The Festive time is almost upon us and as ever there is the paradox of feelings about wanting to eat, drink and be merry yet at the same time not wanting to feel terrible as a result or having to make up for it my setting unrealistic New Years resolutions. The principles of Chinese Medicine have been established over thousands of years and therefore many festivities and celebrations and the idea is to fully enjoy all the parties while maintaining our health. As ever this is done with a balanced outlook and by following a few simple rules the digestive problems associated with eating can be avoided.

• The digestion process first starts by looking at the food so take time to look and savour the food before you. Usually the preparation for the dinner is so long and before you know it you are back on the sofa watching ‘The Great Escape’

• Make sure you eat at the table because this way you are in the best posture to allow your food to digest. This is easy for Xmas dinner but the same applies for other meals you may be having over the festive period. Come away from the telly and eat at the table. Avoid the temptation to read or play games while you are eating. The nutrients we absorb through eating are vital so it is only sensible to concentrate whilst doing it.

• Take time to allow the food to digest once you have finished. The presents you get may be fantastic but it is beneficial to wait certainly till the last mouthful has been swallowed before doing yoga on the new computer game.

• Finally it is good to get some simple gentle exercise. Not only will this help with your digestion but it will get your body moving and help improve your circulation.

As an acupuncturist and Yoga teacher I find these simple rules are good to follow with all meals and it is interesting to think how often we don’t do some of these things. Christmas is a great time to think about these simple ideas as it is one of the only times in the calendar where we have time to look after the simple things. Sometimes it is more important to think how we eat rather than what we eat!

Written by Michael Balshaw Acupuncturist and Yoga teacher In Cambridge.