The anatomical spleen plays a crucial role in our immune system by producing white blood cells. However, in TCM, the spleen is closely linked with the stomach—which together play key roles in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body. Drinking cold water can harm the function of the spleen and stomach. This impaired function can affect the body’s ability to metabolize water, potentially causing symptoms such as edema and abdominal distension. Furthermore, Dr. Yeh told The Epoch Times that if a person is in a constant state of feeling excessively hot and wanting to cool down by drinking a glass of ice water, it might be a sign of an underlying health issue. Dr. Yeh pointed out that the visceral nerves are less sensitive than the skin’s surface, therefore, a lack of reaction from the stomach does not necessarily mean it can handle extreme temperatures. If you find it challenging to hold ice water in your hand for more than a minute, it may indicate that your body cannot tolerate such cold directly entering the stomach. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid drinking ice water or eating icy foods. Additionally, he recommends avoiding drinking ice water in the following three circumstances: