03/10/2025
Good luck to everybody who has started this yearβs Stay Sober For October.
We all know that drinking less, and in some cases not drinking at all, is beneficial for us, but what how is alcohol seen from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective?
In TCM, alcohol has both medicinal and harmful aspects, acting as an ancient exhilarant and anaesthetic but potentially causing Liver Heat, Dampness, and Shen (mind/spirit) disturbance in excess. It is classified as warm, sweet, bitter, and acrid, primarily affecting the Heart, Liver, Lungs, and Stomach meridians by opening blood vessels and promoting circulation. While small amounts can invigorate Qi and blood, excessive consumption leads to toxicity, affecting digestion, and causing imbalances like Liver Fire, which can trigger serious issues like strokes.
Medicinal Uses
Warming and Dispersing:
In small amounts, alcohol can warm the body and disperse Coldness, relieving symptoms like anxiety or tension.
Invigorating Blood:
It promotes blood circulation and can be used to treat rheumatism, contractures, spasms, and pain.
Negative Effects of Excess
Heat and Dampness:
Excessive alcohol intake introduces significant Heat and Dampness into the body, damaging key organs like the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys.
Deterioration of Organs:
Overconsumption can lead to Liver Qi Stagnation, Damp-Heat in the digestive system, and damage to the Heart, Lungs, and Kidneys.
Disturbance of the Shen:
Alcohol can affect the mind and spirit, disrupt the Shen and leading to conditions like Liver Fire blazing upwards, which can manifest as tremors, seizures, or stroke.
Toxicity and Addiction:
Large quantities are considered toxic and can disrupt the bodyβs harmony, leading to dependency and addiction.
To learn more how a treatment at Ashi Therapies can help with any of the above, please get in touch.