Acid Reflux (GERD)
Overview
Acid regurgitation (GERD) involves stomach acid rising with retrosternal burning (heartburn), sour regurgitation, belching, and sometimes discomfort on swallowing, often worse after meals, lying down, or bending. Chinese medicine relates it to liver qi invading the stomach, liver-stomach stagnant heat, spleen-stomach deficiency cold, and failure of stomach qi to descend with upward counterflow; chronic cases may involve phlegm or stasis.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Liver-Stomach Stagnant Heat
Prominent heartburn and sour regurgitation with burning epigastric pain, irritability, dry bitter mouth, red tongue with yellow coating, wiry rapid pulse.
Clear liver heat and drain fire; harmonize the stomach and downbear counterflow.
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold
Intermittent acid regurgitation with dull warm-pressure-preferring epigastric pain, clear vomitus, poor appetite, loose stools, cold intolerance and fatigue, pale tongue with white coating, deep fine pulse.
Warm the middle and fortify the spleen; harmonize the stomach and restrain acid.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down right after eating and food 2–3 hours before bed, raise the head of the bed, manage weight, and avoid tight clothing. Reduce spicy/fatty foods, coffee, strong tea, chocolate, peppermint, citrus, tomato, alcohol, and smoking. Massage Neiguan (PC6), Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), and Taichong (LR3).
When to seek medical care
Seek evaluation for painful or difficult swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss or anemia, chest pain (first rule out cardiac causes), or symptoms persisting despite treatment.