A recent article in The Irish Times highlighted the physiological toll alcohol takes on the body, from the immediate effects on the brain to the long-term risks to our organs. While modern science focuses on ethanol and its metabolites, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary perspective, viewing alcohol as a potent “energetic” substance that profoundly shifts the internal environment of the body.
If we look at the insights from classic texts and modern TCM manuals—such as Modern Chinese Medicine Food Cures and The Spirit of the Blood—we can see why alcohol affects us so deeply.
The Nature of the “Spirit”: Fire and Dampness
In TCM, every food and drink has a “temperature” and a “flavor.” Alcohol is considered Pungent and Hot. Because of its pungent nature, it initially moves Qi (energy), which is why a first drink feels relaxing—it temporarily breaks up stagnation.
However, as noted in Highlights of Ancient Acupuncture Prescriptions, “excessive drinking of thick wine produces Fire.” This internal heat quickly transforms into Damp-Heat. Imagine a tropical swamp—heavy, sluggish, and hot. This is how TCM describes the internal environment after drinking.
- Short term: This Damp-Heat manifests as the “fuzzy” head, thirst, and physical heaviness of a hangover.
- Long term: It acts like a “slow burn” that can damage the Yin (the body’s cooling, nourishing fluids).
The Impact on the “General”: The Liver
Modern medicine and TCM agree: the Liver bears the brunt of alcohol. In TCM, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi. Alcohol creates “Liver Fire,” which can rise upward.
- The Wood Element Connection: According to The Five Elements Cookbook, the Liver belongs to the Wood element. Just as a forest fire spreads quickly, Liver Fire from alcohol can lead to irritability, red eyes, and headaches.
- The Blood Connection: In The Spirit of the Blood, Dr. Randine Lewis explains how toxins in the blood (from alcohol) agitate the “Shen” (the Spirit). When the blood is “hot” from alcohol, the Spirit cannot rest, leading to the fragmented sleep and anxiety many experience after a night of drinking.
Weakening the “Middle Burner”: The Spleen and Stomach
Alcohol is particularly hard on the Spleen and Stomach (the Earth element). Modern Chinese Medicine Food Cures emphasizes that the “Dampness” created by alcohol clogs the Spleen’s ability to transform food into energy.
- Signs of Earth Imbalance: This explains the digestive upset, bloating, and “brain fog” that often follow even moderate alcohol consumption. Over time, this depletion leads to chronic fatigue because the body can no longer efficiently produce Qi from nutrients.
Alcohol as an Emotional Numbing Agent
In Treating Emotional Trauma with Chinese Medicine, CT Holman discusses how individuals often use alcohol to “soothe” Liver Qi stagnation caused by stress or trauma. While it provides a momentary “loosening” of the spirit, it ultimately acts as a “thief.” It consumes the body’s Jing (essential essence)—the deep energy reserves stored in the Kidneys. By relying on alcohol to manage emotions, we inadvertently deplete the very foundation of our long-term health and resilience.
TCM Strategies for Recovery and Balance
If you do choose to drink, the texts suggest ways to mitigate the damage:
- Clear the Heat: Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists often points to Kudzu root (Ge Gen). It has been used for centuries in TCM to “release the muscles” and clear the specific heat caused by alcohol.
- Hydrate with Intention: Instead of just water, Modern Chinese Medicine Food Cures suggests foods that clear Damp-Heat, such as Mung beans, Daikon radish, or Dandelion tea.
- Protect the Spleen: Avoid eating heavy, greasy “pub food” while drinking, as this adds “Damp upon Damp,” making it much harder for your body to recover.
From the TCM perspective, alcohol is a powerful “medicine” that has been used historically in very small doses to move Blood and Qi. However, when used habitually, its “Hot” and “Damp” nature eventually overwhelms the Liver and Spleen, disturbs the Blood, and exhausts our Essence.
Understanding these energetic shifts allows us to make more informed choices about how we treat our bodies—not just for the sake of tomorrow morning’s head, but for our long-term vitality.
For more insights into balancing your health through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, visit us at www.acurodos.ie.
