Acid reflux - new research using acupuncture and Chinese herbs

Acid reflux, often called heartburn, is a very unpleasant symptom which can ruin a person's pleasure in eating, and go on to cause other problems such as coughing and oesophagitis, where the oesophagus becomes inflamed and constantly sore because of the persistent reflux. Various conventional medical interventions are in use, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Acupuncturists using traditional Chinese medical approaches will assess each patient's symptoms individually, including checking pulse and tongue, before treating. My treatment may include a Chinese herbal dietary supplement.

It is very interesting to read this new research, which compared two groups of patients, one receiving acupuncture and Chinese herbs, and the other receiving conventional western medication. 92% of the acupuncture group experienced an improvement, compared with 76% of the western medicine group.  You can read more about this study here.

For the purposes of clear comparison, the study used local abdominal acupuncture points. I would also often use local points, but also sometimes points on a patient's wrists, hands or legs.  There is more information on my website.  Click on the link to Acupuncture and gastrointestinal disorders.