Of course, the best thing you can do for your health is to limit your intake of alcohol. Alcohol consumed in moderation (for many people this would be less than one serving) can be medicinal in Chinese medicine for moving the blood and qi. However, when we overindulge, we are literally poisoning our bodies.

Avoid overdoing it by planning the number of drinks you’ll consume in advance of going out, drinking a glass of water in between every alcoholic beverage, and making sure you don’t forget to eat. Avoid drinking if you are experiencing any strong emotions – sadness, fear, anger, stress, or anxiety.  Make sure to have a plan for alternate transportation if you do drink more than planned – have Uber or Lyft downloaded to your phone, bring your Ventra card.

If you experience any of these more severe symptoms that can indicate alcohol poisoning according to the Mayo Clinic, call 911: confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing (less than eight breaths/minute), irregular breathing (gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths), blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature, difficulty remaining conscious, and/or passing out.

If you do end up starting the New Year with a hangover, here are some natural ways to recover.

1. Drink a glass of water with Zendocrine blend or lemon essential oil before heading to bed and apply essential oil on the liver. (You may want to apply the essential oil to your liver before starting the evening.)
2. Rehydrate the next day with a packet of Natural Calm mixed In a Pedialyte and/or make green juice.
3. Put a few drops of peppermint essential oil in the bottom of the shower, and cover the drain. Turn on the shower to produce a peppermint aromatherapy steam.
4. If you have a splitting headache, rub PastTense or peppermint essential oil on your temples and the back of your head/neck.
5. If you are feeling queasy, place a few drops of DigestZen, peppermint or ginger oil onto your stomach. You can also steep a slice of fresh ginger in hot water to make a ginger tea.
6. If you have time to plan ahead, you may want to order some Curing Pills (Kang Ning Wan). Kang Ning Wan contains herbs for an upset stomach combined with herbs for dehydration, fatigue, sore eyes, body aches and a headache.
7. Do acupressure on acupuncture point GB8 (located in the slight depression just over 1 inch above the apex of the ear).

If you still aren’t feeling well by January 2nd, call Northshore Acupuncture Center at 815.814.1319 to schedule an appointment. You can purchase doTERRA essential oils at www.mydoterra.com/amylandolt or stopping by Northshore Acupuncture Center.