Treating acid reflux with acupuncture & herbal medicine

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), affects millions of Americans. Some experience it as a short-term incidence usually due to something they ate. For many it is a long-term condition that may or may not be affected by diet. Either way, it can be very uncomfortable and, in the long term, can affect your overall health.

The causes of acid reflux

Acid reflux is when the natural acid and pepsin from the stomach regurgitates up in to the esophagus. The acidic nature of the stomach fluid damages the lining and stimulates the nerve endings of the esophagus which leads to symptoms we know as heartburn. Heartburn symptoms are often described as sensations of heat or burning in the abdomen, chest and/or throat. Sometimes it can manifest as pain or pressure in the chest which can sometimes extend to the back. The pain and pressure can be so intense that many people have mistaken it for angina and they rush to the hospital in fear that they are having a heart attack. If the stomach acid travels high up in to the esophagus a person may complain of an acidic or bitter taste in the mouth. Generally, reflux and heartburn are worse at night, specifically when a person is lying down. When a person is upright, gravity and swallowing helps the acid return to the stomach. When lying down, the acid tends to pool in the esophagus causing damage to the muscular structure.

Acid reflux is often related to diet. Spicy and acidic foods tend to be the biggest aggravators, but aren't necessarily the culprits. Reflux can be caused by physiological problems such as abnormalities in the lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle where the esophagus meets the stomach), a hiatal hernia, or abnormally slow emptying of the stomach. Many pregnant women suffer from acid reflux as well. As the baby grows, pressure in the abdomen increases and the stomach acid is easily pushed toward the esophagus.

Acid reflux over time can cause many complications including bleeding ulcers, strictures/scar tissue that causes narrowing of the esophagus, cough and asthma, and inflammation and infection in the throat, larynx, and lungs. More seriously, a person suffering from chronic acid reflux could develop a condition called Barrett's Esophagus, a type of esophageal cancer. The constant irritation from the stomach acid causes changes in the cells of the esophageal wall. These damaged cells can eventually become cancerous.

Common medications given to treat acid reflux are antacids (such as Tums), histamine antagonists (such as Zantac/Pepcid), and proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec). These are designed to neutralize or reduce the production of stomach acid. These medications generally have good results and provide relief, but can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea or something called "acid rebound". This is a phenomenon where reflux symptoms resurface after discontinuation of acid reflux medication. When on medication, the body's natural function of producing stomach acid is reduced or inhibited. During this time the acid producing cells are continuously multiplying in order to counteract the effects of the drug. Once a person goes off the drug, these cells produce more acid than before and the reflux symptoms return at full force. Here is an article about how heartburn drugs can cause more heartburn.

Addressing acid reflux with acupuncture and herbal medicine

While acid reflux medication can provide relief, it does not get to the heart of the issue. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work to rebalance the digestive system and resolve the root of the problem. According to Chinese medical theory, acid reflux is due to "rebellious stomach qi". This is a metaphorical term describing a disruption in the flow of energy within the stomach and digestive system. The natural direction of the stomach's qi is downward. When there is an imbalance within an organ system the natural energy flow can be thrown off and it begins to travel in the opposite direction. In the case of acid reflux, the downward nature of the stomach's energy reverses, or rebels, and begins to travel upward. Other symptoms of rebellious stomach qi are nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and belching.

If you are suffering from acid reflux or acid rebound, acupuncture and herbal medicine is a safe and natural alternative that can help to reduce your symptoms and resolve the condition completely.