Acid Reflux in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different acid reflux patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Acid reflux, commonly experienced as a burning sensation in the chest or throat, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This discomfort, often referred to as heartburn, can be accompanied by sour burping and regurgitation of stomach contents. It's a symptom that can significantly affect daily life, urging many to seek relief.
TCM's Interpretation of Acid Reflux
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic view on acid reflux, attributing it to imbalances within the body's energy pathways. Unlike Western medicine, which often targets the symptoms directly, TCM looks to the root causes of these imbalances, including Qi Stagnation, Heat accumulation, and Qi Rebellion. Understanding the underlying pattern is vital in TCM to tailor an effective treatment strategy.
Acid reflux in TCM can emerge from several disharmonies, notably Qi Stagnation and Heat. Qi Stagnation, particularly of the Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, leads to symptoms like belching, irritability, and a craving for sour foods.
On the other hand, Heat patterns, such as Stomach Heat or Fire, manifest as sour regurgitation, thirst for cold drinks, and mouth ulcers. TCM delves into these patterns to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
TCM Solutions for Acid Reflux
To address acid reflux, TCM employs a variety of formulas and herbs designed to harmonize the Stomach, move Qi, and clear Heat. Yue Ju Wan and Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang are recommended for Qi Stagnation, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and alleviating the discomfort associated with acid reflux.
For Heat patterns, Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang purges Heat accumulation, providing relief from the fiery symptoms. These treatments are customized based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis, ensuring a targeted approach to healing.
Acupoint Therapy for Acid Reflux
TCM also utilizes acupoint therapy as a complementary treatment for acid reflux. Points along the Stomach, Bladder, and Directing Vessel meridians, such as Burong ST-19, Ganshu BL-18, and Juque REN-14, are selected for their ability to harmonize the Middle Burner, invigorate Qi and Blood, and subdue Rebellious Qi. This method enhances the effectiveness of herbal treatments and addresses the multifaceted nature of acid reflux.
Through its comprehensive understanding and multifaceted treatment strategies, TCM offers valuable insights and relief for those suffering from acid reflux. By emphasizing balance and harmony within the body, TCM provides a deeply rooted solution to this pervasive condition, showcasing the enduring wisdom of traditional practices in addressing modern health challenges.
TCM Patterns for Acid Reflux
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Acid reflux
Qi Stagnation
Acid reflux
Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
Acid reflux
Along with: Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Loss of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Vomiting undigested food
Qi Rebellion
Causes: Sour regurgitation
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
Sour regurgitation
Along with: Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression, Acid reflux, Hiccups, Belching, Nausea or vomiting, Sighing, Weak limbs
Heat
Causes: Sour regurgitation
Stomach Heat or Fire
Sour regurgitation
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Herbal Formulas for Acid Reflux
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address acid reflux
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Acid reflux
Accompanying symptoms:
Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth...
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Zuo Jin Wan
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Heat
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Acid reflux
Accompanying symptoms:
Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth...
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
- Expectorant, treats hiccups
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Acid reflux
Accompanying symptoms:
General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Si Mo Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Expands the chest and dissipates clumping
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Qing Wei San
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
- Augments Qi
- Clears heat
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these acid reflux patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Acid Reflux Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Sour regurgitation
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...