Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - GERD)
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation of food or sour liquid. Chronic acid reflux can lead to more serious issues such as esophagitis or damage to the esophageal lining.
Factors that contribute to GERD include a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, smoking, certain foods and beverages (like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine), and lying down after meals.
Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), especially after eating or when lying down
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
- Chronic cough or sore throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acid Reflux
In TCM, acid reflux is viewed as a disruption in the balance between the stomach and liver systems, often involving a condition known as "rebellious Qi" where stomach Qi flows upward instead of downward. TCM also considers the accumulation of damp heat and spleen Qi deficiency to be contributing factors.
TCM Diagnosis and Approaches:
- Liver Qi Stagnation and Stomach Qi Rebellion: Emotional stress and frustration can lead to liver Qi stagnation, which disrupts the stomach’s normal digestive function, causing Qi to flow upward and leading to acid reflux. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, and a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Herbs: Herbal formulas like Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver) are often used to regulate liver Qi and harmonize the stomach. Key herbs include Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and Bai Shao (White Peony Root).
- Spleen Qi Deficiency and Dampness: If the spleen is weak, it may result in poor digestion and the accumulation of dampness and phlegm, which can lead to acid reflux. This pattern is often seen in people with poor dietary habits, such as overeating or consuming too many fatty or cold foods.
- Herbs: Formulas like Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) help strengthen the spleen and reduce dampness. Herbs such as Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) are used to promote digestion.
- Damp-Heat in the Stomach: When dampness and heat accumulate in the stomach, it can result in symptoms like a burning sensation, acid regurgitation, and a sticky feeling in the mouth.
- Acupuncture: Points such as Stomach 36 (Zu San Li), Ren 12 (Zhong Wan), and Liver 3 (Tai Chong) are commonly used to regulate stomach function and relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Avoiding spicy, greasy, or acidic foods can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Incorporating more cooling and easily digestible foods, like cucumber and melon, may help.
- Practices like tai chi or qigong can reduce stress, which in turn may alleviate liver Qi stagnation and reduce acid reflux.
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