GERD Acupuncture treatment

Did you know that acupuncture may be an effective GERD or chronic reflux treatment?

Gastroesophagaeal reflux disease or GERD affects tens of millions of people in the US. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective medical therapy. Patients on PPI therapy are usually started on once a day dosing. However, many patients require double dose, i.e. twice a day dosing for PPIs for relief of reflux symptoms.

Long term use of PPIs is not without long term side-effects.  Many patients choose to employ complementary and alternative medicine therapies instead. Chinese medicine is an ancient system of holistic medicine effective for treatment of variety of gastrointestinal and non-digestive disorders as well as mental conditions and has been used in this context.

Dickman and colleagues examined whether addition of acupuncture rather than another dose of PPI (omeprazole) to the regimen of once a day PPI dose for GERD would be beneficial. Acupuncture was conducted at 5 points selected to calm the stomach system. The investigators found a dramatic difference in relief by addition of acupuncture to the regimen as compared to another dose of omeprazole.

Acupuncture may work better since it treats whole body acting at multiple processes than stomach acid alone.

Do you have chronic heartburn or GERD? What treatment to you take? What are your thoughts on long term use of PPIs versus use of alternative and complimentary therapy like acupuncture. If you are taking medical treatment for GERD, would you be willing to add or even substitute it with some form of CAM? Please share your thoughts.

Comments

[santa barbara cosmetic dentist]

I didn't know that acupuncture may be an effective GERD or chronic reflux treatment,this very informative thanks for sharing.

by: florence

[Doreen Croft]

I have had GERD for 9 months and taking antacids including Prilosec which, I learn, is secreted 400% more by Asians (I'm Chinese) than Caucasians. I have gotten no relief of my daily chest and heart pains from Western meds, so I turned to acupuncture and herbal tea. So far I have had 5 weekly treatments of acupuncture along with 2 daily doses of tea. I do not take prilosec and only take occasional Tums. So far, my pains have lessened and my "chi" or energy is improving, so I plan to continue with my acupuncture, but will also seek additional consultations with a gastroenterologist.

[Nutrition Guide]

Just wanted to say thanks for your post. I have been taking PPI for 2 years now & I still struggle now and again - they're supposed to be the strong ones! I can honestly say I have never considered acupuncture & I think I would still be a little hesitant, but if it carries on like this I could well change my mind.

Thanks again

[HP]

I have chronic GERD and have taken a PPI for over 13 years. I still developed ulcers though. I would be open to considering any alternative treatments to supplement the PPI eg. acupuncture but there's not much push for that kind of treatment over here.