Hong Kong, October 2025 — After weeks of indulging in traditional lotus seed paste mooncakes, creamy custard varieties, and festive barbecues, countless Hongkongers are now grappling with the uncomfortable aftermath: stomach bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite. Medical experts and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners point to the high sugar, fat, and oil content in these seasonal foods as the primary culprits. Fortunately, a combination of dietary adjustments, herbal teas, probiotics, and acupressure can restore digestive balance quickly.
What Is Indigestion, Really?
Indigestion is not a single disease but a cluster of gastrointestinal symptoms triggered by overeating, eating too fast, or consuming excessive fatty and spicy foods. It often manifests as:
- Early satiety — feeling full before finishing a normal meal
- Upper abdominal pain or a burning sensation, sometimes with acid reflux
- Persistent gas and a distended stomach
- Frequent burping, nausea, or vomiting
- Reduced appetite accompanied by stomach discomfort
Why Does It Happen During Mid-Autumn Festival?
The celebration naturally encourages heavy consumption. Mooncakes alone pack concentrated sugar and oil, while shared meals featuring taro, water chestnuts, and grilled meats add to the caloric load. Poor eating habits, stress, and even certain medications can worsen symptoms. In some cases, functional dyspepsia — where the stomach functions poorly without structural damage — or organic conditions like gastric ulcers may be involved.
Method 1: Eat Foods Rich in Digestive Enzymes
After a heavy meal of meat and sweets, reach for enzyme-packed fruits and vegetables. Pineapple, papaya, avocado, honey, ginger, and kiwi contain natural proteases and lipases that break down protein and fat, speeding gastric emptying. Fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi also supply beneficial enzymes and help reduce the burden on your digestive system.
Method 2: Drink Herbal Teas and Consume Tannin-Rich Foods
Tea — especially pu’er or black tea — contains tannic acid and caffeine, both of which stimulate stomach acid secretion and intestinal motility. According to the University of Michigan, caffeine can accelerate gut movement, helping clear the digestive tract. For a gentler option, try sour plum drink or hibiscus tea, which are naturally tart and aid digestion.
Method 3: Boost Your Gut with Probiotics
Incorporating probiotics into your post-feast routine can restore microbial balance and stimulate peristalsis. Excellent sources include natto, edamame, yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, and kefir. These foods promote regular bowel movements and reduce bloating.
Method 4: Activate Acupressure Points
TCM offers immediate relief through specific pressure points. Apply firm, steady pressure for 20–30 seconds per point, repeating three to five times:
- Zusanli (ST36): Four finger-widths below the kneecap, on the outer shin. Strengthens digestion.
- Tianshu (ST25): Three finger-widths to either side of the navel. Reduces gas and constipation.
- Zhongwan (CV12): Midway between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone. Eases bloating and pain.
- Neiguan (PC6): Three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between two tendons. Relieves nausea and burping.
5 Tailored Herbal Tea Recipes for Different Body Types
TCM divides people into hot and cold constitutions, and the right tea can make all the difference.
For General Use:
- Hawthorn, Barley Malt & Apple Tea: Helps break down starchy foods. Barley malt contains amylase, which digests carbohydrates.
- Hawthorn, Black Plum & Hibiscus Tea: Sour and refreshing, this blend supports fat metabolism and opens the appetite.
- Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang): A classic digestive tonic that balances stomach acid and promotes fluid production — ideal after hotpot.
For Hot Constitution (signs: bad breath, dry mouth, constipation, feeling hot):
- Qi-Regulating & Bloating-Relief Tea: Made with bergamot, malt, and rice sprout. Bergamot helps expel gas from the intestines, while malt and rice sprout provide amylase to clear starch-induced fullness.
For Cold Constitution (signs: cold hands and feet, fatigue, thick white tongue coating):
- Digestive-Soothing & Nausea-Relief Tea: Contains ginger to warm the stomach and stop vomiting, plus citrus peel and malt to transform stagnant food.
Note: Individual constitutions vary; consult a TCM practitioner if symptoms persist.
What’s Next?
While these methods offer quick relief, persistent indigestion may signal an underlying condition. If bloating, pain, or nausea continues for more than a few days, seek professional medical advice. This Mid-Autumn season, balance indulgence with mindful eating — and keep these remedies handy for a happier, healthier celebration.