Acupoints Used To Treat Acid Reflux

In Australia, scientists at the University of Adelaide performed studies about the use of gentle electrical pulses to help stimulate the P6 (pericardium 6) and the Neiguan acupuoints that are both connected to the upper gastrointestinal disorder known as acid reflux. The result of the stimulation of these points showed the lessening of the relaxations of the LES or lower esophageal sphincter. More often than not, the syndrome of acid reflux is caused by the relaxation of the LES. The stimulation of the acupoints greatly decreased transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) from about 6 per hour to 2 ½ per hour. This lowering of the TLESRs was seen as being substantially higher compared to that of the placebo group, the group in which members were given a fake electrical stimulation on the hip.

Similar to acupuncture but without the use of needles, acupressure is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that uses the hand to apply pressure on acupoints that are traditionally treated with acupuncture needles. Another and more recent type of acupuncture, electrical acupoint stimulation, uses mild pulses of electricity to boost stimulation to the targeted acupoints. By the use of manual pressure to the acupoints, certain organ systems of the body can effectively treat acid reflux and other conditions using the negative aspect of qi (life energy) known as yin. In this process, qi and yin are brought into balance thus enabling the body to self-heal.

The stimulation of the acupoint from the aforementioned study was an updated version of the age-old Chinese technique of acupuncture but instead of using needles, electrodes were used to dispatch mild electrical currents into pre determined acupoints on the skin. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, these acupoints are directly linked to the internal channels that transmit energy (qi) all over the body. When these energy channels are stimulated, the result is a restoration of normal qi flow in the body.

Using your fingers, you can also apply pressure to the P6 point. One can usually locate an acupoint in between and beside ligaments, tendons and bones. Acupoints cannot be found along arteries, blood vessels or bones but are often found in the depressions between or beside them. Applying pressure on the P6 point has been used by adherents and practitioners for ages to treat conditions such as postsurgical nausea, morning sickness, sea sickness, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. Acupressure, of course, can also be used to treat acid reflux, migraines, chest pain, epilepsy, fever and insomnia. A very helpful acupressure-type of instrument known as “sea bands” or acupressure wrist bands can be used to treat the aforementioned conditions. The acupressure wrist band has a small button made of plastic which when pressed puts pressure to the P6. This type of instrument is known to be very effective in relieving acid reflux.

 

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