Heartburn and acid reflux are common digestive issues that can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life. Whether triggered by certain foods, stress, or other factors, the burning sensation in the chest and throat associated with these conditions can be quite unpleasant.
Eating is like putting fuel into a car. It requires turning off the engine and putting the fuel into the tank mindfully so that the fuel is not spilled on the car causing damage. What type of fuel we put into our car also matters greatly. You can’t run an electric car or diesel engine on gasoline, just as you can’t run a gasoline car on electric or diesel fuel.
Photo: The Definition of Heartburn by Christopher Dart
Fortunately, there are several ways to find heartburn and acid reflux relief
and manage these symptoms effectively:
Watch What You Eat & Drink: Certain foods and beverages can trigger heartburn and acid reflux, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol, soda and fatty or fried foods. Pay attention to your diet and avoid consuming items that tend to exacerbate your symptoms. Eating mindfully instead of on-the-go prevents releasing too much cortisol, which causes inflammation in the digestive system and creates excess acid.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Large meals can put pressure on the stomach and increase the likelihood of acid reflux. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to help ease digestion and reduce the risk of experiencing heartburn.
Stay Upright After Eating: Lying down after a meal can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily, leading to heartburn. Instead, remain upright for at least two to three hours after eating to help prevent reflux.
Manage Stress: Stress has been linked to increased instances of heartburn and acid reflux. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to help minimize symptoms.
Raise the Head of Your Bed: Elevating the head of your bed by a few inches can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus while you sleep. This slight incline can significantly reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a holistic approach to addressing these digestive issues. Integrating the symptom management tips listed above with TCM can offer comprehensive relief and long-term management. In TCM, heartburn and acid reflux are often seen as symptoms of an imbalance in the body's Qi, particularly within the digestive system.
From my experience, patients who come in seeking heartburn and acid reflux relief often suffer from many lifestyle issues which cause their symptoms. Here are some ways TCM approaches the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux:
Herbal Remedies: Chinese herbal medicine utilizes a variety of herbs and botanicals to rebalance the body's energy and address specific symptoms. For heartburn and acid reflux, herbs like licorice root, ginger (counteracts cold foods), mint (counteracts spicy foods), and hawthorne berries (counteracts excessive meat consumption) are commonly used to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture: Targeting acupuncture points related to the digestive system, will alleviate symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux and restore balance to the body.
Dietary Therapy: TCM emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining overall health and well-being. Dietary modifications tailored to your constitution and specific digestive issues is key. This could include avoiding spicy or greasy foods, incorporating more easily digestible foods, and consuming herbal teas or soups known for their digestive properties.
Lifestyle Recommendations: In addition to herbal remedies and acupuncture, your healthy lifestyle is critical to supporting digestive health. This may include stress-reducing practices like qigong or tai chi, as well as mindful eating habits such as chewing food thoroughly and avoiding overeating.
Integrating Chinese medicine with symptom management can offer a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. By addressing underlying imbalances in the body's energy and promoting holistic well-being, you can find relief from symptoms while supporting long-term digestive health.
Visit me for your heartburn and acid reflux and we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. It’s time to get rid of the burn!
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