As parts of the United States and Canada experience a severe heat wave, some traditional methods of coping with high temperatures from around the world may offer insights into staying cool without relying solely on modern air-conditioning.

In Japan, the practice of uchimizu, which involves sprinkling water on streets and sidewalks, remains common during the summer months. Originating from a tea-ceremony ritual intended to purify and welcome guests, uchimizu has been found to contribute significantly to cooling outdoor environments. When water evaporates from hot surfaces, it absorbs heat, lowering temperatures nearby—a natural process known as evaporative cooling. Research published in 2018 demonstrated that uchimizu could reduce air temperature near the ground by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, even with relatively small amounts of water applied.

Beyond Japan, other culturally specific approaches to heat management can seem counterintuitive but have scientific underpinnings. For example, wearing loose, dark-colored clothing, such as black caftans, and consuming spicy foods like hot peppers may appear illogical when trying to avoid heat, yet these practices can aid the body’s natural cooling mechanisms.

Loose, flowing garments allow airflow close to the skin, facilitating sweat evaporation, which helps cool the body. Dark fabrics, despite absorbing more sunlight, also create convective currents of air that enhance cooling. Meanwhile, spicy foods trigger sweating, which, when it evaporates, helps to lower body temperature.

These traditional strategies highlight the diverse ways cultures have adapted to extreme heat long before modern cooling technologies became widespread. As temperatures soar, revisiting and integrating some of these time-tested methods could provide complementary relief, especially in regions where access to air-conditioning is limited or energy consumption is a concern.