Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) is a digestive disorder which many young adults are facing today with increasing study or work stress, often accompanied with unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyles. This occurs when the acidic juice or food content in the stomach reflux back up through the loosening of the lower sphincter muscle into the esophagus.
Many affected individuals are frustrated to experience these recurring discomforts in their daily lives which rob them the freedom of feeling well physically and mentally. The primary treatment involves reducing and blocking acid production with the aim to reduce irritation to the esophagus. Clinically, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and antacids are commonly used as part of convention medicine management. For a comprehensive and conclusive diagnosis, an esophagus endoscopy check is normally recommended for patients who exhibit chronic gastric reflux symptoms for 8 weeks even with PPI treatment [1].
The recommended use for PPI treatment against GERD discomfort should be between 4 – 8 weeks. However, most patients have unknowingly used it for prolonged periods to control GERD symptoms. In recent clinical studies, the findings of patients who have been on PPI treatment for years or even decades have been shown to have an adverse reduction in gastric acid, leading to vitamins and minerals deficiency such as vitamin B12, magnesium, chromium, calcium, iron and zinc. It is also associated with an increased risk of kidney disease, dementia, SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth) and a constant inflamed leaky gut [3].
In TCM, we emphasize much on having good energy circulation and flow throughout the body. There is a saying that pain usually occurs when there is stagnation in Qi and/or Blood circulation which arise when specific organs do not carry out their roles effectively.
For GERD patients, therefore, they experience a disharmony and imbalance in the Liver, Spleen and Stomach Qi circulation. Liver regulates Qi circulation in the body while Spleen and Stomach are actively involved in the digestion process to transform food sources into nutrients for the body. In recurrent and chronic prolonged GERD cases, this results in a stagnated Liver Qi energy accompanied with an affected weak Spleen Qi energy which impairs its ability to transform and transport nutrients and defying Stomach Qi energy which disturbs its natural down bearing Qi ability. In short, the regular ascending-descending energy circulation becomes haywire, which explains the discomforts GERD patients experienced.
Managing GERD with TCM treatment by having regular acupuncture and customized herbs prescription, we aim to heal and restore your digestive system, for organs to work efficiently and effectively.
We also encourage individuals to have healthy diets and good lifestyle routines as it will impact our energy circulation and nutrients uptake directly. Similarly, a prolonged unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits will eventually take a toll on our energy circulation and prevent main digestive organs to function efficiently, causing gut-related discomforts to surface ultimately.
Acupuncture treatment has shown promising results to alleviate the discomfort symptoms caused by GERD such as heartburn and acid regurgitation, chest pain and bloated abdomen.
It is a potential alternative treatment when standard conventional medicine renders little curative effect on GERD. Studies have shown that acupuncture successfully strengthens the lower sphincter muscle (LES) [4], thereby increasing resistance to acid reflux and has an inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion with enhanced gastric peristalsis to accelerate gastric emptying [5].
In the TCM context, acupuncture works mainly to rebalance energy flow mainly in the Liver, Spleen and Stomach, to remove stagnated energy and dispel dampness for these organs to work effectively and therefore to improve overall Qi and Blood circulation.
Location: Four finger width (index finger to last finger) below the kneecap, on the outer side of your shin bone.
Function: Descend Stomach Qi and to restore Spleen and Stomach function
Direction: Apply slight pressure using your thumb on this point and massage it in a circular motion for 10seconds, rest and relax for the next 5 seconds. Repeat this for 3-5 times.
Selection of deep-fried, oily, greasy, spicy, raw, and/or cold food, caffeinated and carbonated drinks, an increased frequency of having these for 3-4 times/week. Diet plays a significant role in ensuring effective and efficient digestion function in individuals. Regular preference for these foods will impede digestion and aggravate acid reflux symptoms.
Feeling frustrated, depressed, and/or experiencing anxiety (mainly negative vibes) on most occasions or feeling emotionally stress from work, social environment and not having a healthy channel to let out these emotions via exercise, counseling etc. will cause stagnation to energy circulation and in turn prevent smooth Qi and Blood circulation flow in the body.
Consistently having insufficient sleep quality and quantity and sleeping late after 12am prevent the body and mind to enter a good rest and recovery state.
Slow down your breathing pace and regulate it by inhaling and exhaling slowly and gradually. Explore diaphragmatic breathing (also known as abdominal breathing) and consider doing it mindfully by relaxing your neck and shoulder, closing your mouth and inhale through your nose, to feel for an inflated abdomen when it is done correctly. This encourages optimal oxygen exchange, which enables your cells to receive more oxygen and to achieve a calm and relax state. If possible, do this exercise every night before you turn in to sleep.
The usage of essential oils has been integrated as part of natural holistic homoeopathy remedies in recent years [6]. Though more thorough research and studies are required, evidence suggests that the active chemical properties present in these oils do help to alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
Essential oils for consideration include: | To diffuse using a water-based diffuser: | For abdominal massage oil: |
Patchouli | For calming nausea: 4 drops of sweet orange 2 drops of lavender 2 drops of peppermint 1drop of either ginger or patchouli | Select your choice of carrier oil: In a 30ml (1oz) roller bottle: 2 drops of sweet orange/roman chamomile 2 drops of lavender 1 drop of ginger or patchouli |
If you are new to essential oils, please seek professional advice before using them. As pure essential oils are highly potent, it is advisable to dilute pure oils with carrier oils before application. Do use with caution and consult your doctors/physicians if your symptoms continue to persist after dietary and lifestyle modification.
Principal TCM Physician
Senior TCM Physician
TCM Physician
TCM Physician