Hot Tips to Avoid Hangovers (and Still Have a Good Time)

Written by Emma Quine – Acupuncturist, TCM Nerd, and Ex-Binge Drinker 😉

Another Aussie summer is here – the most Yang season in Chinese medicine. It’s expansive, energetic and made for connection. But with the extra socialising comes rosé, delicious cocktails, barbecues, and for some… brutal hangovers.

Summer is about joy and movement, but in TCM we always aim for balance – between Yin and Yang, action and rest, fun and recovery.

I’ll be honest – I love a gin and tonic or wine with the girls, and I also love early mornings, feeling amazing, and showing up sharp and energised for my acupuncture clients. So over the years (hello, 40!), I’ve figured out how to enjoy the party and protect my body.

Here are some real-life, no-nonsense tips to keep your liver happy, your energy strong, and your Sundays regret-free.

PREVENTION: The Best Cure

🥗 Eat before you drink
Sounds obvious, but so many adults forget this. A nourishing meal gives your liver a buffer and keeps blood sugar stable.

💧 Hydrate as you go
My mum taught me: for every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water. Genius. I’ll often switch to soda, lime, and ice mid-evening – nobody notices, and I feel so much better the next day.

🍹 Weaken your drinks
White wine spritz with soda. G&Ts with loads of ice. A splash of vodka in a tall glass of soda. It slows down alcohol intake and feels very Euro.

🫧 Kombucha or soda in a beer bottle
Honestly, most people don’t even notice – and you avoid that weird social pressure to drink more than you want to.

🍸 Make your own lighter cocktails
If you’re at a BBQ or house party, mix your own – more soda, less booze, lots of lime and cucumber. Tastes great, no hangover.

🚫 Ditch the sugar bombs
Tonic, coke, lemonade – they’re full of sugar and spike your blood sugar and your hangover risk. Choose white spirits with soda and citrus instead.

⚖️ Don’t get caught in binge culture
It’s totally fine to drink less or stop mid-party. You’ll sleep better, feel more grounded, and yes – you’ll probably still have fun (imagine that!).

TOO LATE? HUNGOVER? TRY THESE TCM TIPS:

💥 LI4 – "Headache Slayer"
Located in the webbing between your thumb and forefinger. Squeeze and hold with deep breaths. Great for headaches and tension.

🌪 LR3 – "Anger Point"
Found on the top of your foot, two finger-widths up from the gap between your big toe and second toe. Gently massage – great for detoxing and irritability.

🌊 PC6 – "Nausea Buster"
Three fingers up from your inner wrist crease, between the tendons. Firm pressure helps ease queasiness and anxiety.

MORE HANGOVER RECOVERY TIPS

✅ Lemon water to gently stimulate the Liver and support detox
✅ Berocca or Hairy Lemon to top up B vitamins
✅ Protein + greens to rebuild and nourish
✅ Avoid heavy gluten/dairy – less inflammation
✅ Move your Qi – walk, stretch, gentle yoga
✅ Nap like a legend – Yin recharges your Yang
✅ Swim in the ocean – the saltwater, sunlight, and movement all help shift hangover heaviness, clear your head, and invigorate your Qi. Plus, it feels amazing.
✅ Book an acupuncture session – it’s the ultimate reset. Clears the fog, soothes the system, flushes your liver and gets your Qi moving again.

In Summary…
Have fun, enjoy your summer – but keep your body in mind. You can still be the life of the party without the pain the next day.

Book your summer tune-up at Emma Quine – Acupuncture. I’d love to support your radiant, balanced self this silly season.