Acupuncture for GERD

Heartburn and acid reflux are considered aspects of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD develops when the sour gastric acid flows back to the esophagus oftentimes even up to the mouth. Heartburn means the burning sensation caused by acid reflux that wells upward to the throat.

Symptoms of GERD can include vague hunger, nausea, abdominal distention and stomach pain. In chronic GERD, the acid escaping the stomach can injure the esophagus leading to problem in regurgitation and/or swallowing as well as hoarseness and sore throat; if the acid escapes to the lungs, it can cause asthma or bronchitis or even worse cancer or Barrett’s Esophagus.

What causes GERD?

Lifestyle – Causes can include stress, overeating or eating on the go or at odd hours. Stress can slow down Qi flow and invade the Stomach causing it to “rebel upwards.” When Qi stagnates, it causes constipation that back up the intestines causing Qi to “rebel more.” Other factors that can cause Qi to stagnate are unresolved, unexpressed emotions that can accumulate in the gut.

Diet – “hot” foods like chocolate, alcohol, spices and chili as well as overly acidic foods like garlic, onions, radishes, uncooked peppers, tomatoes and citrus fruits and a very restrictive type of dieting, antibiotics, and raw or cold foods can all impair the function of the digestive system.
TCM Patterns That Can Cause GERD

Liver and Stomach Yin Deficiency – chronic abundant heat (due to overly heating foods and stress among others) in the abdomen can damage the Yin. Symptoms include heartburn that gets worse with stress, acidity, constipation, dry stools, and dry throat and mouth. When GERD is the result of irregular eating or overeating combined with a sedentary lifestyle, the symptoms that manifest may include diarrhea or constipation that soothes the pain, bad breath, burping out undigested foods and vomiting after a large meal that relieves the pain

Stomach- Spleen Yang/Qi Deficiency – this is caused by chronic digestive weakness that impairs the normal movement of food in the GI tract. Symptoms may include intolerance to cold, loose stools, fatigue, poor appetite, sour belching, drooling, post-meal bloating, stomach pain soothed by pressure and warmth, heartburn during sleep, bending or increased stomach pressure. This condition can be exacerbated with the consumption of raw or hard to digest foods.

Food Stagnation – This may come about due to irregular eating and frequent over-eating particularly when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms include diarrhea or constipation that lessens the pain, bad breath, and pain after a large meal that is relieved by burping up or vomiting undigested foods.

Damp-Phlegm Accumulation – this can be caused by chronic deficiency in Spleen Qi causing Dampness that affects blood flow and more production of Phlegm. This leads to the slowing down of Stomach Qi and disrupts its downward direction. The symptoms include pain and discomfort may be experienced at night (1 AM to 2 AM) with burping and sour reflux, a musty body odor, headaches and dizziness, mucus, excess weight, poor concentration, heavy limbs, fatigue, loose stools and a lowered sensation of taste.

Liver and Stomach Heat – this can be caused by Liver Qi Stagnation and can be worsened by too much intake of heating foods where GERD symptoms are most noticeable just after a meal. Pain and discomfort may be experienced at night (1 AM to 2 AM) with burping and sour reflux.

Liver Qi Stagnation Invading the Abdomen – this can be caused by stress and emotions. Symptoms include neck and shoulder tension, cold extremities, PMS, tension headaches, anxiety, depression, irritability, frequent burping or sighing, appetite loss, alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating, and epigastric tenderness and hypochondriac.

What can I do about it?

Foods that do not cause or exacerbate GERD or can help alleviate symptoms can include raw potato juice or aloe vera juice mixed with water thrice a day, apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp) in water with food. Lying on your left side to maintain the abdomen below the esophagus, no eating three before sleep, and taking HCL acid-free digestive enzymes just before meals are also helpful. Prescription medications for GERD include Tagamet, Pepcid, Protonix, Prevacid, Nexium, and Zantac and over-the counter drugs include Advil and Aspirin. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) can also be used to treat GERD.

Liver and Stomach Yin Deficiency – remedies include flaxseed oil, rich colored veggies, beans and seeds that can moisten, stews and soups and nourishing root. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, coffee and overly spiced foods.

Stomach- Spleen Qi/Yang Deficiency – foods you can eat can include broths, stews and soups, and lightly cooked veggies. Eat more frequent meals and smaller portions, eat simpler combination of foods, thoroughly chew your food and avoid raw foods; for Yang Deficiency, same as Qi Deficiency with more consumption of warming foods. Avoid raw cold foods. Garlic, cloves, ginger and cinnamon are good for Yang Deficiency.

Damp-Phlegm Accumulation – Avoid or limit consumption of raw foods, oils and fats, sweets and sugars and carbs (apart from millet and rice barley). Recommended foods include pepper, horseradish, mustard, garlic and ginger and other warming acrid spices.

Liver and Stomach Heat- recommended foods include raw foods like veggies and fruits, and pungent, cool and bitter foods. Limit or avoid consumption of alcohol and coffee, greasy or fried foods, complicated meals and overly spiced or spicy foods.

Food Stagnation/ Liver Qi Stagnation – consume complex carbs, veggies, eat dinner earlier, exercise, pre-meal digestive enzymes, ginger tea, and smaller portions. Cope with stress and limit heavier proteins and fats.

Chinese Herbal formulas and Acupuncture – there are times when changing your diet are not enough to resolve GERD symptoms. Acupuncturists can customize a plan of treatment to address your specific needs. This may entail using a combination of modalities like lifestyle and nutritional counseling, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.

Over-the-counter antacids can provide relief from GERD symptoms but their long-term use can result in long-term problems. These drugs do not really target the underlying cause of the problem and also their side effects can include nausea, gas, belching, diarrhea and constipation. Aluminum-based and calcium drugs, for example, can cause constipation, calcium carbonate lead to rebound effect (stomach acid reflux), sodium bicarbonate produces bloating and gas while magnesium may serve as a laxative. Antacids are ineffective for bloating and gas, impair proper digestion and nutrient absorption and can lead to electrolyte imbalance.

Christina Prieto, AP
1617 Hillcrest St
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-234-6454
www.harmonywellnesscenter.com