What is Cha Qi (Tea Energy)?

What is Cha Qi (Tea Energy)?

Have you ever noticed a peculiar feeling while drinking tea, something that relaxes or energises you without you fully realising it? In the tea community, we call 'Cha Qi' (茶气) or 'tea energy', which captures the essence of how tea interacts with both your body and spirit.

To understand it better, read our founder Sam's personal description of Cha Qi below:

My first encounter with Cha Qi was more than just drinking tea—it was an awakening. As I enjoyed a tea session drinking aged raw pu-erh, a warmth spread from my chest and back, radiating through my limbs, leaving me calm and invigorated. It wasn't just about taste; it was about feeling.

Many people believe Cha Qi is simply caused by caffeine in tea. To me, it isn't about caffeine-induced alertness at all. Instead, it’s a subtle, almost mystical energy that good tea imparts. It connects you to the earth, to the people who cultivated the leaves, and to the present moment. When I drink tea with strong Cha Qi, I feel grounded, as though the tea has rooted me in the here and now.

This energy varies from tea to tea, depending on its origin, processing, and age. To truly understand Cha Qi, one must sit down and really take the time to enjoy tea. One must not just drink tea, but experience it, allowing the tea to speak in ways that transcend words. For me, it's the silent dialogue between tea and the soul, a reminder of life's delicate balance and the beauty of mindful presence.

What is Cha Qi?

Cha Qi, as the name suggests, is the energy (Qi) that is released from the tea (Cha) during the brewing process and is felt by the person drinking the tea. This energy isn't just a physical presence, it's an experience transmitted through your senses and body.

tea energy

You may feel warmth, comfort or even inner peace while drinking tea - this is Cha Qi interacting with you! Experienced tea drinkers often have a heightened ability to sense the presence of it, as if they are having a quiet conversation with the tea.

Where Does Cha Qi Come From?

The formation of Cha Qi is believed to be closely related to several aspects of tea:

cha qi in tea trees
  • Tea trees: High mountain teas are often praised for their strong Cha Qi. This is because tea trees grow more slowly at higher altitudes, absorbing more of nature's essence. Soil, climate, sunlight and even a light drizzle all contribute to the source of tea energy.
  • Types of tea: Different types of tea have their own unique Cha Qi characteristics. The energy of pu erh can be vigorous and intense, while that of of green tea is more like a gentle spring breeze: fresh and soft.
  • Tea process: The process by which tea is made also influences the strength of its Cha Qi. For example, fermented pu erh tea and moderately oxidised oolong tea often have stronger tea energy. This is because these processes activate more compounds in the tea leaves, making the Cha Qi more vibrant.
  • Time: Aged teas, such as aged pu erh, have a richer and deeper Cha Qi. Over time, the internal structure of the tea changes and the Cha Qi becomes more mellow, like a fine wine that has matured over the years.

The Perception of Cha Qi

The perception of cha qi varies from person to person. Here are some common experiences:

  • Physical Reactions: Some people may feel warmth in a particular part of the body or a general warmth throughout the body. This sensation is usually associated with good quality tea leaves. Some people describe it as a feeling of being tipsy/drunk. This is also described with the term 'tea drunk'.
  • Emotional Changes: Tea with strong energy can make a person feel happy and calm. It can help you focus or relax your mind and body, as if you've let go of all your stress and entered a state of meditation.
  • Taste: Cha Qi sometimes manifests itself as a lingering sweetness in the mouth, a cool sensation deep in the throat, or a fragrance in the mouth and nose that lasts for a long time.

Tea Ceremony and Cha Qi

cha qi tea ceremony

In the tea ceremony, Cha Qi is one of the important criteria for judging the quality of tea. The tea ceremony emphasises "harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity" and tea energy is the embodiment of spirit. By sensing it through tea tasting, you can more deeply experience the tranquillity that tea brings.

How to Cultivate the Perception of Cha Qi?

The ability to perceive Cha Qi, like any practice, requires time and experience. Here are some methods that may help you:

  • Tasting a lot of different teas: Different teas have different Cha Qi. Try different teas and you'll discover that each tea has its own character.
  • Focusing on the moment: When drinking tea, focus and be mindful, paying attention to the subtle changes in your body and emotions, allowing Cha Qi to reveal itself naturally.
  • Talk about tea with others: Sharing your tea experiences with others, and talking about it, will allow you to nurture your ability to sense Cha Qi.

Recommended Teas with Different Cha Qi

Below some recommended teas to nurture your ability to sense Cha Qi.

Da Hong Pao

Da Hong Pao is a classic rock tea produced in Fujian, China, with a mineral aroma and rich floral and fruity fragrance. Its Cha Qi is strong and has a deep mountain feel. You may order it from our EU store or Global store.

Pu Erh Tea

Pu erh tea undergoes a fermentation and aging process and has layers of earthy, woody and fruity aromas. Both raw and ripe pu erh have strong Cha Qi, but the tea energy of ripe pu erh is calmer and thicker. You may order pu erh tea from both our EU store and global store:

Tie Guan Yin

Tie Guan Yin is an oolong tea with a unique orchid fragrance. It has a long lasting sweet aftertaste, rich flavour and special Cha Qi known as 'Guan Yin Yun'. It's also available through our global store if you're not based in the EU: Tie Guan Yin (Global store)

Longjing

Longjing green tea has a distinct chestnut and bean flavour. Its fragrance and freshness give people a calming and refreshing tea drinking experience. Its Cha Qi is mild and delicate rather than strong. You can find two grades of longjing in our green tea collection, or visit the green tea page of our global store.

Cha Qi may sound mysterious and yet it is so real. It reflects not only the quality of the tea, but also the cultivation and skill of the tea drinker. So enjoy a good cup of tea, calm down, feel the Cha Qi rising from the tea cup and let it take you into a meditative state of mind.

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