Managing Acid Reflux: A TCM Guide for Your Festive Season

December is a month of celebration, gatherings, and indulgent meals. In Singapore, Christmas and New Year often come with rich foods, late-night parties, alcohol, and buffet-style dining. While joyful, this season triggers a common problem for many: acid reflux.

If you find yourself experiencing heartburn, chest discomfort, bloating, or a sour taste in your mouth after festive meals, you are not alone. Searches for “acid reflux after eating”, “heartburn at night”, and “natural remedies for acid reflux” rise sharply every December. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a clear explanation for why symptoms worsen during the festive period—and how to manage it naturally.

Christmas and New Year often come with rich foods, late-night parties, alcohol, and buffet-style dining

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing burning, discomfort, or a feeling of food “stuck” in the throat. Western medicine attributes it to a weakened lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), but TCM provides a deeper view of the internal imbalances involved.

Why Festive Food Triggers Acid Reflux

December meals are often heavier and richer than usual. The most common triggers include:

• Large portions

• Greasy, fried, or creamy foods

• Chocolates, pastries, and desserts

• Spicy foods

• Alcohol, especially wine and champagne

• Caffeinated drinks

• Late-night suppers

In TCM terms, these foods create Stomach Heat, Dampness, and Qi rebellion (improper flow of energy upward), all of which contribute to acid reflux.

Acid Reflux from a TCM Perspective

TCM considers acid reflux to be a sign of disharmony within the digestive system. The main patterns include:

1. Stomach Heat

Occurs when overeating, alcohol, and spicy foods cause the stomach to become overheated.Common signs:

• Burning pain

• Thirst

• Bad breath

• Constant hunger

2. Liver Qi Stagnation

Stress, emotional tension, and rushing between festive events block the smooth flow of Qi. This pushes stomach acid upward.Common signs:

• Bloating

• Belching

• Chest tightness

• Irritability

3. Spleen Qi Deficiency

Cold foods, irregular meals, and overeating weaken digestion.Common signs:

• Heaviness

• Fatigue after eating

• Loose stools

• Water retention

4. Damp-Heat

A combination of greasy foods and alcohol creates Damp-Heat, a major December pattern.Common signs:

• Nausea

• Sour taste in mouth

• Thick tongue coating

• Bloating and gassiness

Why Acid Reflux Gets Worse in December

1. Heavier meals

Buffets, potlucks, and festive dinners strain the digestive system.

2. Late-night eating

Eating after 9 pm slows digestion and increases reflux risk.

3. More alcohol

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and relaxes the LES, making reflux more likely.

4. Stress and rushing

December is busy—office deadlines, gatherings, year-end planning. Stress disrupts the Liver and affects stomach harmony.

5. Lack of sleep

Late nights weaken Qi, slowing digestion.

How TCM Helps Relieve Acid Reflux

TCM treatment aims to restore harmony in the digestive system and prevent long-term recurrence.

1. Acupuncture

Supports smooth Qi flow, reduces bloating, relieves tension, and cools Stomach Heat.Common points include those regulating the Stomach, Liver, and Spleen.

2. Herbal Medicine

Depending on the underlying pattern, herbs may:

• Clear Stomach Heat

• Regulate Liver Qi

• Strengthen Spleen Qi

• Transform Dampness

Common herbs include:

• Ban Xia

• Chen Pi

• Huang Lian

• Hou Po

• Mai Ya

Herbal formulas are always customised by a licensed TCM physician.

3. Diet and Lifestyle Guidance

TCM places strong emphasis on prevention, especially during festive seasons.

Practical Tips to Control Acid Reflux This Festive Season

Eat smaller portions

Avoid overeating, especially at buffets. Take smaller plates.

Avoid lying down after meals

Leave at least 3 hours between dinner and sleep.

Choose warm foods

Warm soups, steamed dishes, and cooked vegetables support digestion.

Limit alcohol

If drinking, pair with food and sip slowly.

Reduce cold drinks

Cold beverages weaken digestion and slow stomach movement.

Add ginger or warm water

Helps strengthen Spleen Qi and reduces bloating.

Manage stress

Deep breathing, light stretching, and regular rest prevent Liver Qi stagnation.

When to Seek Medical or TCM Attention

If you frequently have:

• Persistent burning chest pain

• Chronic sour taste in the mouth

• Night-time discomfort

• Difficulty swallowing

• A feeling of a lump in the throat

You may need a TCM consultation to determine the root imbalance and prevent chronic gastritis or GERD.

Final Thoughts

Festive gatherings should be enjoyable, not uncomfortable. By understanding acid reflux through a TCM lens and adjusting your eating habits this December, you can prevent flare-ups and protect your digestion. With acupuncture, herbal support, and conscious food choices, your body can stay balanced through Christmas, New Year, and beyond.