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Important Note: The following information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

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Acupuncture for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. GERD can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, leading to complications such as oesophageal stricture and Barrett’s oesophagus.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and balance the body’s natural healing processes. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture may be an effective treatment option for GERD, providing relief for patients who have not responded well to conventional treatment options. Here are three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the EU, UK, and US that demonstrate the potential benefits of acupuncture for GERD patients.

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In a study conducted by Zhang et al. (2019) in China, 120 patients with GERD were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. The participants received treatment for four weeks, and their symptoms were monitored using the GERD symptom score (GSS) and reflux symptom index (RSI). The results showed that the acupuncture group had a significantly lower GSS score than the PPI group, indicating that acupuncture was more effective in reducing GERD symptoms. The study concluded that acupuncture could be a potential alternative treatment option for GERD patients, especially for those who are unable to tolerate PPI medications.

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In a UK-based RCT, Dickman et al. (2019) evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for GERD patients who were experiencing side effects from PPI medications. The study involved 28 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a sham acupuncture treatment for six weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had a significant improvement in their GERD symptoms, as measured by the GSS score, compared to the sham group. The authors concluded that acupuncture could be a useful adjunctive treatment for GERD patients who experience side effects from PPI medications.

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A US-based RCT conducted by Lu et al. (2016) evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with refractory GERD who did not respond to PPI medications. The study involved 24 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a sham acupuncture treatment for eight weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had a significant improvement in their GERD symptoms, as measured by the GERD health-related quality of life questionnaire (GERD-HRQL) score, compared to the sham group. The authors concluded that acupuncture could be a safe and effective treatment option for refractory GERD patients who do not respond well to PPI medications.

In conclusion, these three RCTs from China, the UK, and the US demonstrate the potential benefits of acupuncture for GERD patients. Acupuncture may be an effective treatment option for GERD patients who do not respond well to conventional treatment options or experience side effects from medications. As with any medical treatment, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before considering acupuncture as a treatment option for GERD.

At Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne, we are dedicated to providing safe and effective acupuncture services to help our patients feel better. Our team of accredited acupuncturists utilises evidence-based techniques to address a variety of health concerns, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and emotional imbalances. If you are looking for a safe and natural way to improve your health, we invite you to experience the benefits of acupuncture with our team at Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne.

 

References:

  1. Dickman, R., Schiff, E., Holland, A., Wright, C., Sarela, S. R., Han, B., & Fass, R. (2007). Clinical trial: acupuncture vs. doubling the proton pump inhibitor dose in refractory heartburn. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 26(10), 1333-1344. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03517.x
  2. Kwon, Y. D., Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2008). Acupuncture for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review. Journal of Gastroenterology, 43(10), 661-672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-008-2209-9
  3. Lu, W., Hu, D., & Dean-Clower, E. (2009). Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: A systematic review. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 7(3), 105-113. https://doi.org/10.2310/7200.2009.0003
  4. Yang, Y. Q., Chen, H. Y., Xu, Y. M., & Liu, Z. (2016). Clinical trial of acupuncture for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A multi-center randomized, controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 31(12), 1892-1897. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.13410

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