Dry Cough Pear and Almond Tea
November 4, 2025
The weather is cool and crisp, the sun is setting earlier, and all of a sudden, you start to notice a dry tickle in your throat. You know, that annoying
I have a confession: I love candy. Like, really love it. I’ve learned to limit how much I keep around the house because once it’s within arm’s reach, I seem to lose all self-control. But here’s the thing—that sensible rule completely flies out the window during the holidays, starting with Halloween.
I used to have this philosophy: who cares, it’s a holiday! On Halloween, eat as many of those baby Butterfinger candies as you want—for one night only. And I did. Until one memorable year when I ate so many that I got really sick. Like, couldn’t-move-from-the-couch, deeply-regretted-my-life-choices sick.
That experience taught me something important: our bodies have limits, and when we ignore them, we pay the price. And now, here we are again—Halloween candy hangover barely behind us, heading straight into the season of serious feasting. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, followed by holiday parties, family gatherings, and celebration meals throughout December.
If you’re already feeling the effects of overindulgence—or want to be prepared for the inevitable food coma after Thursday’s turkey dinner—Chinese Medicine has your back. Because whether it’s baby Butterfingers or your third helping of stuffing, the solution is the same.
We’ve all been there: second helpings of everything, multiple desserts, that extra slice of pie. Now you’re uncomfortably full, bloated, maybe nauseous, and wondering why you did this to yourself. In Chinese Medicine, we call this “food stagnation”—and you don’t just have to suffer through it.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, your Spleen and Stomach transform food into usable energy (Qi). When you overeat—especially rich, heavy, greasy foods—you overwhelm this system. The food sits in your stomach like a traffic jam in your digestive tract.
Signs you’re experiencing food stagnation:
Acupuncture: Your Best Defense Against Holiday Overindulgence
Acupuncture is remarkably effective for both preventing and treating digestive issues. Here’s how to use it strategically:
The smart approach is to prepare your digestive system now, before you need emergency intervention. I recommend a series of three acupuncture treatments, once weekly, in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Here’s why: while you might feel some improvement after a single treatment, it typically takes at least three sessions to create lasting changes in your digestive function.
What these treatments do:
The goal is to keep your digestion working optimally throughout the season, so you can enjoy holiday foods without the miserable aftermath. Many patients report that after their preventive treatments; they naturally eat more moderately and don’t experience the same intense cravings for sweets.
Recommended schedule: Start now with weekly sessions through the week before Thanksgiving. If you have ongoing digestive sensitivities, consider continuing with bi-weekly maintenance sessions through December.
Already suffering from food stagnation? Acupuncture can provide remarkably fast relief—many patients feel significantly better within hours of treatment.
Acupuncture helps by:
When to come in: If you’re still feeling bloated, uncomfortable, or sluggish 24 hours after overeating, call us. Don’t wait days suffering—acupuncture can help you bounce back quickly.
We use specific acupuncture points on your legs, arms, and abdomen that directly target the Stomach and Spleen meridians. The treatment is relaxing, and most people feel immediate relief from bloating and discomfort during or right after the session.
In addition to acupuncture, we carry professional-grade Chinese herbal formulas specifically designed for digestive issues. One of the most effective and time-tested formulas for food stagnation is Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill).
What is Bao He Wan? This classical formula has been used for centuries to treat food stagnation. It contains ingredients like hawthorn berry (for digesting meat and fats), radish seed (for reducing bloating), and herbs that harmonize the stomach and move stagnant food through the digestive tract.
When to use it:
For treatment: Take it when you’ve already overdone it and are experiencing bloating, fullness, acid reflux, or that heavy, uncomfortable feeling. Many people feel relief within a few hours.
For prevention: If you know you have a weak digestive system or tend to overeat during celebrations, you can take it before or right after large meals to help your body process the food more efficiently.
Important note: While Bao He Wan is excellent for food stagnation, we also have other formulas that might be better suited to your specific digestive patterns. Some people need more warming support; others need formulas that address chronic weak digestion. We’ll assess your individual constitution and recommend the formula that’s right for you.
These aren’t generic supplements you’ll find at a health food store—they’re professional-grade formulas customized to your needs after a proper assessment.
Between acupuncture treatments, these techniques can help:
Stomach 36 (Zusanli) Acupressure
Location: Four finger-widths below your kneecap, one finger-width to the outside of your shin bone.
How to use: Press firmly with your thumb in circular motions for 1-2 minutes on each leg. You can do this every day, all season long, to help boost your digestive energy and prevent food stagnation from occurring. It’s especially beneficial to do this in the morning to strengthen your digestion for the day ahead.
Abdominal Massage
Wait 30-60 minutes after eating, then lie down comfortably. Place both palms on your abdomen and massage in slow CLOCKWISE circles (this follows your intestine’s natural direction). Start with small circles around your belly button, gradually expanding to larger circles. Continue for 5-10 minutes while breathing deeply. This encourages movement through your digestive tract.
Digestive Teas
Digestive Blend: Simmer 1-inch sliced ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 3-4 crushed cardamom pods, and 1 tsp fennel seeds in 3 cups water for 10 minutes. This powerful combination moves stagnation and relieves bloating.
Pu-erh Tea: This fermented Chinese tea is famous for helping digest greasy, fatty foods. Steep 3-5 minutes and sip after heavy meals.
Quick Prevention Tips
Take Action Before the Holiday Rush
Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Whether you want to prevent digestive disasters or need relief from current symptoms, we can help.
Book an Appointment or call us at 651-224-6778 to schedule an appointment.
We’ll create a customized plan using acupuncture, herbal formulas like Bao He Wan, and lifestyle guidance so you can actually enjoy the holiday season without the uncomfortable aftermath.
Wishing you happy, comfortable holidays—with room for pie (just maybe not the whole pie)!
Julie
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