Happy Thanksgiving!

Overeating on Thanksgiving

It’s almost a given that most of use will overeat on Thanksgiving. Many people look forward to indulging in a multi-course feast filled with a wide range of food and drinks that can span hours. Many people have pepto-bismol or tums ready to go to combat the side effects of such a large feast.

Chinese medicine offers a solution in the form of an herbal formula called Bao He Wan or “Preserve Harmony Pill.”

Some of the symptoms associated with overeating include:

• Abdominal bloating, fullness, and indigestion

• Belching, acid regurgitation, a sour taste in the mouth, or nausea

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Abdominal pain and cramping

Chinese medicine recognizes this collection of these symptoms as “Food Stagnation,” since overeating causes a backup in our digestive system because there is too much for it to process.

Bao He Wan - Preserve Harmony Pill

This herbal formula first appeared in the “Essential Teachings of Zhu Dan-Xi” in 1481, so it’s been around for quite a while.

The main actions of the formula are to reduce food stagnation, and harmonize the Stomach. It includes a collection of herbs that help digest meat, alcohol, and fatty foods (sounds just like Thanksgiving!).

The most important herbs in the formula include:

• Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit) - Assists digestion, especially of meat and greasy foods

• Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) - Assists digestion, especially of alcohol and food

• Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed) - Assists digestion, especially of grains

• Mai Ya (Barley Sprouts) - Assists digestion, especially of fruits

Source: Scheid, V., & Bensky, D. (2015). Chinese Herbal Medicine - Formulas & Strategies (2nd ed.). Seattle, WA, USA: Eastland Press.

Chinese medicine formulas are an artful blend of herbs that are used to treat the indicated symptoms with the least amount of side effects. The list above does not include all of the herbs in the formula, and there are others in it to help balance the strong digestive function of these herbs.

While taking these herbs on their own can address certain symptoms, it is important to consult with a board certified herbalist to make sure the formula is appropriate for you. There are contraindications for this formula that can make it inappropriate in certain cases.

Chinese Medicine for Digestion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be effective for treating a range of digestive issues including things like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, IBS, and abdominal pain. For a summary please see my prior blog post Acupuncture for Digestion.

More Information

For more information, please contact me below to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation to learn about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can benefit you.