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Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid and other contents move back up into the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This issue is also associated with gastric reflux, which can further aggravate the oesophagus with other stomach contents. In Singapore, approximately 15% of the population experiences this condition.
The main symptoms of acid reflux include:
Addressing acid reflux promptly is important to help maintain daily comfort and manage the condition appropriately.
Several factors can trigger acid reflux and its more severe form, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including, but not limited to:
Addressing these causes through lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, or considering medical or TCM treatments can help manage and reduce the frequency of acid reflux symptoms.
TCM identifies several distinct patterns that contribute to acid and gastric reflux, each linked to specific systemic imbalances. Here is a detailed summary of these patterns, their symptoms, and the corresponding TCM acid reflux approaches to manage them:
Type | Symptoms | TCM Approach |
Liver and Stomach Inflammation | Presents recurrent sour belching, an acidic sensation in the mouth, abdominal bloating, and discomfort, indicating inflammation within the liver and stomach systems. | Focus on reducing inflammation and stabilising the stomach’s function to minimise acid/gastric reflux symptoms. |
Liver-Stomach Misalignment | Characterised by symptoms of chest discomfort, abdominal pain, and bloating, accompanied by frequent belching and acid reflux. These symptoms indicate a disruption in the harmony between the liver’s energy regulation and the stomach’s digestive functions. | The approach involves harmonising the liver and stomach functions to alleviate reflux symptoms. |
Qi Stagnation from Spleen Deficiency | Manifests with a feeling of tightness in the upper abdomen, mild nausea, and a sensation of fullness that does not ease with burping. These symptoms suggest a deficiency in the spleen’s ability to manage and distribute Qi properly, leading to stagnation and digestive discomfort. | The focus is on enhancing the overall function of the spleen to improve Qi circulation, thus improving the body’s natural energy flow and digestive health |
Combined Spleen and Stomach Deficiency | This condition may present with a general feeling of coldness, especially in the abdominal area, accompanied by a sluggish digestion, a tendency for regurgitation of undigested food, and a general lack of appetite. This pattern suggests a weakness in both the spleen and stomach, impairing their ability to transport nutrients properly. | The focus is on strengthening the digestive system and enhancing warmth within the body. This involves fostering conditions that support the natural activities of the spleen and stomach, aiming to improve nutrient absorption and enhance overall vitality. |
This overview provides insight into how TCM approaches various imbalances linked to acid/gastric reflux symptoms. By enhancing natural bodily functions, TCM aims to support the management of these symptoms.
TCM approaches gastric reflux by combining herbal medications and acupuncture, focusing on symptom management and overall system harmony. Here’s an overview of the TCM gastric reflux treatments commonly used:
In TCM, the selection of herbal medications for managing gastric reflux is personalised based on the patient’s symptoms and the deeper imbalances perceived within their body. These herbal formulas typically comprise multiple ingredients believed to have beneficial properties for the digestive system.
For example, herbs such as Gan Cao (liquorice root) are chosen for their qualities thought to soothe the stomach lining, while Huang Lian (coptis root) might be included to address excess heat in the stomach.
The goal of these formulations is to create conditions in the body that are conducive to healing and balance, reducing symptoms of reflux such as discomfort and acidity.
Acupuncture is another component of TCM treatment for gastric reflux. This ancient practice involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, which are selected based on their believed connection to the digestive organs and pathways.
Common acupuncture points for treating gastric reflux include CV12 (Zhongwan), which is thought to directly influence stomach functions, and ST36 (Zusanli), associated with enhancing the strength of the digestive system as a whole. The objective of targeting these points is to encourage a proper downward flow of stomach Qi, thus helping to prevent the backward flow that contributes to reflux.
Acupuncture treatments are often complemented with lifestyle and dietary advice tailored to the individual’s condition and constitution. This might involve recommendations for avoiding foods that trigger acid or gastric reflux, such as spicy and fatty foods, and suggestions for stress management techniques, as emotional stress is often considered a factor that can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Through a combination of these treatment modalities, TCM aims to offer a comprehensive approach to managing gastric reflux. The focus is not just on alleviating symptoms but also on promoting overall digestive health and restoring balance within the body’s systems, which are essential for long-term management of the condition.
