Drinking warm water on an empty stomach has become one of TikTok’s most talked-about morning wellness trends since the beginning of 2026.
What started as a niche Chinese habit has quickly gone mainstream, with lifestyle creators and fitness influencers encouraging followers to begin their day with a glass of warm water before eating or drinking anything else.
Across social media, many netizens adopting the routine jokingly say they are “feeling Chinese” as they embrace this practice. 
Interestingly, the trend has not gone unnoticed in China. Many Chinese social media users have expressed surprise and pride at seeing a part of their daily tradition go viral globally, with people openly identifying with it and recreating the ritual in their own morning routines.
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Where The Practice Of Drinking Warm Water Originated
It is an ancient practice rooted in Chinese medicine and other traditional health systems across Asia, and it dates back to at least the 4th century B.C.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long considered warm or hot water essential for maintaining balance within the body.
In Chinese culture, drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning is believed to gently activate the digestive system and improve blood circulation after hours of rest.
The underlying belief is that increased circulation helps the body dilute and eliminate waste more efficiently.
This is why hot water is often viewed in China as a remedy for everyday discomforts such as sore throats, muscle cramps, and stiffness.
Even today, it is common to see Chinese workers carrying thermos flasks of hot water.
Beyond China, similar recommendations appear in other ancient health systems.
Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago, also encourages drinking warm to hot water, especially in the morning.
According to Ayurvedic principles, warm water helps improve digestive strength, supports natural detoxification, and reduces metabolic waste that can accumulate in the body and weaken the immune system.
When practised regularly, it is believed to promote healing and long-term balance.
Japanese Water Therapy also follows a similar concept. It involves drinking very warm water on an empty stomach to cleanse the system and support overall health.
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What Doctors Are Saying About Drinking Warm Water In The Morning
Modern medical professionals have also weighed in on the habit. Dr. Sood, a double board-certified physician in anaesthesiology and interventional pain medicine who is also popular on TikTok and YouTube, explains that drinking warm water on an empty stomach can gently stimulate the digestive system after sleep.
According to him, warm water helps prepare the gut for food, supports smoother bowel movements, and assists the body in eliminating waste. Although it is not a cure-all, he emphasises that small daily habits, when practised consistently, can have a positive long-term effect on digestive and metabolic health.
6 Benefits of Drinking Warm Water on an Empty Stomach
1. It gently kick-starts digestion
Drinking warm water first thing in the morning helps wake up the digestive system after hours of rest. As a result, the stomach and intestines become more prepared to process food, which may reduce bloating and discomfort throughout the day.
2. It supports better circulation
Warm water helps increase blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to move more efficiently around the body. This improved flow also supports the body’s natural ability to flush out waste.
3. It aids natural detoxification
By stimulating circulation and digestion, warm water encourages the body’s natural detox process. Over time, this can help the liver and kidneys function more efficiently without the need for extreme detox methods.
4. It may improve bowel movement
Starting the day with warm water can help stimulate bowel movement, making it easier for the body to eliminate waste regularly. This is one reason many people report feeling “lighter” after adopting the habit.
5. It helps relax muscles and ease stiffness
Warm water has a soothing effect on the body. Drinking it in the morning can help relax muscles, reduce tension, and ease stiffness, especially after sleep.
6. It supports metabolism
Although it is not a weight-loss solution on its own, warm water may help support metabolism by activating internal processes that help the body break down food more efficiently.
In a world constantly searching for the next health hack, some of the most effective practices are not new discoveries at all but ancient habits rediscovered and adapted for modern life.
If it is true that it works, then perhaps we should all be “Chinese.”
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