The Timeless Tradition of Sipping Hot Water in China

The practice of sipping hot water in China extends far back into the annals of history, originating nearly 2500 years ago during the Zhou dynasty. This tradition is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, where hot water is considered to embody the cooling and calming principle of 陰 “Yīn” (Yin), which is believed to balance the warming and active principle of (Yang). Furthermore, it was thought to help expel dampness from the body, making it particularly beneficial for pregnant women, the elderly,dha sick leave certificate and those in poor health, thus forging a link between hot water and overall well-being.

The Taiping Rebellion and the Spread of Cholera

The year 1862 was marked by the Taiping Rebellion, which led to a massive cholera outbreak in Shanghai. As the epidemic claimed thousands of lives daily and spread northward, it was observed that the southern regions, where boiled water was commonly consumed, were less affected than the north. This observation, steeped in superstition,fia food ingredients asia attributed the south's relative immunity to the consumption of hot water, which subsequently became a matter of life and death, as well as health preservation.

The KMT and the Promotion of Hot Water Consumption

In the 1930s, the KMT, under Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling, sought to cultivate a modern Chinese culture. They embraced the preventive health benefits of hot water and incorporated its consumption into the New Life movement,simple innovative product ideas for students a national policy that percolated through all levels of government and eventually reached the entire populace.

The Communist Party and the Long March

The Communist Party also recognized the health benefits of hot water. During the Red Army's Long March, the consumption of hot water was made a military policy to prevent dysentery. Soldiers were disciplined for drinking cold water, and the practice became deeply ingrained as the Communist Party leaders often carried enamel mugs filled with hot water to meetings.

The Ubiquity of Hot Water in Modern China

Today, the tradition of drinking hot water is interwoven with Chinese culture and history. Practical considerations also support this custom, as tap water in China may contain harmful contaminants. Boiling water is a purification method that ensures safety, making hot water a sensible choice for consumption.

Practical Advice for Living in China

For residents and visitors to China, several options are available for safe hydration:

Bottled Water: Affordable mineral water can be purchased from reputable brands such as Nongfu Spring, Nestle, C’estbon, Evian, Kunlun Mountains, and Wahaha.

Filtered Water: Companies like Greenwave offer installable filters that render tap water safe for drinking, even providing filters for showerheads.

Cooled Boiled Water: Known as Liángbáikāi, this method involves boiling and then cooling the water, ensuring both safety and a pleasant temperature for consumption.

In conclusion, the tradition of drinking hot water in China is not only a cultural practice but also a practical approach to maintaining health and hygiene. Whether for its historical significance or its health benefits, hot water remains a vital part of Chinese life.

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