THE QI & TEA LECTURES:
Delve Into Chinese Medicine Over Gongfu Cha
Each Friday, from 12 PM to 1 PM, come share a cup of tea with Dr. Perez, prepared using the Gongfu cha method.
On the second Friday of each month, from 12 PM to 1 PM, share a cup of tea with Dr. Perez and learn how eastern medicine sees, and can effectively treat, specific medical conditions.
Offered free-of-charge, the series will cover this topic in March:
Friday, March 14th, 2025
Chinese Herbalism and Infectious Disease Control
Chinese herbalism’s origin is rooted in the battle against infectious disease, a fact that many in the modern world sometimes have trouble remembering. Now more than ever, its time to relearn some things.
You must RSVP to attend. We will confirm all RSVPs submitted. To RSVP, use our contact form or call 512-505-8211.
What is Gongfu Cha?
Gongfu cha is a Chinese tea preparation method. It came about in the 18th century, and is thought to have come from the Chaoshan area, or possibly the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian (a source for oolong tea).
Though its exact origins are not known, the Chaoshan area is the center for gongfu cha culture in the present day. And the method is deeply embedded in Chinese tea traditions.
How Do You Brew Gongfu Cha?
Gongfu cha brewing focuses on creating a balance between three elements: proper water, high-quality tea leaves and specialized utensils.
Traditional gongfu cha brewing uses spring water because it contains essential minerals.
The tea itself should be high-quality, whole leaf tea sourced from China. Most often Oolong and Pu’er (fermented) teas are the ones of choice. But you can use any of the other Chinese tea varieties (Black, White, Green or Dark) with proper technique.
A traditional Gongfu cha setup includes 10 items: a brewing vessel (called a Gaiwan), a tea pitcher, a hot water boiler, a tea tray, a tea towel, a knife, a tea strainer, a presentation vessel (for the dry tea leaves), a tea basin (for discarded leaves) and, of course, tea cups.
Gongfu cha actually translates to the equivalent of “making tea with skill”. The process involves following exacting techniques to extract the best flavors from the tea leaves.
Why is Gongfu Cha Sometimes Called “Kung Fu Tea”?
“Kung Fu Tea” is a variation of “Gongfu Tea”. The term “Kung Fu” in Western culture is commonly associated with martial arts. But it actually translates to “skill achieved through great effort” in Chinese. And, much like martial arts, gongfu cha method requires practice and patience.
Even if you have no questions about Traditional Chinese Medicine, please come enjoy some nice tea and conversation!
LOCATION
Yi Guan Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism
11614 Bee Caves Road, Suite 230
Austin, TX 78738
(Conveniently located west of downtown Austin, near Lakeway, just off of Bee Caves Road.)
YOUR HOST
HOW TO BOOK
No appointment is necessary. Contact us through the website contact form to let us know you’re coming.
Or call:
(512) 505-8211
Who is Dr. Perez?
Dr. Dan Perez is both a Western-trained physician and a graduate of the AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. Based in Austin, Texas, AOMA is recognized as one of the leading schools in Chinese Medicine. Being both an expert in Western medicine and Chinese medicine, Dr. Perez offers his patients natural, minimally invasive and integrative medical options for treating a variety of chronic medical conditions.
