People love to debate the virtues—or dangers—of coffee consumption, and probably will continue to do so well into the future. Like many other hot topics, there appears to be greater and greater understanding that we’re wise to make room for nuance, empowering us to explore ways of striking a happy balance. A foundational principle of TCM, the concept of balance holds great meaning in our tradition, connecting to the ultimate goal of harmonizing (bodily) energetics, the principle of moderation, and the importance of both discernment and joy.
Joy is one of the pillars of health in TCM, standing in direct opposition to both rigidity and excess. Joy as a healthy state of contentment is nourishing to the Heart and to our Shen (spirit) that resides there, further promoting the smooth function of our internal organs and mental faculties. This context is especially important in rigid wellness subcultures that can veer dangerously into overly dogmatic territory rife with rules and deprivation as a way to “achieve” health. Because joy is a powerfully healing emotional state, and with so many people delighting in their coffee habits, we’re starting this conversation off with the declaration that joy is necessary!
Importantly, the concept of "walking the middle road" is deeply rooted in TCM philosophy, reminding us to avoid extremes and embrace a balanced approach to life. Indeed, there is explicit recognition in TCM that excess joy can be destabilizing on the levels of mind, body, and spirit. Everything we deem “positive” or “negative” must be balanced, for it is the dynamic dance between polar (and complementary) energies that creates Qi (vital energy), movement, and harmony. This includes joy, which is not necessarily the optimal state of being, but one important part of our earthly experience. Practicing moderation helps promote balance, which is understood in TCM as the true foundation for vibrant health, allowing us our joys while honoring our wholeness.
If our primary focus in TCM is to cultivate and continually return to balance, it’s important for us to be discerning. Beyond moderation, understanding (bio)energetics helps us facilitate the ideal conditions for our own bodies. Coffee is considered warming and stimulates Yang energy, which can be supportive for someone who is Yang-deficient or tends to feel cold and sluggish. However, for others—especially those already prone to heat, dryness, or excess internal fire—coffee can exacerbate imbalance. We can help counteract this imbalance by drinking it with dairy, which helps nourish Yin, or pairing it with Yin tonics (like Tremella or He Shou Wu). Because coffee can deplete Kidney essence (Jing), it’s worth noting that these are both tonifying to Yin Jing. Those who are severely Yin-deficient (with symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, agitation, and fatigue) can practice moderation or switch to Pu’er, which is nourishing to Yin, while tending to that imbalance.
In TCM, there are five flavors that classify the therapeutic properties of foods and herbs, teaching us that we can gather abundant information about function from taste. Coffee is bitter, corresponding to the Heart and Small Intestine, with a draining, drying, and clearing action that greatly supports digestive health. In our modern age, we don’t have a very well-rounded approach to incorporating all five flavors, especially bitter. Coffee just might be one of the few daily bitter experiences for the Western palate, and there is true positivity in that, especially for its remediation of dampness and phlegm—prevalent sources of health issues. In order to harness the power of this flavor for digestive health, we can drink it warm rather than cold more often than not, and enjoy a cup after eating. Those who experience excess Heart Fire (with symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, and palpitations), might want to try a coffee with reduced caffeine or pause consumption until balance is restored and symptoms subside.
The quality of any food we ingest is also an important part of the contextual conversation, and one that TCM prioritizes not only for nutritive purposes, but energetically. TCM emphasizes the life force energy (Qi) and spirit (Shen) of what we consume. Low-quality or overly processed substances are believed to have weakened or distorted Qi, which can lead to imbalance or illness over time. Especially in light of increasing concerns about mold and other toxins in coffee, it’s preferable to opt for freshly ground, locally-roasted, or third-party tested coffee bean options as much as possible.
In moderation and with mindfulness regarding the balance of our (fluctuating) individual constitutional needs, coffee can indeed be medicinal. While we steer away from a dogmatic approach to health and healing, we value TCM wisdom for illuminating the energetics at play—wisdom we can harness to cultivate balance. As we move toward Summer, which corresponds to the emotion of joy and the element of fire, we are especially grateful for coffee’s ability to activate Yang energy, stimulate the movement of Qi, and delight our senses. Cheers to life’s simple pleasures and all of our supportive herbal allies!
