Digestivefǎnsuān shāoxīn

Acid Reflux & Heartburn

Also called:HeartburnAcid regurgitationGastric burning

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'tu suan' / 'ca za' / stomachache; located in the stomach, related to liver and spleen.

Overview

Acid reflux and heartburn are a burning sensation behind the sternum or below the xiphoid with regurgitation of sour fluid; the Suwen discusses 'sour vomiting'. TCM categories include 'tu suan' and 'ca za' (gastric discomfort); the disease is in the stomach and closely linked to the liver and spleen, with patterns such as liver-stomach heat, food stagnation and spleen-stomach deficiency cold.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Liver-stomach stagnant heat

Key distinguishing signs: Heartburn and sour regurgitation with burning stomach pain, irritability, dry/bitter mouth, red tongue with yellow coat, wiry rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear liver heat and harmonize the stomach to downbear counterflow

Food stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Sour reflux with abdominal fullness, belching of rotten-food odor, aversion to food, foul or undigested stools, thick greasy coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Disperse food and guide stagnation, harmonize the stomach

Spleen-stomach deficiency cold

Key distinguishing signs: Intermittent reflux with dull stomach pain relieved by warmth and pressure, worse fasting and better after food, cold limbs, loose stools, pale tongue, deep weak pulse.
Treatment principle: Warm the middle, tonify spleen and restrain acid

Phlegm-damp obstruction

Key distinguishing signs: Sour reflux with chest oppression, nausea and vomiting of phlegm, heavy sleepy body, poor appetite, greasy white coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Dry dampness, resolve phlegm and harmonize the stomach

Daily self-care

Eat small meals to about 70% fullness; do not lie down after eating, avoid food within three hours of bed, and elevate the head of the bed.
Avoid spicy/greasy food, coffee, strong tea, chocolate, mint, citrus and tomato, plus alcohol and tobacco; lose weight if overweight.
Track trigger foods; avoid tight waist clothing and bending to lift after meals.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Chest pain with sweating, radiation to arm/jaw or breathlessness: emergency (possible cardiac cause).
Difficulty or pain swallowing, recurrent vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, or unintentional weight loss: prompt evaluation.
Symptoms at least twice weekly or persistent: assess for GERD and other disease.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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