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Approximately 61 million Americans have heartburn, a common symptom of acid reflux
disease. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the lower chest and does not affect the
heart. Heartburn is also known as acid reflux disease and is a common symptom of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It usually occurs after eating a big meal
or while lying down. The feeling can last for a few minutes or a few hours. When
you eat food, it enters the mouth and passes through the esophagus before entering
the stomach. In the stomach, acid mixes with the foods you eat in order to digest
it. As food passes through the esophagus into the stomach, three is a gate at the
end of the esophagus (flap like muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter-LES)
that keeps acid in the stomach from washing up into the esophagus. If this gate
(LES) does not close properly it allows acid to enter the esophagus and irritate
the tissues in the esophagus, often leading to the feeling of heartburn. The most
common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is heartburn. Heartburn
is usually experienced as a burning sensation behind the breastbone that may rise
all the way to the face. Discomfort is caused by acid reflux from the stomach because
the lower esophageal sphincter isn’t working properly. Heartburn may accompany regurgitation
or excessive salvia. Complications include esophageal stricture, ulceration and
Barrett’s esophagus; a pre-cancerous may cause pain during swallowing and bleeding.
Other symptoms of GERD may include nausea; burping; coughing; and respiratory conditions
such as asthma, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Physicians may conduct diagnostic
tests such as x-rays, esophagoscopy, and a visual exam with flexible tube. Other
tests include measuring the lower esophageal sphincter, biopsies and acidity tests.
If you or a client suspects GERD, it is important to get a through diagnosis to
rule out complications, respiratory disease and heart conditions. According to Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM), heartburn is usually caused by emotional upset and eating
the wrong foods. Reflux is seen as rebellious Qi that is rising where it should
be sinking. Luckily, there are several herbal remedies that can be used in addition
to Acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture removes energy blockage and will provide deep
relaxation which helps calm the mind. The length, number or frequency of treatments
will vary. Typical treatments last from five to 30 minutes, with the patient being
treated one or two times a week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment,
while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments. The style
of acupuncture that your acupuncturist has been trained in will play a roll in length
of treatment, number points used and frequency of visits.
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