More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Combating Acid Reflux (GERD)
The American Gastroenterological Association estimates that 33% of Americans have acid reflux disease. Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach contents travel up, or reflux, into the esophagus causing “heartburn” and acid indigestion.
Smoking will make the problem worse by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, a circular muscle at the top of the stomach that keeps the acid in. Certain foods and beverages will also exacerbate the symptoms such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, peppermint, chocolate, spicy/fatty/fried foods, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol.
While proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Xegerid), antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums), and H2 blockers (Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet) may temporarily relieve the symptoms of GERD, they don't fix the problem. Additionally, prolonged use can have negative side effects, such as increased risk of fractures (wrist, forearm, hip), higher risk of pneumonia, interactions with blood thinners, headaches, nausea, constipation and diarrhea, to name a few.
Fortunately, studies have shown acupuncture and Chinese medicine may help treat GERD. In a recent article published in August of 2010 in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, a clinical study was performed on acupuncture in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. The conclusion was, “Acupuncture can effectively inhibit the intraesophageal acid and bile reflux in GERD patients to alleviate patients' symptoms safely.”
Chinese herbal medicine may also be effective for GERD. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root is one of a number of herbs that is commonly used to repair the stomach lining.
According to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James Balch, M.D. and Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., “Deglycyrrhizinated licorice may stimulate natural defense mechanisms that prevent the occurrence of ulcers by increasing the number of mucus secreting cells in the digestive tract. This improves the quality of mucus, lengthens intestinal cell life, and enhances microcirculation in the gastrointestinal lining.”
Balch also writes that, “Marshmallow root will soothe and heal mucous membranes and other tissues, externally and internally.”
Try something natural your body will thank you. To find a properly licensed acupuncturist near you, go to www.NCCAOM.org and click on “find a practitioner” using your city or zip code and appropriate distance. There are over 200 practicing acupuncturists in Virginia, many of which are located in the Northern Virginia area.
