Heartburn and Acupuncture

By Yeji Lee, LAc

Heartburn, a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper or middle chest, including the stomach area, which may affect the throat, affects more than 30% of people worldwide at least once a month. This feeling or sensation may or may not be related to specific diseases such as acid reflux, esophagitis, and gastritis. Although heartburn is a common symptom, it often lasts for a long time and becomes a chronic illness. Therefore, it is important to fix this condition to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Other related symptoms of diseases that cause heartburn include chest pain, diarrhea, nausea, chronic cough, constipation, and bloating.

Triggers for these symptoms include medicine side effects, food allergies, overeating, late eating, bad habits such as lying down right after eating, and certain foods such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food. A lower functioning of the stomach can also be a trigger.

Thankfully, there are some treatments available for heartburn. It is important to make lifestyle changes, as well as seek medical attention. Failure to do so may lead to more serious problems that can impact your life.

In western medicine, doctors may prescribe medications or suggest over-the-counter medicine. They may also provide nutritional advice and suggest changes to your diet. Traditional medicine can also be effective in treating symptoms, often with few side effects.

Some other treatment options include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and acupressure.

It is common for traditional medicine practitioners to use a combination of two or three treatments. Some of these, such as moxibustion, acupressure, and cupping, can be done at home, but it is important to know which acupoints can help reduce symptoms and to see a licensed acupuncturist to get the correct locations.

Acupuncture and dry cupping treatment once or twice a week can significantly reduce symptoms after just one or two sessions, leading to improved quality of life after a month of treatment.