GERD/acid reflux/heart burn is defined as a condition that develops when the reflux of the stomach contents cause troublesome symptoms, macroscopic damage to the esophagus, or complications.
TCM principles specify that reflux esophagitis is often due to dysfunction of the stomach, liver, and spleen. TCM principles also notate that stress and dietary irregularities weaken the liver’s ability to govern the free movement of qi, it also impairs the spleen’s ability to transport and transform food, and damages the stomach’s ability to maintain the balance of upward and downward bearing qi. If the downward flow of qi in the stomach is disturbed, it pathologically ascends. As a result, the stomach contents backflow into the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis in TCM focuses on transforming turbidity, harmonizing the stomach, and restoring the downward bearing of stomach qi to prevent counterflow. This focus restores normal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), enhances gastric motility, and improves gastric emptying.
Multiple Herbal formulas have been shown to be effective in treating GERD depending of the presentation and differential diagnosis. The most common and effective Chinese Herbal Formula used for GERD are:
