Acid Reflux / Gastric Ulcers

Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux can just as likely result from lowered stomach acid as elevated stomach acid. Lowered stomach acid causes the Lower Esophageal Spincter to relax, allowing stomach contents to rise into the throat, causing burning sensation. If people with lowered stomach acidity take antacid therapy, their condition will continue to deteriorate. Excess stomach acid can also be addressed directly with temporary diet modification and herbal medicine. Chronic use of antacids can result in impaired digestion and atrophy of acid producing cells that later cause other digestive issues.

Acupuncture resets the body in the direction of homeostasis, balancing stomach acid production by regulating the meridians involved in this process. Modification of diet and targeting supplementation is extremely useful in treating GERD as well.

In two separate studies, barely perceptible stimulation was applied at the acupoint known as Neiguan on the wrist. "This reduced TLESRs (transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations) by a very significant 40% -- from six an hour to 3.5 an hour," Holloway said. This lowers the likelihood of acidic stomach contents from entering the esophagus.

[1] Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2005