It starts with a cup of tea

Unlocking the power of cross-cultural connection and wellness with tea

In our modern and globalized world, the simple act of sharing a cup of tea has become a powerful symbol of cross-cultural connection, social communication, and flavoursome escapism. Whether we're sitting down for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or sipping a cup of Earl Grey in a cosy British tearoom with a friend, tea has the ability to bring people together and create a sensory experience which also extends beyond the cup and into the built environment.

We'll begin by looking into the worlds most consumed tea, around 80% of global tea consumption is black tea. A recent study conducted by a cohort of scientists at the National Cancer Institute analysed half a million black tea drinkers in the UK. The study found those who consumed 2 or more cups of tea per day had a 9-13% lower risk of death from any cause, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, than those who did not drink black tea.

Were you aware that drinking tea has also been linked to an array of health benefits not only to your gut, but to your mind as well? To gain insight into the connection between tea and mental health, we must begin with the tea master; Sen no Rikyū, who amplified tea's powers beyond the cup and into his guest's overall wellbeing.

Sen no Rikyū's legacy: Unraveling the mental health benefits of matcha tea and mindful tea ceremonies

Tea drinking has been a cherished tradition with a history that extends across centuries, with one of the most influential figures in the world of tea being Sen no Rikyū, who is often referred to as the father of Wabi-cha, a style of Japanese tea ceremony. Rikyū lived in Japan during the late 16th century and was known for his exceptional skills as a tea master. Samurai and high-ranking officials frequently attended his ceremonies, who were drawn to his matcha tea ceremonies for its ability to help them achieve a state of mental and physical calmness, which was essential for their demanding and often dangerous lifestyles.

Recent studies in neuroscience have provided scientific evidence to support the positive effects of tea drinking on mental health and well-being. One such study by Kimura et al. has shown the active compound in tea, L-theanine, which is five times higher in matcha tea than green tea, can increase alpha brainwave activity, which is associated with relaxation and reduced stress levels. In addition, L-theanine has been found to enhance cognitive performance, better sleep, and improve mood.

Rikyū, without modern day science to validate his findings, recognized the powerful health benefits of matcha tea through his daily rituals. He extended the tea drinkers' internal sensory experience into a physical manifest with his Tai-an, a tea house Rikyū designed; a collection of immersive environments of simplicity, natural beauty, and organic environments in harmony with nature. His skilful application of these environments was conducive for mindfulness and the cultivation of a peaceful state of mind. This allowed for a deeper appreciation of the tea and its effects on the mind and body.

The tea house is a beautiful example of wabi-sabi design principles in action. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, simplicity, and transience. It's an aesthetic that celebrates the natural world and embraces the imperfect, often with a focus on handcrafted and locally sourced materials. The modest-sized tea house focuses on creating a sensory-rich tea drinking experience; there is a sense of harmony and tranquillity, with simple, unadorned lines and natural materials like wood and bamboo used throughout creating a grounding spatial environment. Most interestingly, the study conducted by Hassan et al. in 2017 found bamboo visual stimuli to induce psychophysiological relaxation in adults.

Along with natural and local materials, the space is distinctly sized for the ritual of the tea ceremony. Unique design features such as the 'nijiriguchi', or crawl door, is a small, humble entrance door located low to the ground that requires guests to crawl in on their hands and knees, a practice that is intended to humble and designed to emphasize humility by bowing low to enter the space, removing all social hierarchy from the tea ritual.

Another subtle detail is the ‘tobi-ishi’, a term in Japanese tea ceremony referring to small steppingstones that are placed along the pathway leading to the tearoom. The purpose of ‘tobiishi’ is to help guests transition from the outside world into the tearoom, both physically and mentally. As guests step from one stone to the next, they are encouraged to slow down and focus their attention on the present moment, leaving their worries and distractions behind. The stones also serve a practical purpose of preventing dirt and debris from being carried into the tearoom, which is meant to be a clean and peaceful space.

Bridging the ancient practice of guiding one's physical and mental journey through 'tobi-ishi' to the realm of scientific inquiry, the transition from traditional to contemporary understanding of our interaction with our surroundings unfolds. Just as the stepping stones in a Japanese tea ceremony prepare the individual for a shift in perspective, modern research endeavors to quantify and elucidate the psychological benefits of engaging with certain environments. This leap from the metaphorical pathways designed to cleanse the spirit before entering a sacred space, to empirical evidence that underscores the tangible effects of our environment on mental health, marks a fascinating convergence of philosophy and science. It is within this intersection that we find compelling evidence supporting the principles of wabi-sabi and their relevance not just in cultural rituals but in fostering our overall psychological well-being.

