Acupuncture & Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is a common condition, where acid produced by the stomach leaks up into the esophagus. How does acid reflux happen? At the entrance to the stomach, there is ring muscle (sphincter) that closes the stomach as soon as food passes through into the stomach. If this sphincter becomes loose or opens too often, then the acid produced in the stomach goes back up to the esophagus causing acid reflux disease. The most common symptoms are heartburn, sore throat, bad breath, bloating, feeling sick, pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, tooth decay, and gum disease. Moreover, certain food and drinks can worsen acid reflux such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions and spicy or fatty foods; alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee or tea etc. Chronic cases of acid reflux can lead to serious conditions such as ulcers, scarred and narrow esophagus, and cancer.

Acupuncture can help reducing acid reflux

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture on acid reflux. For example, a recent in the UK found that the effect of acupuncture is superior to shelf medication to improve acid reflux symptoms, as well as, helped improve functional state of the esophagus. They believe acupuncture inhibits acid production, increases gastric and oesophageal mobility, and decreases pain perception.

How Often Should You Use Acupuncture?

Although there is no limitation on how frequent should acupuncture be used, our specialist will definitely recommend the most appropriate frame of treatment. The following is not a set of rules for treatments but rather a guide for patients to have an idea of how treatments may look like when it comes to frequency:

Very severe discomfort (8-10): Patients suffers from a severe condition and their pain is extreme. Acupuncture treatments may be daily until condition changes. Once there are improvements, the frequency lowers.
Serious discomfort (7-8): Condition or injury is advanced, pain level high but manageable. Treatment frequency may be every other day until a change in condition. This could be followed for a week or two.
Moderate discomfort (4-6): Condition and pain are moderate. The patient may come 2 or 3 times per week until a change in condition. This stage may last from two to four weeks depending on the improvement achieved.
Working on a health milestone: Twice a week until goal has been reached
Ongoing episodic condition: Once a week plus as per needed basis for acute episodes. These treatments are usually designed to last a couple of months.
General health: Weekly or every other week. A patient comes in as they desired. Most patients looking to improve their well being with acupuncture make acupuncture appointments part of there lifestyle.

How Can PhysioChiroWellness Help?

At PhysioChiroWellness Integrated Health Centre our highly-skilled practitioners work together to create fully integrated health solutions that may include physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, medical aesthetics amongst others. Our professionals will work together towards achieving an optimal health for all our patients through a holistically approach when treating any condition or pain they may present. This service is provided in our Ajax, Mississauga, Newmarket, & Vaughan clinics and can be booked at any time.

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Acupuncture & Acid Reflux Disease