From Hangovers to Harmony
Recovering from a Hangover: A Chinese Medicine Approach
We’ve all been there: a little too much celebration, a few too many drinks, and the next morning you’re left with the classic hangover symptoms - headache, nausea, fatigue, and a general sense of feeling “off.” While modern medicine often focuses on hydration and pain relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to hangover recovery that looks beyond just the physical symptoms. In TCM, hangovers are seen as a result of imbalances in the body's internal systems, particularly in the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach.
Let’s take a look at how TCM views hangovers and, more importantly, how you can recover using these principles to feel better—fast!
How TCM Views a Hangover:
In TCM, alcohol is considered a “heat-producing” substance that impacts the Liver and Spleen/Stomach. Excessive alcohol consumption creates a build-up of dampness and heat in the body, which leads to dehydration, digestive disruption, and the toxic effects that we experience as a hangover. The Liver is thought to be the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy), and alcohol can cause Liver Qi stagnation, leading to headaches, irritability, and digestive distress.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening from a TCM perspective:
It Messes with Your Flow (Liver Qi Stagnation)
Alcohol gets in the way of your Liver's smooth flow of energy, leaving you feeling tense, irritable, or just a little off.
Your Body Heats Up and Feels Heavy (Damp-Heat)
The sweet, warm nature of alcohol creates dampness (hello, bloating). On top of that, your Stomach works overtime to process it, which can generate heat and leave you feeling inflamed.
It Dries You Out (Yin Fluid Depletion)
Over time, too much alcohol can sap the Yin fluids that keep your Liver and Stomach balanced. Think thirst, dryness, and overall depletion.
Things Get Stuck (Qi and Blood Obstruction)
Alcohol slows down the movement of Qi and Blood, which might explain why you wake up feeling sluggish or achy.
Herbal Medicine for Hangover Relief
Herbs are one of the most effective ways to help your body recover after a night of overindulgence. These formulas can help clear the heat, soothe the stomach, and restore balance to your Qi and Blood:
Note: If you're not familiar with Chinese herbs, consult with a TCM practitioner to find the right herbal formulas for your needs.
Stomach Curing Pills: This popular herbal remedy is designed to calm the Stomach, alleviate nausea, and restore balance after overeating or drinking. It’s especially helpful if you’re feeling bloated or have digestive discomfort.
Ge Hua Jie Cheng Tang: Specifically formulated to treat alcohol-related hangovers, this herbal formula clears heat and toxins from the Liver and Stomach, relieving symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue. It’s perfect for getting rid of the residual "heat" left in your system after drinking.
Bao He Wan: A classic formula that helps to clear heat and regulate digestion, Bao He Wan is ideal for alleviating feelings of fullness, bloating, and nausea. It’s especially beneficial when alcohol has thrown your digestive system off balance.
Po Chai Pills: Known for its detoxifying effects, Po Chai is an excellent choice for hangovers accompanied by dampness and heat. It can help relieve nausea, bloating, and fatigue while promoting the smooth flow of Qi.
Dietary Recommendations for Hangover Relief
In TCM, the foods you consume play a vital role in restoring balance to your body after a hangover. Focus on foods that nourish your Liver, cool your system, and replenish lost fluids and energy. Here are some key foods and drinks to include in your recovery:
Ginger Tea: Ginger is incredibly beneficial for the Spleen and Stomach. It warms the digestive system, dispels dampness, and helps relieve nausea. Drink it warm to calm your stomach and get your digestion back on track.
Chrysanthemum Tea: Chrysanthemum is known for its cooling properties, which help to clear heat from the Liver and soothe headaches. It’s perfect for alleviating the dryness and discomfort you may experience after drinking.
Ge Hua (Pueraria Flower or Kudzu Flower): This herb is excellent for cooling the body and releasing alcohol-related toxins. It helps relieve headaches, muscle soreness, and nausea. If you can find it as an ingredient in herbal teas or soups, it can be a game changer for hangover recovery.
Mung Bean Soup: Mung beans are a great food for detoxification. They help to cool the body, clear heat, and reduce dampness, which can leave you feeling bloated or sluggish. A light mung bean soup can hydrate, replenish, and cleanse your system from the inside out.
Congee with Ginger and Jujube: Congee is a nourishing, easy-to-digest food that replenishes Qi and harmonizes the Stomach. Adding ginger (which warms the digestive system) and jujube (which tonifies Blood and Qi) helps balance your energy levels and get you back on track. It’s especially soothing for an unsettled stomach.
Acupressure Points to Ease Hangover Symptoms
Acupressure is a simple and effective way to support your body during a hangover. By stimulating key points, you can encourage the flow of Qi, relieve pain, and calm your digestive system. To apply acupressure, gently press and hold each point for 30-60 seconds or use circular motions. You can also try massaging these points multiple times throughout the day for added relief.
Here are a few points to try:
Gallbladder 8: Located above the ear, this point can alleviate headaches and dizziness, due to liver and gallbladder heat.
Large Intestine 4: Located in the webbing between your thumb and index finger, this point is essential for relieving headaches, and reducing pain.
Stomach 36: This point, located about 4 finger-widths below your knee, is one of the most powerful for strengthening Qi and restoring energy. It can help alleviate fatigue, boost digestion, and revitalize your system after a hangover.
Liver 3: Located on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the first and second toes, this is a powerful point for moving Liver Qi and clearing heat. It’s particularly helpful for alleviating the irritability, headaches, and muscle tension that often accompany a hangover.
