Tis’ the season to be jolly, tucking into lollies, fruitcake, eggnog and second helpings of a slow cooked roast and plenty of accompanying beverages. I’m drooling on my keyboard as I type this, just thinking about the festive season that’s upon us.

Annually, my experience of the Christmas period starts with my eyes being bigger than my belly and by the time New Year’s rolls around, I usually am too. I’ve learnt the hard way through overindulgence that Christmas celebrations are all fun and games until you end up feeling as stuffed as a braised chook and the next morning feel as seedy as a Bad Santa.

This year I have decided to safeguard myself from feeling dusty after too many vinos by incorporating Homeopathic, Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine recommendations to ensure I feel super comfortable this holiday season without totally sacrificing the “spirits” of Christmas.

Prancer, Dancer, Donner and Blitzen the blah: A few motivational suggestions.

1. HydrationWe speak of this word all the time and on a balmy Aussie Christmas, hydration and a cold bevvy seem to go hand in hand. But don’t forget to invite good mate H2O to the party. Aim to drink water in between alcoholic drinks – it will help to replace lost fluids, moderate your consumption of booze and prevent a dull head the next day. Just be prepared to break the seal early to help your body clear the alcohol from your system.

2. The Morning After PillHomeopathic remedies vary depending on individual symptoms, but the most frequent cure for overindulgence is called Nux-vomica. Made from the seeds of the Strychnos Nux-vomica tree, this remedy supports the liver and is used to reduce the side effects of alcohol, rich meals, partying and lack of sleep, all of which are usually experienced over the festive period. This is a great option to keep in your cupboard for those mornings when you wake up feeling under the weather. Book a Homeopathy appointment.

3. Au naturel in the kitchenHealthy doesn’t have to mean boring, it can be as simple as squeezing some lemon onto a roast to aid in digestion by breaking down the protein. Another easy switch up is to have fruit snacks alongside baked goods. Naturopaths are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to preparing healthy alternatives that taste beautiful and nourish your body. They can also support your body with digestive enzymes that assist your body break down the higher levels of fatty and starchy type foods so you feel less bloated and sluggish. Book a Naturopathy appointment.

4. SupplementWhile a balanced meal and a good night’s rest might make you feel better after the occasional big night, such things may not cut the mustard after weekend upon weekend of Christmas gatherings. Supplements are fantastic to start incorporating into your routine before, during and after party season. There are some herbs and nutrients such as Milk Thistle that have been shown to support liver function as it inhibits the activation of inflammatory cells and assists in the renewal of healthy liver cells. In other words, great for precluding a hangover. Visiting a naturopath is a wise way to safeguard yourself from feeling lousy post party and to stay on the right track to whole heath. Book a Naturopathy appointment.

5. Pressure PointsAcupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that can work wonders for enabling the body to heal itself. Commonly, for hangover situations, acupressure on the liver and gallbladder is helpful. The point pictured in Figure 1 is called ‘Liver 3’ and can very easily be done from a lying-down position. For acute digestive upsets, your treatment may focus on the stomach and pericardium meridians. Our acupuncture students and clinic supervisors know the most suitable combination of points to soothe and regulate the flow of Qi (energy) through your body and ensure your individual needs are met. Book an Acupuncture appointment.