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Indulging on Thanksgiving: How to Enjoy the Holiday and Support Your Digestion - A TCM Guide to Grace & Balance

Thanksgiving means something different for everyone. For some, it’s a big family gathering filled with laughter, shared recipes, and comfort foods. For others, it’s a quieter holiday, a moment of rest and Netflix, or even a mix of joy and bittersweet feelings. However your Thanksgiving looks this year, one thing is universal:

You deserve grace, nourishment, and the space to take care of yourself.

leaves falling thanksgiving acupuncture santa monica

This season isn’t about perfection- it's about connection, comfort, and honoring what your mind and body need. And yes… it’s also about enjoying your favorite foods without guilt.


As an acupuncturist rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I’m here to offer gentle guidance on how to support smooth digestion, reduce bloating, and feel more at ease - so you can fully enjoy your holiday.


It’s Okay to Indulge - Truly.

We don’t thrive by restricting ourselves during meaningful or restful moments. From a TCM perspective, food is not only physical nourishment; it carries emotion, memory, and warmth. Sharing a meal with people you love, or, simply taking a moment to enjoy your own company, is deeply regulating to the nervous system.

So if you have an extra slice of pie or go back for seconds, that’s okay. Your body is resilient. One day of richer foods won’t undo your progress.

The goal is not perfection - it’s balance.


Why Thanksgiving Meals Can Affect Digestion (A TCM + Western Medicine View)

Between richer foods, shifts in routine, and the emotional layers that often come with the holidays, it’s completely normal for digestion to feel different this time of year. You might notice feeling fuller than usual, more sluggish, or simply not as regulated as you are day-to-day - and that’s okay. Here’s why:


From a Western perspective:

  • Larger meals naturally slow digestion

  • Heavier or unfamiliar foods can change how your gut responds

  • Alcohol influences stomach acid, hydration, and motility

  • Eating quickly or while socializing can affect how your body processes food

  • Stress can pull you out of “rest and digest” and into a more activated state


From a TCM perspective:

  • Overeating or irregular meal times place extra demand on the Spleen, the organ system responsible for transforming food into usable energy

  • Cold, raw, or very rich foods may contribute to Dampness, which can show up as heaviness or digestive sluggishness

  • Emotional tension can stagnate Liver Qi, disrupting the smooth flow of digestion

  • Eating late in the evening can weaken Spleen + Stomach Qi over time


None of these experiences mean you’ve done anything “wrong.” They simply reflect that your body is adapting to a different rhythm.

The good news? With a few supportive, gentle practices, you can enjoy your holiday meal and help your digestion feel more balanced afterward. And that’s what TCM is all about-creating harmony rather than restriction, especially during meaningful moments.


TCM Tips for Smooth Digestion During the Holiday

These are simple, realistic practices to help you feel comfortable, grounded, and well-supported.


1. Start the day warm.

Warm water with lemon or ginger helps “wake up” the digestive system and supports Spleen Qi. Try to skip cold smoothies or iced drinks today.


2. Eat mindfully-even if the meal is big.

Pausing before your first bite signals safety to your nervous system. Digestion works best when you feel calm, present, and grounded.


3. Balance cold or heavy dishes with warm, cooked foods.

Think:

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Warm apple compote

  • Steamed greens

Warm foods are easier for the Spleen to transform into energy.


4. Take a gentle walk after eating.

  • Just 10–15 minutes can help with motility, circulation, and overall digestive comfort.


5. Sip ginger or peppermint tea post-meal.

  • Ginger warms and supports digestion

  • Peppermint moves Liver Qi and helps everything flow more smoothly

Both are excellent after-holiday-meal allies.


6. Avoid lying down right after eating.

  • If you need to rest, prop yourself up with a few pillows to support digestion.


7. Try acupressure for gentle digestive support.

Press gently on:

  • ST-36 (Zusanli): strengthens digestion and boosts energy.

    • Location: About four finger-widths below the kneecap, just to the outside of the shin bone.

    • Benefit: Strengthens digestion, boosts energy, and supports overall vitality.

  • CV-12: supports the Stomach and relieves fullness.

    • Location: In the midline of the abdomen, halfway between the belly button and the base of the sternum.

    • Benefit: Supports the Stomach, eases fullness, and helps regulate digestive function.

  • LI-4: encourages movement of Qi.

    • Location: On the hand, in the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger.

    • Benefit: Moves Qi, relieves tension, and helps digestion flow more smoothly.

Hold each point for 30–60 seconds while breathing slowly.


Give Yourself Grace — Not Rules.

This holiday might be joyful, emotional, busy, peaceful, or all of the above. Remember: there is no “right” way to spend Thanksgiving.

Whether you’re surrounded by family or enjoying a quiet day on your own, let this be a reminder:

  • You are allowed to rest

  • You are allowed to indulge

  • You are allowed to take time for yourself

  • You are allowed to enjoy your holiday without guilt


TCM teaches that harmony - not restriction - is what creates long-term wellness. A balanced life naturally includes celebration, connection, nourishment, and joy.


If Your Digestion Needs Extra Support After the Holiday…

Acupuncture can help reset the system by:

  • Supporting healthy digestion

  • Easing stress and emotional tension

  • Restoring Spleen + Stomach Qi

  • Regulating the nervous system

  • Reducing fullness or discomfort

  • Enhancing overall energy and well-being


If you’re feeling like you need a gentle reset after the holiday, I’m here to help you feel lighter, calmer, and more balanced.


Closing Thoughts

Wherever and however you’re spending Thanksgiving this year, I hope it brings a moment of warmth, nourishment, and ease. Enjoy the food you love, cherish the company you keep, and remember:

Taking care of yourself is part of the celebration.

If you’d like support with digestion, stress, or overall wellness this season, you’re always welcome at Acupunctury in Santa Monica.

Wishing you a grounded, joyful, and delicious holiday



📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210

🌐 Website: www.acupuncturyla.com

🌐 Direct Booking Link: Acupunctury via JaneApp

📱 Instagram: @acupunctury

📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403



 
 
 

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