The Importance of Warmth in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Why Balance Matters for Your Body

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), warmth is more than just temperature, it is a foundational principle that supports digestion, energy, and overall wellbeing.

During a recent visit to Shenzhen, we spent a night at the well-known Tenz 24 Spa, a multi-storey 24-hour wellness space famous for its baths, saunas, massage rooms, entertainment zones, and endless offering of fresh fruit, drinks, and even ice cream.

But amid all the indulgence, one small sign stood out more than anything else:

“Too much cold food and drinks can upset your stomach.”

It was simple, almost easy to miss, yet it reflected something deeply rooted in TCM philosophy: the importance of maintaining internal warmth.

 

What is Tenz 24 Spa?

Tenz 24 Spa Shenzhen is a large-scale 24-hour wellness complex that blends traditional bathhouse culture with modern entertainment and relaxation.

Guests typically pay for 8 or 24-hour entry and gain access to:

• Hot baths and pools with different temperatures
• Dry and steam saunas
• Large massage halls and private treatment rooms
• Cinema rooms, gaming areas, and rest lounges
• Free-flow fruit, drinks, and ice cream

It is designed as a full-day (or overnight) recovery space where people can eat, rest, bathe, and receive treatments all under one roof.

What makes it particularly unique is how it blends indulgence with wellness philosophy, which is where the contrast between cold and warm foods becomes especially interesting.

 

Warmth as a Foundation of Digestion in TCM

In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for transforming food into energy (Qi). These organs are considered to function optimally in a warm internal environment.

When the body is exposed to excessive cold, through diet, environment, or lifestyle, digestive function may slow down.

Warmth is believed to support:

• Stronger digestion and nutrient absorption
• Better energy production
• Reduced bloating and dampness
• Overall vitality and resilience

This is why warm soups, cooked meals, and gently warming herbs are often emphasised in traditional dietary practice.

 

The Modern Contrast: Ice Cream in a Wellness Space

One of the most striking things about Tenz 24 Spa is the abundance of cold foods, especially unlimited ice cream, chilled drinks, and fresh fruit.

From a modern perspective, this feels like pure indulgence. From a TCM perspective, ice cream is considered highly “cold” in nature and can place strain on digestion if consumed in excess.

Again, this is not about restriction, but awareness.

Enjoyment is part of wellbeing. The key is understanding how different foods interact with your internal balance.

 

The Thermal Nature of Fruit in TCM

In TCM, foods are categorised by thermal nature, cooling, neutral, or warming,  regardless of their actual temperature.

This is particularly important when it comes to fruit, which is often assumed to be universally beneficial.

Cooling fruits include:

• Watermelon
• Pear
• Banana
• Kiwi

These are hydrating and refreshing, but may contribute to internal “coldness” when consumed frequently, especially for those with weaker digestion.

More warming fruits include:

• Lychee
• Cherry
• Longan
• Red dates

These are traditionally used to support blood, energy, and internal warmth.

 

Why This Matters in Modern Life

TCM is not about strict rules or avoidance, it is about balance and awareness.

Cold foods like ice cream, smoothies, and raw fruit are not inherently “bad.” However, they may not always suit every constitution or every season.

The guiding questions become:

• How is your digestion functioning right now?
• Are you already feeling cold, tired, or depleted?
• What season or environment are you in?

A strong digestive system can generally adapt, but when imbalance is present, reducing excess cold can make a noticeable difference.

 

A Gentle Reminder from Tradition

What stayed with us most from Tenz 24 Spa wasn’t just the facilities or the experience, it was the quiet philosophy behind a single sign.

Even in a modern space of abundance and indulgence, there was still a reminder of something older and more foundational:

The body thrives on warmth, rhythm, and care.

At The Herborium, this is a principle we return to often, supporting the body not only with what is nourishing, but what is harmonising.

Because sometimes, wellbeing begins with something as simple as choosing warmth.