Health Benefits of Tea in Chinese Medicine

A TCM-Inspired Guide to Choosing the Right Tea for Your Body and the Season

At Michigan Acupuncture Studio, we often remind patients that food and drink are more than just nourishment—they are medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the properties of what we consume play an active role in shaping our health, energy, and internal balance. One of the simplest and most effective ways to support your body daily is through the mindful use of tea as therapeutic medicine.

Tea in Chinese Medicine: More Than a Beverage

In TCM, both food and herbs are classified by their energetic qualities. Teas, like other substances, are characterized as cooling, warming, or neutral, and they exert effects such as moistening, dispersing, or nourishing. Choosing the right type of tea depends on the current state of your health, your body constitution, and external factors like the season.

This concept of food as medicine is known as "Yang Sheng", or the art of nourishing life—a central pillar of Chinese wellness philosophy.

Cooling Teas: Ideal for Warm or Inflammatory Conditions

Green tea and lightly oxidized oolongs are considered cooling in nature. These teas are particularly suitable for individuals with internal heat symptoms such as inflammation, acne, irritability, or restlessness. Because they undergo minimal processing, they retain higher levels of antioxidants and nutrients.

Key Benefits:

• Clears internal heat

• Supports liver and skin health

• Boosts metabolism and alertness

Note: For those with a sensitive stomach or weak digestion, green tea may cause discomfort due to its cooling and astringent nature. It is best consumed in moderation or paired with warming foods.

Neutral Teas: A Balanced Choice for Most Body Types

Roasted oolongs and moderately oxidized teas are considered neutral in TCM. These teas are easier on digestion and support healthy fat metabolism without strongly affecting the body's thermal balance. They are an excellent everyday choice for most individuals.

Key Benefits:

• Harmonizes digestive function

• Supports metabolic health

• Provides moderate energy without overstimulation

  
  

Warming Teas: Best for Cold Constitutions

Black teas and heavily roasted oolongs are warming in nature, making them ideal for individuals with cold hands and feet, sluggish circulation, fatigue, or a tendency toward feeling chilled.

Key Benefits:

• Stimulates blood flow

• Warms the digestive system

• Enhances circulation and energy

These teas are especially helpful in colder seasons or for individuals with a "cold" constitution in TCM terms.

Can Tea Support Weight Loss?

While no tea alone serves as a guaranteed weight-loss solution, oolong tea in particular is recognized in Chinese medicine for its ability to aid digestion and fat metabolism. By supporting the spleen and stomach functions—the organs responsible for transforming food into energy—oolong may contribute to a healthy metabolism and weight balance when used alongside proper diet and exercise.

Choosing the Right Tea by Season

Each season brings its own climate and energy, and TCM recommends adjusting your tea choices accordingly to stay in balance.

Spring: Light and Uplifting

• Best Teas: Lightly oxidized oolongs such as Baozhong or high-mountain varieties

• Why: These teas help lift the spirit and detoxify the liver as the body emerges from winter dormancy

Summer: Cool and Refreshing

• Best Teas: Green teas with high bud content

• Why: Cooling in nature, green tea relieves heat and supports hydration during warmer months

Fall: Smooth and Grounding

• Best Teas: Amber-toned oolongs and gently roasted varieties

• Why: As temperatures drop, these teas offer gentle warmth and help transition the body into colder months

Winter: Deep and Nourishing

• Best Teas: Black teas and dark roasted oolongs

• Why: These warming teas invigorate the body, enhance circulation, and provide comfort against the cold

Three Considerations Before Starting Tea for Health

1. Understand Your Constitution In TCM, your body is either more prone to heat, cold, dryness, or dampness. A practitioner can help you determine your constitution before choosing the appropriate tea.

2. Moderation is Key Even medicinal teas should be consumed in moderation. Overconsumption of any one category can lead to imbalance.

3. Complement, Don’t Replace Tea can support your wellness plan, but it should not replace professional care. Always consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are on medications or managing a health condition.

   
   

Tea as a Daily Act of Medicine

The practice of drinking tea in Chinese medicine goes beyond simple refreshment. Each cup is an opportunity to support your body, align with the season, and nurture your internal balance. Whether you’re sipping green tea to cool the summer heat or enjoying black tea on a cold winter evening, your choices can be intentional and therapeutic.

At Michigan Acupuncture Studio, we’re here to guide you on incorporating food and herbal medicine into your daily wellness plan. If you’re interested in personalized tea recommendations based on your body constitution and health goals, schedule a consultation with us today.