Chinese Tea Guide
The Chinalife Chinese Tea Guide.
Welcome to our guide to chinese tea. We hope you find it informative and look forward to any comments or suggestions you may have regarding this guide and chinese tea in general. Below we have an introductory article from Professor Mei of the AcuMedic clinic, and to the left a set of navigational links to guide you to key areas of the chinese tea guide.
Relax with a healthy cup of tea
by Dan Carrier
Tea has played a role in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and, says Benny Mei of the AcuMedic Centre (chinalife), it's about time the coffee-swilling West woke up to its rejuvenating properties.
"The daily cuppa is an institution seen as being uniquely British, a cultural marker that defines the country. But we are newcomers when it comes to part-taking in a daily brew. For it was the Chinese who first discovered the joys and the health benefits of a brew-up, and they have been drinking tea for more than 2,000 years. Today, tea plays an major role in Chinese medicine and health. But there is no need to travel to the Orient to try the vast range of Chinese teas, each possessing different revitalising properties.
The AcuMedic Centre in Camden High Street, run by Man Fong Mei, a Chinese medicine specialist from Beijing University, offers more than 28 different sorts of teas - and advice on how you can get the best out of your afternoon tea break.
Prof. Mei came to study in Britain in the 1960s and founded AcuMedic, which specialises in Chinese medicine, in 1972. He runs training courses for GPs and NHS doctors interested in how Chinese medicine can complement Western medical practice.
The guiding principle of Chinese medicine is harmony and balance - illustrated by the belief in Yin and Yang, or the philosophy that everything in the universe consists of opposite but complementary aspects. This means balancing your lifestyle with exercise and relaxation, and doing the same with diet. Modern lifestyles create heat caused by toxins in our bodies. The current popularity of coffee dismays Prof. Mei who would like to see high street coffee shops joined by tea houses. 'It is about time tea drinking was taken up seriously to counterbalance the 'hot' nature of coffee and alcohol drinking' he says.
Prof. Mei adds that tea is not just a nice tasting drink with simple properties that are good for you. It has long played a key role in China's social culture - and merely sharing it with friends helps you relax. 'Britain took up tea in the 17th century. Unfortunately, it did not go further than Indian and Ceylon teas' he says. And this love of Indian tea- further fostered by the British Empire and the strong links between the two countries - meant for many years Chinese teas were overlooked.
Prof. Mei hopes to introduce the vast range of medicinal Chinese teas to a new generation of tea lovers, and has imported 28 different varieties - each a special tonic and with a unique flavour. 'Tea helps you stay slim and cuts cholesterol', adds Prof. Mei. It is rich in amino acids and antioxidants and other essential elements.'
And the varieties, which range from the River High - reputed to boost libido - to Mature Choice, which is believed to help clarity of thought and boost memory cells - mean a Chinese tea party has much to offer the discerning palate. Chinese tea drinkers hold parties to try different varieties. 'It is like wine tasting - it is sociable - but your body will feel better afterwards,' says Prof. Mei .... "
- Published by Camden New Journal