What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder in which gastric juices or food contents in the stomach reflux back up through the loosening of the lower sphincter muscle into the esophagus and TCM has been shown to be effective in treating acid reflux or GERD.
Common discomfort GERD symptoms include:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Abdomen bloating which is usually worsened after meals
- Sourish gastric acid reflux sensation at the throat (acid regurgitation)
- Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
- Frequent burps accompanied with bad breath
- Constant irritated throat sensation
EMW TCM Approach On GERD
Studies have shown that TCM acupuncture successfully strengthens lower sphincter muscle (LES) [1], and thereby increase resistance to acid reflux and has an inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion with enhanced gastric peristalsis to accelerate gastric emptying [2].
In EMW TCM, physicians perform acupuncture mainly to rebalance energy flow mainly in the Liver, Spleen and Stomach, to remove stagnated energy and dispel dampness for digestive organs to work effectively and therefore to improve overall Qi and Blood circulation.
Through having regular acupuncture and customized herbs prescription TCM treatments, we aim to heal and restore your digestive system in order for organs to work efficiently and effectively.
We also encourage individuals to have a healthy diets and good lifestyle routines as this impacts our energy circulation and nutrients uptake directly.
If you have been diagnosed with GERD and would like to book a consultation with our Physician, please bring the following(s) with you on your first visit:
2. Blood test report (if any)
3. Current medications (during acute phase)
Your treatment plan will involve:
2. Acupuncture
3. Moxibustion (for suitable constitution)
4. Dietary and lifestyle advice to adhere that will help to reduce GERD attacks
Follow our IG for more GERD tips!
Our TCM Physicians
Edmund Pang
Principal TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Gynaecology)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Dip. Naturopath
- Ayurvedic Therapist(500hrs)
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Jasmine Xie
Senior TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Acupuncture & Moxibustion)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Certified Aromatherapist
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Lau Ee Wen
TCM Physician
- M.Med(TCM Gynaecology)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
Lee Jia Ven
TCM Physician
- B.Med(TCM)
- B.Sc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Registered TCM Physician (Singapore MOH)
References
- Lin H, Sun J, Yuan YZ & Tang YM. (2014). Effects of acupuncture on esophageal motility of patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. Chinese Journal of Digestion. Year 2014, Issue 10, Page 662-665
- Hui Li, Tian He, Qian Xu, Zhe Li, Yan Liu, Fang Li, Bo-Feng Yang, and Cun-Zhi Liu. Acupuncture and regulation of gastrointestinal function. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2015 Jul 21; 21(27): 8304–8313.