[Brief research on the theory of cold and heat of the foods in Zhou li (The rites of Zhou)]

Abstract

The theory of cold and heat of the foods was recorded in the Zhou li * Tian guan * Shi yi (The Rites of Zhou * Ministry of State * Dietician), namely, "all the solid food should be as warm as the spring, all the soup should be as hot as the summer, all the catsup should be as cool as the autumn, all the drink should be as cold as the winter". The theory is one of the principles of dietetic therapy in accordance with the ancient viewpoint of "correspondence between human body and natural environment". It is significant for the life preservation of the people. However, this principle is not an absolute one. In the practice, warm or heat, cool or cold should be considered according to the individuals and the time.