Reflux – TheTole Treatment & Herbal Approach
Overview
- Reflux, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
- Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, chronic cough, and throat irritation.
- Reflux can be triggered by overeating, fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, obesity, or weakened lower esophageal sphincter function.
- From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, reflux is often associated with stomach heat, liver-stomach disharmony, and Qi stagnation.
TheTole Approach
Treatment Philosophy
- At TheTole, reflux is addressed as a digestive and nervous system imbalance rather than only a stomach acid problem.
- Treatment focuses on improving digestion, regulating energy flow in the stomach and liver, reducing inflammation, and restoring overall gastrointestinal harmony.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture points are selected to strengthen the stomach, regulate esophageal function, and calm digestive irritation.
- Sessions help reduce heartburn, regurgitation, and associated discomfort, while promoting smooth digestive function.
Herbal Remedies
- Personalized herbal formulas support digestion, soothe esophageal lining, reduce stomach acidity, and regulate liver-stomach balance.
- Herbs are adjusted based on individual symptom patterns and digestive health.
Lifestyle & Diet
- Eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid trigger foods such as fried, spicy, or acidic foods.
- Maintain upright posture after meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
- Moderate exercise, stress management, and adequate hydration support digestive health.
Treatment Process
- Initial consultation to assess symptoms, frequency, triggers, and digestive function.
- Tailored acupuncture sessions to restore gastrointestinal balance and reduce acid reflux.
- Personalized herbal therapy for home use to support long-term digestive regulation.
- Regular follow-up to monitor improvement and adjust treatment as necessary.
Home Care Tips
- Avoid overeating and eating late at night.
- Elevate the head of the bed to prevent nighttime reflux.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or acidic foods.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques to minimize trigger episodes.
Research & Evidence
- Clinical evidence supports acupuncture in regulating gastrointestinal motility, reducing heartburn, and alleviating reflux symptoms.
- Herbal medicine, when personalized and professionally supervised, helps balance digestion, reduce acidity, and support gastrointestinal health.
FAQs
- Q: Can acupuncture help with acid reflux?
A: Yes, acupuncture may reduce reflux episodes, soothe esophageal irritation, and improve digestion. - Q: How soon will I notice improvements?
A: Many patients experience symptom relief within a few weeks, depending on severity and consistency of treatment.
