Understanding GERD: A Chinese and Western Medicine Perspective

Treating Reflux Naturally by Restoring Digestive Balance

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder in which stomach acid or contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation. While it may begin as occasional heartburn, untreated GERD can lead to more serious issues like chronic inflammation, ulcers, or damage to the esophagus.Western medicine typically manages GERD with antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and dietary adjustments. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic, long-term approach—focusing not just on acid suppression, but on correcting the root causes of imbalance in digestion.

🔹 What Are the Symptoms of GERD?

Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)Acid reflux or sour taste in the mouth

Bloating or fullness after meals

Burping or nausea

Chronic cough, hoarseness, or throat clearing

Worse symptoms after eating, lying down, or at night

GERD may be caused by lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction, obesity, stress, poor diet, smoking, or delayed stomach emptying.

🔹 How Chinese Medicine Understands GERD

In TCM, GERD is not just about acid—it's seen as a disorder of disharmony between the Stomach, Liver, and Spleen. Several patterns can contribute to reflux and heartburn:

Liver Qi Stagnation Overacting on the Stomach → Stress, frustration, and emotional tension interrupt digestive flow, causing reflux, belching, or tightness in the chest.Spleen Qi Deficiency → Weak digestion causes food to stagnate, leading to bloating, fatigue, and loose stools.Stomach Heat or Fire → Excess heat in the Stomach rises upward, resulting in burning pain, thirst, bad breath, and irritability.Phlegm-Damp Accumulation → Often linked to poor diet (sweets, greasy food), this creates heaviness, nausea, and acid regurgitation.Food Stagnation → Overeating or late-night eating leads to undigested food accumulating and generating heat and acid.

The TCM goal is not just to control symptoms, but to restore harmony to the digestive system—so it functions smoothly and downward, as it should.

🌿 TCM Treatments for GERD

✅ Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps:

Regulate the Stomach's downward function

Calm Liver Qi and reduce stress-related reflux

Improve digestive motility and reduce inflammation

Promote relaxation and better sleep

✅ Herbal Medicine

Customized herbal formulas work to:

Clear Stomach heat

Move Liver Qi and resolve emotional tension

Strengthen the Spleen and harmonize digestion

Absorb acid and calm nausea

✅ Diet & Lifestyle Guidance

TCM views food as medicine. We offer personalized dietary support to:

Avoid triggers (spicy, greasy, cold, raw, acidic foods)Eat warm, cooked meals regularly

Avoid overeating or late-night meals

Address emotional eating and stress-related digestive tension

✅ ZiQia Self-Consistent Medicine System

At our clinic, we integrate the ZiQia System by Dr. Pan Xiaochuan, which uses pulse diagnosis and constitutional evaluation to identify the precise imbalance. With this system, we provide morning and evening herbal formulas to regulate Qi movement, reduce heat, and support long-term healing of digestive disorders like GERD.

💬 Heal the Root, Not Just the Reflux

GERD is more than just excess acid—it reflects a deeper imbalance in the body. Chinese medicine provides a safe, non-drug approach that not only relieves symptoms, but improves the overall strength, flow, and harmony of your digestive system.If you’re tired of relying on antacids or experiencing rebound symptoms, we’re here to help guide your body back into balance—gently, naturally, and effectively.