Q: When brewing tea, what are the considerations for pouring water around the gaiwan?

A: When brewing tea, water is generally poured in a circling motion, and in an inward direction. That is, if holding the kettle with the left hand, pour in a clockwise direction, as the inward posture appears more gentle and harmonious.

Q: How to identify whether tea has been adulterated with artificial fragrances?

A: If artificial fragrance is sprayed onto tea leaves, it fails to thoroughly penetrate the leaves. The aroma tends to be superficial—often smelling strong dry but becoming weak when brewed. The fragrance also lacks the fresh, natural purity of real flowers, and the tea liquor’s taste in the mouth is not as refreshing, smooth, and lively.

Q: Some say drinking high-quality tea can unblock meridians. Is that true?

A: According to the classical text Tangye Bencao, tea enters the jueyin channels (the hand jueyin relates to the pericardium, and the foot jueyin relates to the liver). According to Lei Gong's Treatise on Medicinal Properties, tea enters the five organs: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The five organs are central to the theory of visceral manifestations in traditional Chinese medicine. The fact that tea can enter all five organs indicates its extensive efficacy.

The meaning of tea is inexhaustible; life is never fully understood.