Can Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Sufferers of Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a form of chronic digestive disorder characterized by the involuntary regurgitation of bile and stomach juices up the esophagus. The most likely cause of this disease is overeating but it can also be brought about by many factors, including eating and drinking certain foods and beverages. Although conventional medicine is often used to treat this disease, many patients and medical practitioners opt to use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture.Traditional Chinese medicine is a natural way of healing and treating diseases and ailments. It has been in use for thousands of years. In the West, traditional Chinese medicine is growing in popularity and even medical doctors may allow their patients to explore the options presented by TCM. TCM includes herbal medicines, acupressure and acupuncture.
Some of the signs and symptoms of acid reflux include:
- A sour taste present in the mouth which results from the regurgitation of stomach juices
- A burning feeling in the chest, particularly behind or under the breastbone, also referred to as heartburn
- Coughing and discomfort in the mouth, throat and chest areas
Symptoms of acid reflux can vary from mild to severe, where some people report feeling pain in their chest. Symptoms may also worsen by emotional distress caused by depression or anxiety. People who suffer from heartburn frequently may also have acid reflux and should be diagnosed properly by a medical professional.
How modern medicine treats acid reflux
Most medical doctors will treat patients with acid reflux through the use of antacids, medications that help suppress the production of acid. Antacids are quite common as treatment for acid reflux and have been in use for more than 20 years. They are trusted for being quite safe to use, with few or rare side effects.
Medications that help regulate stomach acids include cimetidine and famotidine. For more severe symptoms, medications containing lansoprazole and omeprazole may be prescribed, along with PPIs or proton-pump inhibitors.
Doctors may also check the patient's other medications to determine if they are in some way causing acid reflux symptoms. Drugs such as NSAIDs, beta adrenergic antagonists, calcium channel blockers and anticholinergics can also contribute to acid reflux. If that is the case, the doctor will simply prescribe a better alternative.
As a means to totally eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux, a surgical procedure called fundoplication is sometimes used. This procedure involves using the upper stomach to wrap around the lower portion of the esophagus and provide a stronger barrier against stomach acid.
How acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help
The causes of the discomfort associated with acid reflux may be treated in traditional Chinese medicine with herbs that help calm the stomach. These herbs are often used as decoctions to aid in the proper digestion of food. As in conventional medicine, dietary changes may also be recommended to ensure that trigger foods (like sodas, alcohol, spicy or fatty foods) are avoided.
Acupuncture may also be used to help suppress the symptoms of acid reflux. As part of traditional Chinese medicine, it may or may not be used in conjunction with herbal medication, depending on the severity of the symptoms. When it is employed, its main function is to inhibit the sphincter from relaxing and thus prevent the regurgitation of stomach acids and bile. According to one study, acupuncture may increase this likelihood by about 40%.
Acupuncture may also benefit those patients who suffer from acid reflux due to stress and other emotional problems. The procedure has been known to help calm nerves and induce relaxation.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, has been in use for thousands of years. Although it has been commonly utilized as treatment for many forms of digestive disorders, its exact reasons why it is effective are still not fully understood by modern medicine. However, many scientists and medical professionals do not discount the positive results that traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture have shown in many patients. They may not always be the perfect treatment for all patients but they can be an excellent alternative to conventional medicine.
About the Author:
Master Jirong Zhang
Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Master of Qigong, Kungfu, Feng Shui
www.3treasure.com
