Acid reflux is a global health problem that literally affects millions of people around the world and usually affects the sleep, cuisine choices, and temperament of the sufferer. The gastric fluids in the digestive system reenter the esophagus through a weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) valve. This leads to burning pain in the esophagus and the abdomen. Other acid reflux symptoms include burning sensation in the chest, a bitter taste in the mouth, cough, and nausea. GERD can be treated through natural therapies, surgery, exercises, and dietary modifications.
When it comes to treating acid reflux, health practitioners usually have a difference in opinion. Western conventional treatment, food habit changes, acidity control, and natural treatments are some of the ways used by a growing number of doctors in treating acid reflux. By controlling the way they eat their foods and selecting the right foods to eat, most acid reflux sufferers are able to control their food habits.
In addition to that, it is also necessary to avoid caffeine, tobacco, drugs and alcohol and to reduce weight to prevent the rise of acid reflux. If left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disorders (GERD) can result in cancer in the esophagus which may entail surgery.
Since ancient times, herbs have been used as remedies for acid reflux although there is still no scientific data to prove their effectiveness in treating acid reflux. Acid reflux treatment with acupuncture can help treat GERD symptom by selecting acupoints that will help lessen acid reflux, heartburn and stress.
Acupuncture works in treating acid reflux by influencing the release of chemicals that can help overcome the burning sensation, pain, vomiting, and giddiness of the patient. On the other hand, acupressure works in a similar vein albeit by adding pressure to acupoints instead of sticking needles into them.
Medication causes multiple side effects which may even be much worse than the condition it is trying to treat. A lot of the drugs to regulate stomach acidity help lessen the secretion of gastric acid which radically increases the probability of poisoned food, lessens the digestion ability, and increases the likelihood of infections. The cost of this kind of treatment is a fraction of what patients pay to prescription drugs
It is mandatory to maximize your daily intake of water if you are suffering from acid reflux as it can restore the health of the abdomen by helping dilute acidity. Acupuncture treatment plus a timely and nutritional diet is quite helpful for those suffering from GERD or acid reflux.
Basic dietary recommendation such chewing one’s food in controlled amounts and eating slowly are highly recommended by acupuncturists. Added restrictions are imposed on getting adequate amounts of sleep and exercises.
Zuobiao (Roy) Yuan is a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of chinese medicine in Edina, MN.