Digestivecáo zá fǎn suān

Acid regurgitation

Also called:heartburnacid reflux

From the TCM perspective: Acid regurgitation: liver-stomach heat or deficiency cold

Overview

Acid regurgitation is a burning behind the breastbone with sour fluid rising into the throat. TCM distinguishes a heat pattern from liver qi stagnation transforming to fire invading the stomach, from chronic deficiency-cold of the middle with counterflow.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Liver-stomach heat

Key distinguishing signs: Sharp heartburn, bitter/sour taste, worse with anger and hot fried food, dry mouth, constipation, red tongue
Treatment principle: Clear liver-stomach heat and restrain acid

Middle deficiency-cold

Key distinguishing signs: Mild recurrent burning relieved by warmth and food, preference for warm drinks, loose stool, pale moist tongue
Treatment principle: Warm the middle and strengthen the spleen

Food stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Acidity after rich meals, sour foul belching, fullness, thick tongue coat
Treatment principle: Digest stagnation and harmonize the stomach

Qi stagnation with phlegm

Key distinguishing signs: Heartburn with a lump sensation in the throat, phlegm, sighing and mood swings, wiry-slippery pulse
Treatment principle: Move qi, resolve phlegm and downbear counterflow

Daily self-care

Eat small meals, avoid lying down for 2-3 hours after eating, and raise the head of the bed.
Reduce triggers (spicy/fatty food, coffee, mint, chocolate, citrus, alcohol).
Log symptom timing relative to meals and lying down.

When to seek medical help

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

Chest pain/pressure with cold sweat or breathlessness (may be cardiac).
Difficulty or pain on swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.
Bloody/coffee-ground vomit or black tarry stool.

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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