Holistic treatments for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)---also known as heartburn or acid reflux disease---can offer relief of symptoms and can be a useful preventative tool, thereby replacing the use of conventional drugs whose side effects are sometimes considerable. Alternative medicine for GERD symptoms combined with healthy changes in diet and lifestyle can help you return to good health and overcome the discomfort and potential long-terms effects of prolonged damage to the esophagus from exposure to excess stomach acids.
Homeopathy
Certain homeopathic remedies are effective in a holistic health care plan for the treatment of heartburn. The two most common homeopathic remedies for reflux are Nux vomica and Arsenicum album. A person needing Nux vomica will often exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: the mental state will be similar to the overworked business person who is very intense, bossy and tends to get angry easily. The individual often overeats may drink too much coffee or alcohol, eats a lot of spicy and fatty foods, smokes cigarettes heavily and participates in excesses, overdoing many areas of her life.
The person needing the remedy Arsenicum album will often present with burning pains anywhere in the body, made better by drinking hot drinks or by the use of hot applications like heating pads. There is a thirst for cool water taken in small sips with accompanying anxiety, restlessness and a fear of being alone.
Both remedies can be found in health food stores. If either of these remedies is indicated for heartburn, the dose is equivalent to one pillule under the tongue, and often brings immediate relief. See a qualified homeopath if symptoms persist.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has recently been shown to be an effective holistic treatment for GERD. Investigations made at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia led to two studies that examined the effects of acupuncture on the lower esophageal sphincter and found that electrical acupoint stimulation relaxed the esophageal sphincter reducing effects of acid reflux disease. Reports of the findings were published in the August 2005 issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.
Acupressure
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has reported that although there is no clear evidence suggesting a relationship between GERD, heartburn and hiatal hernia, many patients present with symptoms of two our of three or all three conditions at the same time.
Treating a hiatal hernia with acupressure can relieve symptoms by reducing heartburn and lessening pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. There are several self treatments for using acupressure that can be performed at home.
Chinese Herbs
Another alternative treatment for heartburn and acid reflux is the use of Chinese herbs. A Doctor of Oriental Medicine (OMD) will examine you and make a mixture of the appropriate herbal formulas for a patient suffering from acid reflux. The same OMD will likely be an acupuncturist, so you can accomplish two forms of holistic treatment in one medical practice.
A Chinese herbal mixture for GERD might include the following ingredients known to offer relief for heartburn: The fossilized minerals of oyster shell and dragon bone reverse reflux and neutralize acidity in the stomach, redirecting the energy (known as "chi"). Bupleurum is included for its anti-inflammatory properties. Scute may be included for its antimicrobial properties to help with viruses. Ginseng and ginger aid in digestion, and other Chinese herbs may be added to the final mix based on what the practitioner finds in her exam.