Alongside considering TCM approaches, you can proactively address acid reflux by reflecting on your daily habits, particularly in the areas of diet and lifestyle. Begin by adjusting meal sizes; smaller, more frequent meals can lessen the pressure on your stomach. Following this, consider the timing of your meals to prevent discomfort, especially before bedtime.
Additionally, keeping a food diary might help you pinpoint which foods exacerbate your reflux symptoms, allowing you to make informed decisions about your diet. Gentle exercise and adequate rest are also essential components that support digestive health.
By implementing these thoughtful changes, you can foster a balanced digestive environment and enhance your daily comfort.
ENOK TCM Clinic offers an approach to acid reflux treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including personalised acupuncture and herbal treatments. Such approaches focus on the underlying causes of acid or gastric reflux rather than just a quick solution, promoting long-term digestive wellness. This ensures a balanced and integrative care plan tailored to individual health needs.
I visited Dr Wang 3 months ago as I have been struggling with a number of health issues for quite some time: acid reflux, sinus and poor immunity. I have gone to a couple of specialists and TCM clinics prior to this but it hasn’t worked as well because the doctors were either dismissive/brief during consultations or they were so fully booked that it was hard to get regular appointments. Dr Wang, however, was really patient in answering my queries in all of my visits and helped me understand potential causes to my health problems. Besides offering advice on lifestyle changes, she also explained clearly what each of her medications was for. She was also kind enough to attend to my questions through text messages when something crops up with my health in between visits. As my health issues are more complicated, it would require some time for me to fully recover, but I have already been seeing improvements in my condition over the past few months and I’m thankful to have found this clinic.
I used to have severe acid reflux and all the medicine prescribed by specialists didn’t work, but after TCM treatment by Dr Wang, I’m cured and can eat normally. She’s very patient and dedicated and gave me confidence to heal when I was hopeless. She also gives a lot of tips about adapting to healthy lifestyle which I feel can benefit me for life. Recommend!
Visited the clinic for my gastric acid reflux prob. Physician Wang is very patient in explaining the cause of my problem and the things to take note. Noticeable improvements after only one course of medication 👍
For the management of TCM acid reflux in Singapore, consider booking an appointment or a consultation with TCM practitioners. Reach out today to learn more about TCM acid reflux treatments.
Acid reflux is managed by carefully assessing individual health profiles and creating personalised treatment plans that may include herbal medications and acupuncture. This holistic approach emphasises restoring balance and enhancing digestive health. By focusing on tailored care, TCM practitioners aim to address each patient's specific acid reflux symptoms and underlying causes.
TCM practitioners diagnose acid reflux through comprehensive consultations, focusing on symptom patterns and lifestyle habits. They employ traditional diagnostic approaches like pulse taking and tongue analysis to detect underlying imbalances within the body's systems. This holistic assessment guides the development of customised, targeted treatment plans for appropriate management, ensuring that each patient receives personalised care tailored to their condition.
Acupuncture is applied to manage acid reflux by stimulating specific points along the body's meridians that influence stomach functions and oesophageal health. This approach seeks to correct the flow of Qi, or vital energy, reducing symptoms like heartburn and discomfort.
Notably, acupuncture is also used for chronic cough TCM treatments, which often address a common symptom of acid reflux. It is also used for TCM hives treatments and TCM for migraines, offering a holistic approach to overall health and wellness.
Combining TCM treatments with your current medications can be considered, but it requires careful coordination. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that the integration of TCM approaches for acid or gastric reflux management is compatible with your existing medications, accounting for any potential interactions or adjustments that might be necessary to maintain your health regimen.
The time it takes to observe improvements from TCM treatments for acid or gastric reflux can vary based on individual health conditions, dietary and lifestyle habits, and the specific nature of the symptoms. It is important to recognise that each patient's response to treatment differs. Therefore, continuous consultation and personalised adjustments are necessary.
