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Acupuncture and Herbal medicine for Acid Reflux / GERD

Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) happens in every 1 in 5 people!


What are common symptoms?

-chest pain

-regurgitation

-erosion of the teeth

-chronic cough

-laryngitis

-asthma


How do most people combat it? Antacids like Nexium, proton-pump inhibitors which reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, and changes in diet and sleeping positions.


These are not long-term solutions! Nexium and proton-pump inhibitors long term have detrimental effects on your kidney and liver function, bone strength (think fractures!), vitamin B12 levels, and rate of infections. Also, it’s hard to completely avoid all spicy, greasy, caffeinated, alcoholic, carbonated, and acidic foods and drinks. Lastly, who wants to sit propped up in bed every night?


Why not attack the root cause and strengthen your digestion so you can enjoy food and drink (in moderation)? Move those medications to the back of your cupboard!


There are a number of reasons acid reflux can occur - therefore I’ll go on a deep dive into your eating and lifestyle habits, digestive symptoms, stress levels, and more. This will help me determine what approach to take in using acupuncture and herbal medicine for acid reflux.



  1. Excessive pressure and emotional tension - anxious types, wired, go-go, perfectionism, eating while working or on the go - this will affect your gastrointestinal motility and cause indigestion

  2. Diet and irregularity - if you skip breakfast, have a big meal for dinner, or eat at irregular times throughout the day, you’re signing up for GERD symptoms! This puts stress on your digestive system. High-fat, spicy, and greasy highly contribute to this digestive stress. Acidic foods, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine often aggravate symptoms. 

  3. Abdominal pressure - what do I mean by this? Chronic constipation, tight pants/belts, abdominal weight gain, hiatal hernia, sitting for extended periods… By freeing up this area, your gut has more space to perform its functions

  4. Certain medications - some antidepressants, benzodiazepines, NSAIDs aspirin, Ventolin, calcium-channel blockers, and glucagon medications have a side-effect of GERD

  5. Weak digestive system - something is affecting your ability to digest in general - maybe its genetic, diet, stress, emotions, work, or something else. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can focus on this type of acid reflux and support your gut to work more efficiently. 



Acupuncture and herbal medicine for acid reflux works to reverse the up flow of stomach contents. It targets what is causing this counter-flow and supports digestive efficiency to have a well-rounded and longer lasting effect. 

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I acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, the traditional owners of the land on which my clinic stands and on which I practice. I extend my respects to their elders, past and present, and to all First Nations peoples and elders.

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