“Extra water” in our bodies In traditional chinese medicine theory, human body consists of two elements: Yin (阴) and Yang(阳). We are healthy when these two elements are balanced, or we are ill. when we are ill, we should eat some special foods to balance Yin and Yang. Generally speaking, foods that are spicy or hot belong to Yang (阳 ); foods that are watery or cold belong to Yin(阴). The typical Yang food is chili, and the typical Yin food is watermelon. Chongqing locates in the west of china, and has a wet climate. Our bodies absorb extra water from the moisture among the air, especially in winter. Therefore, Chongqing people eat spicy hot-pot to expel the extra water from our bodies to be healthy in winter. Due to spicy chili and burning gas, You will perspire heavily during the hot-pot eating, and feel very comfortable after the hot-pot dinner. Reference webpage. 1. http://www.med66.com/web/zhongyijichu/sh1411129692.shtml 2. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%98%B4%E9%98%B3%E8%AF%B4/3327142?fr=aladdin