Acid reflux, or heartburn as it is more commonly called, can be quite uncomfortable as it causes a burning, stabbing pain in the chest after ingesting food. This happens due to the malfunction of the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter. Part of the stomach acid that is produced for the digestion of food escapes into the esophagus and causes this sensation. There could also be regurgitation of acid in the back of the throat in more extreme cases. It can occur during pregnancy or if you eat a heavy meal right before bed. It is also common in obese people. Soft drinks, spicy foods, greasy foods, and coffee can trigger a person. Besides antacids and lifestyle changes, one of the alternative treatments for acid reflux is acupuncture.

Tips to prevent the problem

A person who has symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, nausea, or difficulty swallowing, is advised to see a doctor to determine the cause of their symptoms. Common diagnostic methods used include a barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy or EGD, or esophageal manometry. Preventative methods like avoiding aggravating foods is one of the first steps we can take to avoid acid reflux. Losing weight, eating smaller meals, quitting smoking, and changing medications are other well-proven preventative methods. Acupuncture can be an alternative method to treat acid reflux.

Acupuncture: an alternative form of treatment

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The belief here is that a person’s health depends on the smooth movement of the flow of energy or Qi through the body. When there is a disruption in this flow in the digestive system, you can suffer from conditions like acid reflux, IBS, and colitis. Acupuncture attempts to restore the smooth flow of Qi by inserting needles into specific acupuncture points that are close to the skin. The needles are then manipulated manually or by electrical manipulation. The needles used by doctors are FDA standardized making it a very safe procedure as safe manufacturing techniques and sterility concerns are strictly adhered to.

Precautions to follow when choosing to undergo acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe procedure with no side effects if you go to a certified and experienced doctor. Acupuncture has been found to be very helpful in the treatment of pain such as that felt by patients with sciatica, tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and low back pain. It has also been found effective for the treatment of asthma, urinary incontinence, acid reflux, glaucoma, and impotence. The importance of acupuncture as a complementary method of treatment for conditions such as acid reflux is slowly being recognized in the Western world. Long-term use of antacid medications can cause heart, kidney, and liver problems. Read John Cook’s book to see how antacids can be harmful to our nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems.