Although the cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is still unknown, there are drugs available on the market to help with the symptoms. The problems with these medications are the side effects and their limited effectiveness.
A 2005 Taiwanese study reported in the American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology points to the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing the key mechanism of GERD, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs). This important muscle allows food to pass into the stomach when working normally. In people who have GERD, the muscle relaxes at the wrong times, allowing stomach acid to churn up into the esophagus and resulting in heartburn symptoms.
On applying only mild stimulation to the acupuncture point on the wrist known as Neiguan, researchers were able to reduce the frequency of TLESRs from six to 3.5 an hour in research subjects. That’s almost half the amount. Sham stimulation of a hip point produced no comparable change.
Acid reflux or GERD is a condition we treat all the time in our Minneapolis acupuncture clinic. If you or a loved one requires help with this uncomfortable health problem please call us at 612-866-4000 for more information. Or visit us a www.orientalmedcare.com .
Source: American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2005
Steven Sonmore, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist in Minneapolis, Minnesota with over 20 years experience of health care and pain management.
Thanks for reporting on this study. In my practice I often treat acid reflux with good results. I bet if they had used more than 1 needle in the research the results would’ve been even better.
You’re absolutely right Jennifer.
Thanks,
Steven
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