Heatiness During Chinese New Year: Why It Happens and What TCM Recommends (Singapore Guide)

Chinese New Year in Singapore is a season of abundance. Reunion dinners, bak kwa, pineapple tarts, hotpot, alcohol and late-night gatherings.

But after a few days, many people experience:

• Sore throat

• Mouth ulcers

• Acne flare-ups

• Constipation

• Bloating

• Dark urine

• Irritability

• Poor sleep

Locally, we call this “heatiness”.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, heatiness during CNY is not random. It is a predictable response to dietary and lifestyle changes.

Here’s why it happens — and what you can do safely.

What Is “Heatiness” in TCM?

In TCM, heatiness refers to excess internal heat disrupting the body’s balance.

Unlike fever caused by infection, internal heat is usually:

• Diet-induced

• Sleep-related

• Stress-aggravated

• Digestive in origin

It often affects the throat, skin, digestion, and in women — the menstrual cycle.

Why Heatiness Happens During CNY

1. Heaty Festive Foods

Many traditional CNY foods are considered warming or heat-producing in TCM:

• Bak kwa (barbecued meat)

• Fried snacks

• Pineapple tarts

• Love letters

• Spicy steamboat broths

• Alcohol

When consumed repeatedly over several days, these foods accumulate internal heat — especially in Singapore’s humid climate.

This may lead to sore throat, acne, mouth ulcers or constipation.

2. Overeating Strains Digestion

In TCM, the Spleen governs digestion.

Continuous snacking, heavy reunion dinners and mixed proteins overload the digestive system.

When digestion weakens, heat and dampness accumulate internally, leading to:

• Bloating

• Heavy sensation

• Thick tongue coating

• Brain fog

• Fatigue after meals

Heatiness is often a sign that the digestive system needs support.

3. Late Nights Disrupt Liver Regulation

Chinese New Year often involves:

• Mahjong until late

• Visiting multiple homes

• Social overstimulation

• Reduced sleep

In TCM, sleep regulates the Liver — which ensures smooth circulation of Qi.

When sleep is disrupted:

• Heat rises

• Irritability increases

• Headaches develop

• PMS worsens

• Period may become delayed

Women tend to feel these changes more noticeably.

How Long Does CNY Heatiness Last?

Mild heatiness usually resolves within 5–7 days once normal eating and sleeping patterns resume.

However, seek professional advice if you experience:

• Persistent mouth ulcers

• Severe constipation

• Recurrent acne flare-ups

• Heavy or painful menstruation

• Insomnia lasting more than 2 weeks

Sometimes festive eating reveals an underlying imbalance that was already present.

TCM Tips to Reduce Heatiness During Chinese New Year

The goal is not extreme detox, but gentle regulation.

1. Drink Warm Fluids

Avoid excessive iced drinks.Light chrysanthemum tea or barley water may help clear mild internal heat.

2. Balance Heaty Foods

If consuming bak kwa or fried snacks, add:

• Cucumber

• Pear

• White fungus soup

• Leafy greens

Moderation is key.

3. Prioritise Sleep

Even sleeping 30–60 minutes earlier can reduce heat accumulation.

4. Gentle TCM Regulation

For individuals prone to:

• Severe heatiness

• Hormonal flare-ups

• Chronic digestive issues

Acupuncture or personalised herbal prescriptions may help restore balance more effectively.

Heatiness Treatment in Singapore

At Grand Oak TCM, a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in Singapore, we frequently see patients after Chinese New Year experiencing:

• Digestive discomfort

• Heatiness symptoms

• Hormonal irregularities

• Pain flare-ups

Our approach focuses on:

• Clearing excess heat gently

• Supporting digestion

• Regulating circulation

• Preventing recurrence

Chinese New Year should be enjoyed without lingering discomfort.

If your symptoms persist beyond the festive period, consider a personalised consultation to restore balance safely.

Grand Oak TCM Singapore

Contact us via our website to book an appointment.