Acid Reflux Natural Remedies From Holistic Healing Systems

Holistic healing systems like homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have lots to offer when it comes to acid reflux natural remedies.

Below, we touched on some of the common acid reflux remedies used by these healing systems.

Nonetheless, we are not suggesting that you use the specific remedies described below for your acid reflux conditions. These remedies are after all only a tip of the ice-berg when it comes to treating acid reflux using natural therapies like homeopathy, TCM or acupuncture.

To truly experience the effectiveness of these holistic healing practices, you will need to undergo proper diagnosis and individualized treatment by qualified professionals in these fields. As such, our aim here is only to create awareness of the avenues you can seek when addressing your condition.

Homeopathy for acid reflux

According to the Director of the Athenian School of Homeopathic Medicine, in Athens, Greece, "the long term benefit of homeopathy to the patient is that it not only alleviates the symptoms but it reestablishes internal order at the deepest levels and thereby provides a lasting cure". [1]

A more detailed explanation of homeopathy and how it works is covered in a separate article. Read more.

In turn, below is one of the common homeopathic acid reflux natural remedies.

Nux Vomica

Nux Vomica is the most common homeopathic remedy used for dealing with acid reflux problems.

It is able to relief acid reflux symptoms quickly, especially in instances where there are stomach pains of all types (for example, burning pains, pain caused by bloating or gas in the stomach, pain caused by constipation, discomfort due to nausea or belching). [2]

It is believed to work by normalizing the functions of the lower esophageal sphincter. [3]

Those who might find Nux Vomica especially useful are those who are generally perceived to be workaholics or those who allow themselves to indulge in excesses in all things (including food). These individuals may also be impatient, aggressive, or dictatorial. [2]

To use this homeopathic remedy for acid reflux relief, take 2 tablets of a 30C potency twice daily until the symptoms disappear. Stop when symptoms disappear. [3]

Others

There are also other acid reflux natural remedies in homeopathy.

For example Arsenicum Album for acid reflux symptoms brought about by consuming spoilt food or food poisoning. There is also the Pulsatilla for relieving acid reflux pains where it feels like acid is burning a hole in the stomach. [2]

When there are no improvements

If there are no improvements to your acid reflux condition after a week of using your selected homeopathic remedy, stop using the remedy, as continuous use without benefit could aggravate your existing conditions [3]

In such instances, be sure to inform your homeopathic practitioner, so that he or she could adjust your prescription for better effectiveness.

Traditional Chinese medicine for acid reflux

"Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the world's oldest complete systems of holistic health care. It combines the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, massage and therapeutic exercise, along with the recognition that wellness in mind, body, and emotions depends on the harmonious flow of life force energy known as Qi". [1]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has proven to be effective in the treatment of many conditions, including acid reflux problems. It seeks to treat illnesses by correcting imbalances in the body that is causing the illness.

A more detailed explanation of TCM and how it works is covered in a separate article. Read more.

Technically, "acid reflux", or the "gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)" is very much a disease concept used in western medicine. Since traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) developed almost entirely separate from its western counterparts, TCM practitioners do not use the same systems of disease categorization and diagnosis criteria.

An examination of the disease classification used in TCM reveals that the closest match to what western doctors know as "GERD" is probably what TCM practitioners know as "Tu Suan" (吐酸) [1].

In turn, the TCM practitioners believe that a common cause of "Tu Suan" is the imbalance of heat or cold in the "Stomach" (functional, rather than anatomical organ).

Herbal formulas for "Tu Suan"

In instances when functions of the "Stomach" are disrupted by excessive heat when the "Liver" Qi stagnates (肝郁化火犯胃), TCM practitioners may use herbal formulas like the "Zuo Jing Wan Jia Wei" (左金丸加味).

In instances when the digestive functions of the "Spleen" and "Stomach" are weak and hence easily disrupted when the "Liver" Qi is in excess, TCM practitioners may use herbal formulas like the "Xiang Sha Liu Jun Jia Wei" (香砂六君加味).

Nonetheless, the imbalance of heat or cold in the "Stomach" is by no means the only cause of "Tu Suan". And neither are the two herbal remedies mentioned above the only treatment methods used by TCM practitioners in the treatment of acid reflux symptoms in "Tu Suan" patients.

The process of treatment using TCM requires the TCM practitioner to first carry out a detailed diagnosis (四诊) on the patient.

Subsequently, the TCM practitioner may then prescribe the patient with herbal remedies (comprising of combinations of herbs) as acid reflux natural remedies, based on the patient's unique bodily conditions and based on the practitioner’s experience in the use of herbs.

Given the complexities of the diagnostic and treatment process in TCM, it is highly recommended that you consult a qualified TCM practitioner when using TCM to treat your acid reflux issues.

Using the wrong TCM herbs and remedies could worsen the imbalances in your body, causing your health problems to be aggravated.

Acupuncture for "Tu Suan"

Besides using herbal formulas, TCM practitioners may also make use of acupuncture as another form of acid reflux natural remedy.

Acupuncture makes use of the meridian system (including the acupoints) in our body to correct and rebalance the flow of Qi (or life energy), so as to relieve pain and restore health to the body.

Some of the acupoints that may be used for the treatment of "Tu Suan" or stomach pain include:

• Stomach Meridian 36 (ST 36, 足三里)
• Pericardium Meridian 6 (PC 6, 内关)
• Ren Meridian 12 (RN 12, 中脘).

Besides homeopathy, TCM and acupuncture

Acid reflux is a relatively minor condition (if treated early) and there are many self-help acid reflux natural remedies that you can adopt on your own at home.

For example, you could make changes to your diet, avoiding foods that tend to trigger your acid reflux symptoms, and adding foods that are beneficial to your condition. You can also adopt healthy eating habits and good lifestyle changes, so as to reduce the occurrence of your reflux issues. The simple use of herbs and supplements has also been found to be useful for some acid reflux sufferers.

It is usually when the acid reflux problem is more severe (and the above self-help remedies do not work) that sufferers tend to seek the help of homeopathy, TCM and acupuncture, where you will need a qualified practitioner to help you with your condition.

Of course, there is no harm if from the onset you choose to get your condition treated by a qualified homeopathic, TCM or acupuncture practitioner. In fact, in the process of treating your acid reflux problem, your holistic therapist may concurrently help you address other health problems you might be suffering from, providing you relief and a means to overall good health much faster and holistically than through self-help.

Two last points: do not ignore your GERD symptoms. Beside the discomfort and pain it may bring, acid reflux issues can also cause serious health problems in the long run.

And if your heartburn symptoms are accompanied by chest pain (especially pain that radiates to the jaw, neck or arm) as well as symptoms like cold sweat, nausea, you should see your doctor immediately, to eliminate the possibility that you might just had or are going to have a heart attack. [1]

Read More: More on Acid Reflux | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Need relief from acid reflux? Read the Reflux Remedy Report, where you can learn to overcome reflux using 3 common grocery items, or get a free acid reflux analysis by a medical doctor. You could also learn about a holistic system for helping you overcome acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain and discomfort, as well as other digestive disorders. You could also use natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for acid reflux.

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References

[1] Trivieri, Jr., Larry, and Anderson, John W. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. 2nd ed. New York, USA: Celestial Arts, 2002. Print.

[2] "Three Homeopathic Treatments Help Acid Reflux Symptoms and GERD", extracted from http://www.naturalnews.com/028924_GERD_homeopathic.html##ixzz2gSN00dlv, on 1 Oct 2013.

[3] Balch, James F., MD, Stengler, Mark, ND, and Balch, Robin Young, ND. Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health without the Side Effects. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2008. Print.

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