I sincerely hope you are enjoying your favorite dishes and goodies (and leftovers!) this week, because part of being healthy is comfort, joy, connection, and celebration. So many of these feelings coincide with holiday eating and drinking.
But what happens when the delight of eating grandma's butter cookies and Uncle Joe's famous fried turkey turns into a "food baby" or that dreaded after-meal bloat? No one wants the pleasure of eating these foods to be soured by digestive upset.
Here are my 3 favorite ways to help support digestive comfort during holiday eating.
1. Mindful Portions and Speed Checks
Slow it down and make it small. Sure, those butter cookies are delicious, but start with 1 and eat it slowly, savor it, enjoy it. By putting less on your plate and eating at a slower pace, you get to really enjoy the foods you love, and you give your body the appropriate time to trigger that "I'm full" sensation. With portions, start with a small scoop or bite of everything you want to eat. Go back for seconds if you need to, but overfilling your plate is more likely to lead to an overfilled tummy.
2. Acupressure
Feeling a little bloated after a meal? Try applying gentle acupressure for 2–3 minutes on each leg at a point known as Stomach 36. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this point is believed to support digestive balance and help promote a sense of relief. It’s easy to locate and commonly used to encourage the natural flow of energy in the body. Check out the images below to help you find this well-known wellness point!
3. Quit the Cold Stuff
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, warm, cooked foods are often recommended to support digestive harmony. Iced drinks and cold/raw foods are thought to slow down the body’s internal processes—like giving your digestive system an unexpected cold shower. According to TCM theory, when digestion is sluggish, it may lead to discomfort such as bloating or gas. Keeping your meals warm and easy to digest is one way to support balance and comfort after eating.
Need a Little Extra Support?
Sometimes your digestion may need a bit of backup—especially after an indulgent meal. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas or digestive enzyme supplements are commonly used to support healthy digestion. DAO Labs' Digestive Harmony is a popular option, inspired by classic TCM formulas and designed to be used occasionally after large meals or as part of your daily wellness routine. It’s crafted to help maintain digestive balance and promote post-meal comfort.*
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*Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options. If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.
Amy Malone is a licensed acupuncturist and registered nurse with national certificaiton in Oriental Medicine. She brings balance into her life professionally by integrating her nursing background with her practice as an acupuncturist, and privately by making times for the things she loves outside the clinic. Amy is an avid skiier, hiker, backpacker, reader, and traveler together with her partner, Ryan. You can learn more about Amy at balancedstonewellness.com.
