Also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastric acid ascends from the stomach, up the oesophagus to the mouth. In Chinese medicine this is referred to as rebellious Qi because the movement of food in the stomach should be downwards.

Diet and emotional are the most common causes. Too much spicy hot foods, alcohol, coffee and chocolate. Eating at irregular times of the day, eating too much or too close to bed time. In some cases citrus, tomatoes, uncooked peppers, radishes, onions and garlic. Eating when in rush or stress can knot the movement of the digestive system creating congression. Other symptoms possibly constipation, diarrhoea or bloating might be present. All these of these factors helps with diagnosis helping the acupuncturist know how to treat the condition and what aftercare advice is needed.

Common points

• Ren12

• Ren13

• Ren17

• PC6

• LIV3

• LI10

• GB34

• ST21

• ST44

Diet

Be aware of your triggers, these are listed above, avoid raw food and eat cooked food. To settle the stomach drink licorish this will reduce the acidic burn in the stomach and settle it. Eat at a table, not on a couch, make sure the table is at a regular height. If it is too low then this affect the digestive process by constricting the movement of food passing into the stomach and putting pressure on the rest of the digestive system. If you also suffer from either constipation or diarrhoea then also read the page, following the advice on those pages will also help you with acid reflux.