and soul. By doing so, you can embark on a journey towards better health, one mindful sip at a time.
If you want to work on your health from a holistic point of view Glow Acupuncture offers in person Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine appointments in Cheltenham (book here), or virtual consultations - more information here.
We will connect the dots between all the aspects of your individual health: mind, body, nutrition, stress, sleep, mindfulness, and more, all through the lens of Chinese Medicine.