Gastroesophageal reflux disease according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, gastroesophageal reflux disease is sometimes associated with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's gastroesophageal reflux disease might be caused by the pattern Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from gastroesophageal reflux disease alone. Indeed if gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, patients also experience symptoms such as epigastric focal distention, abdominal fullness, dry heaves or vomiting and borborygmi with diarrhea. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tip tongue with yellow coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner so that you can have a better understanding of where gastroesophageal reflux disease might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below two formulas that can help treat Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner.
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease
The Triple Burner is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Triple Burner in Chinese Medicine
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Yellow coating
Tongue color: Red tip
Recommended herbal formula: Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Symptoms: Poor appetite Abdominal fullness Dry heaves or vomiting Borborygmi with diarrhea Epigastric focal distention
Gastroesophageal reflux disease might be due to Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as epigastric focal distention, abdominal fullness, dry heaves or vomiting and borborygmi with diarrhea. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tip tongue with yellow coating.
The two herbal formulas that might help with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi. Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Why might Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang help with gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a pattern sometimes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Zuo Jin Wan
Source date: 1481 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver Heat. Directs Rebellious Qi downward. Stops vomiting.
Why might Zuo Jin Wan help with gastroesophageal reflux disease?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease
Epigastric focal distention Abdominal fullness Dry heaves or vomiting Borborygmi with diarrhea Poor appetite
