What causes acid reflux?

Acid reflux – or gerd – occurs when stomach acid flows back up from your stomach into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. A diagnosis of GERD is made when you experience mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.

Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and over the counter medications such as antacids. Most over the counter treatments however only provide temporary relief and mask the symptoms rather than treating the root cause of the condition. In addition many of these medications come with unpleasant side effects that can include diarrhoea, fluid retention, abdominal cramps and headaches. This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help. TCM is an ancient complete system of medicine that aims at addressing the root cause of the illness rather than masking symptoms.

Chinese medicine for GERD: The Root Cause of Acid Reflux / GERD

The concept of Yin and Yang underpins the way that TCM practitioners view disease. Yin represents cooling, descending, and moisture. Yang represents heat, rising and dryness. As long as our balance of Yin and Yang are equal then our bodies will remain healthy. When Yin or Yang get out of control then all number of illnesses can result.

Yin and Yang and acid reflux.

If Yin represents cool, descending and moisture we can clearly see that something has gone very wrong when a patient has acid reflux! There is insufficient Yin to control raging Yang energy. In addition to Yin and Yang being imbalanced there will be imbalances in the flow of energy that relates to the Stomach and Liver. We will now describe these in more detail and explain how Chinese Medicine for GERD can help set matters straight.

Stomach Fire

Stomach Fire describes a situation when excessive Yang energy flows into the Stomach and the Yin energy is insufficient to control it. A patient with this condition may be present with a fast pulse, dry stools, and frequently feeling hungry or thirsty. Stress, frustration and diet can fuel this excess fire. Taking in too much coffee, eating too much spicy food can all build up stomach fire. Over time, the condition can lead to a yin deficiency.

Stomach Dampness

Poor digestion can also contribute to GERD. When the Stomach energy is low it is unable to effectively move along food and moisture. This can lead to a build up of fluid causing Stomach Dampness. Dampness slows down the movement of blood and qi (our vital energy) in the body. It can make the Stomach feel overly full and this can cause the qi to move in the wrong direction — upwards instead of down. This in turn leads to damp reflux symptoms. A patient with Stomach dampness may come to us with fatigue, describe feeling bloated after dinner and may find it difficult to lose weight.

Liver

In TCM our Liver produces a smooth flow of Qi which nourishes our Blood and in turn ensures that our organs all work at their best. The Liver is sensitive and is negatively affected by negative emotions such as stress and anger. When we experience too many negative emotions our Liver in turn disrupts the flow of energy which can result in the symptoms of heart burn.

Acupuncture for Acid Reflux : A research backed alternative medicine for acid reflux

Acupuncture is an effective and gentle treatment for GERD. Through the use of sterile, stainless steel disposable needles an acupuncture practitioner is able to redress the balance of Yin and Yang within the body. By stimulating or relaxing specific points located around the body (commonly found in the feet, ankles, and abdomen) it is possible to sooth a fiery Stomach, stimulate a Stomach clogged with Damp, and also to relax a stressed out Liver. The acupuncture treatment will often focus on helping a patient to calm down, supporting them so that they feel less anxious, and promoting the downward flow of energy. This means that the acid will be less likely to flow up in the wrong direction. In addition to feeling relaxed, calm and refreshed, many patients report a significant long term benefit from this alternative medicine for acid reflux or other alternative treatment for acid reflux like moxibustion.

In addition to stimulating acid reflux acupuncture points, an experienced acupuncture practitioner will be able to provide helpful dietary advice. Research has shown that Chinese medicine for GERD is helpful when changes to diet and lifestyle are also made.

GERD friendly diet and lifestyle tips

There are a number of simple changes to your diet that can immediately help you to avoid a flare up of acid reflux.

Avoid hot and spicy foods such as coffee, chilli and pepper. All of these will irritate your stomach and oesophagus even more.

Cooling foods such as celery and cucumber are ideal, as is a cup of peppermint tea – this has cooling properties that will help your qi to move in the correct direction.

Cut out cigarettes. In addition to benefitting your overall health this will also help your Yin levels to recover.

Sour foods are helpful to the Liver. Reflux friendly foods such as tomatoes, kiwis and lemons are all delicious and will help your Liver to stay in top shape.

If negative emotions such as stress or anxiety are the root cause of your acid reflux then try to take control of this. Deep breathing, mindfulness and gentle yoga stretches are simple ways of incorporating more quiet and calm into your life.

Acid reflux herbal medicines may also be beneficial for the treatment of acid reflux.

Chinese herbs for acid reflux – Indigestion and Reflux Kit

Indigestion and Reflux Kit by GinSen are natural herbal blend supplements for stomach re-fluxes and acid caused by stress, or anxiety, or eating disorders. These natural supplements will unblock Qi energy channels, act as a natural anti-inflammation, detox and eliminate stomach irritation providing long lasting relief. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.