An Introduction to Acid Reflux and Its Causes

Acid reflux or heartburn as it is more commonly called can be quite uncomfortable as it causes a burning stinging pain in the chest after ingestion of food. This happens because of the improper functioning of the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter. Some of the stomach acid that is produced for food digestion escapes back into the esophagus causing this sensation.There also could be regurgitation of acid at the back of your throat in more extreme cases. It can happen during pregnancy or if you eat a heavy meal just before bedtime. It is also common in obese people. Soda, spicy foods, greasy food, and coffee could trigger in a person. Besides antacids and lifestyle changes, one of the alternative treatments for acid reflux is acupuncture.

Tips To Prevent the Problem

A person who has symptoms of acid reflux such as burning in the chest, nausea, or difficulty swallowing is advised to see a doctor to determine the cause of his symptoms. The usual diagnostic methods employed include a barium swallow, an upper GI endoscopy or EGD, or esophageal manometry. Preventative methods such as avoiding aggravating foods is one of the first steps we can take to avoid acid reflux. Losing weight, eating smaller meals, quitting smoking, and changing medications are other well tested preventative methods. Acupuncture can be an alternative method of treating acid reflux.

Acupuncture: An Alternative Form of Treatment

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The belief here is that the health of a person depends on the smooth movement of energy flow or Qi through the body. When there is a disruption in this flow in digestive system, you can suffer from diseases such as acid reflux, IBS, and colitis. Acupuncture attempts to restore the smooth flow of Qi by inserting needles into specific acupoints that are located close to the skin. The needles are then manipulated either manually or by electrical manipulation. The needles used by the practitioners are standardized by the FDA which makes it a very safe procedure since safe manufacturing techniques and sterility issues are strictly adhered to.

Precautions to Be Followed When Choosing To Undergo Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe procedure with no side effects if you go to a certified and experienced practitioner. Acupuncture has been found to be very useful in the treatment of pain such as those felt among patients with sciatica, tendonitis arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and low back pain. It has also been found effective for the treatment of asthma, urine incontinence, acid reflux, glaucoma, and impotence. The importance of acupuncture as an adjunctive method of treatment for diseases such as acid reflux is slowly being recognized in the Western World. Long term use anti-acid medication can lead to heart, kidney and liver problems. Please read the book by John Cook to see how anti-acid can be harmful for our nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine system.