Embracing nature-inspired design for enhanced mental health and well-being

Continuing with the flow of of nature inspired design from the Tai-an tea house of Sen No Rikyu, there is scientific evidence from several studies to support the idea that wabi-sabi design could have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being. One such study was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2015. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in participants who took a 90-minute walk in either a natural environment (a grassland with trees and a creek) or an urban environment (a busy street with cars and buildings). The study revealed that participants who walked in a natural environment led to reduced prefrontal cortex activity in participants, a region of the brain associated with rumination and negative thoughts, compared to those who walked in the urban environment. Additionally, those who walked in a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination, a known risk factor for depression and anxiety.

Other studies have found similar results, including one conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter in the UK and published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology in 2018. This study found that spending at least 120 minutes per week in natural environments was associated with improved mental and physical health, including decreased levels of stress and depression. While these studies do not specifically examine the direct impact of wabi-sabi design principles on health, they suggest that spending time in natural environments, such as those inspired through wabi-sabi design, can have significant benefits for our mental and physical well-being.

Concluding thoughts...

This article serves as an intriguing starting point to explore the incredible world of tea, an affordable and widely consumed beverage that brings people together and promotes overall well-being. By examining black tea, a popular choice among many, and delving into the rich history of tea ceremonies pioneered by Sen no Rikyū, we unveil how tea transcends the boundaries of being merely a drink. Instead, it fosters mindfulness, mental and physical health, and influences architecture and our connection to nature.

Tea's journey from plant to cup encompasses the powerful effects it has on our well-being, including its proven health benefits and the calming, restorative experiences provided by tea ceremonies. These practices have inspired architectural marvels today and nurtured our intrinsic bond with nature, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. As we continue to enjoy this remarkable beverage, we are reminded that tea is not only a source of comfort and relaxation, but also a symbol of cross-cultural connection and a catalyst for personal and communal wellness through architecture and interior design.

Here are some novel ideas for you to consider if you wish to implement elements of tea and its influence into your life:

• Tea-infused cuisine: Chefs are increasingly incorporating tea into their culinary creations, using various types of tea leaves or tea extracts to add unique flavours and potential health benefits to dishes. Examples include matcha-infused desserts, tea-smoked meats, and sauces made with black or green tea.

• Tea-based meditation: Some meditation instructors are combining tea drinking with mindfulness exercises to create a sensory-rich meditation practice that deepens the connection between tea and well-being. By guiding participants through a series of tea tastings and mindfulness exercises, these tea meditation sessions offer a unique way to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Why not try it at home when you next make yourself a cup of tea.

• Keeping a beautiful teapot centrepiece, not only for aesthetics, but to use as frequently as you desire. I personally keep a glass Kyusu (Japanese teapot) which is used every morning to make a pot of fresh ginger tea which is slowly consumed throughout the day. You can also change it up by adding other ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, fresh mint, basil or rosemary.

• Decorate your kitchen interior by hanging your favourite tea cups or mugs, also making them easily accessible and a gentle reminder to consume a healthy brew.

Reflective Question: In what ways can the principles of wabi-sabi and the mindful spaces of Tai-an inspire you to cultivate a sense of tranquility and presence in your own surroundings? How can the ritual of tea drinking become a gateway to embracing the imperfect beauty of the everyday?

Call-to-Action: Let us invite the spirit of wabi-sabi into our lives, starting with the simple act of enjoying a cup of tea. Consider creating a small, dedicated space in your home where you can retreat to savor your tea, free from distractions and clutter. This space doesn't need to be elaborate; it should reflect the beauty of simplicity and the natural world, much like the principles of Tai-an. Use this as an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the tactile joy of tea leaves, the warmth of a cup in your hands, and the subtle flavors that dance on your palate.

Embrace this practice not merely as a routine element but as a meditation and a celebration of the moment. Let it serve as a reminder that, within the grand tapestry of life, profound beauty resides in the fleeting, the flawed, and the simple. Raise your cup to the transformative power of tea, allowing its warmth to guide you towards a more mindful, connected, and health-enhancing existence.