If you’ve ever spent time living in China or traveling in China, you’ve noticed drastic differences from living in the West.

One of the most fascinating differences that I noticed is that the Chinese prefer to drink their water when it is at room temperature, warm, or hot. The reasons for this probably stem from Chinese medicinal theory.

Their theory helped me realize that I had never even considered an alternative to cold water growing up because that’s all I knew. From then on, I’ve embraced warm and hot water and I’m working towards becoming agnostic in terms of drinking water temperature preference.

There are several reasons why we might consider amending our dependence on cold water:

1. Our internal organs are somewhere around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Yin and Yang theory of Chinese medicine suggests drinking water that is close to this temperature helps maintain harmony within the body. In my personal experience, I can feel the negative reaction within my body immediately after drinking ice cold water.

2. Warm water aids in digestion. Warm water increases circulation through the digestive tract, helping you absorb nutrients and discard waste and toxins.

3. You’re more likely to be present in the novelty of drinking hot water. Since it will be a new, exciting experience, you’ll be more mindful. Also, if you can easily burn yourself with each sip, you’re more alert and aware of this. Drinking water in slow, mindful sips leads to a more joyful, lucid practice.

4. If you drink boiling water, you’re less likely to be drinking water with any contamination. Self+explanatory.

5. Imagine a wild animal abstaining from drinking water because it wasn’t chilled to their liking. Not going to happen. Animals drink whatever they can get. Realize that subtle programming has created our perceptions.

Have you ever considered drinking warm, hot, or room temperature water?