Many people are curious about Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which acts as a gateway between the stomach and esophagus, fails to function properly. If the LES does not close properly or remains open, gastric acid, along with food and other contents in the stomach, can reflux back into the esophagus, leading to various symptoms.

Symptoms of GERD

The stomach secretes gastric acid for food digestion. Since this acid is highly potent, if it refluxes into the esophagus along with food, it can cause damage to the esophageal lining. This can result in a burning sensation or pain, typically manifesting as a burning feeling in the chest area. This chest burning sensation is often referred to as heartburn.

Various Symptoms of GERD

While the most common symptom of GERD is a burning sensation in the chest, various other symptoms can also appear. These may include nausea, frequent burping, a sour taste in the mouth, or excessive salivation. Additionally, indigestion or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) may occur. Dysphagia refers to the sensation of something being stuck in the throat and difficulty in swallowing.

Cases Without Inflammation Also Exist

GERD can affect a great number of people. When an endoscopy is performed due to heartburn or indigestion, inflammation may be confirmed at the gastroesophageal junction, or erosion of the esophageal lining may be observed. While inflammation is often found in GERD, there are also cases where symptoms appear without visible inflammation or erosion. Such cases are specifically referred to as Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD).

Dietary Precautions are Advisable

Spicy, greasy, or irritating foods can be factors that induce heartburn or gastric reflux, so it's best to avoid them. Ingredients like garlic, onions, fried foods, as well as highly acidic fruits such as citrus and tomatoes, can also worsen symptoms.

Treatment for GERD

GERD treatment aims to reduce inflammation, prevent reflux, minimize esophageal damage, and alleviate various symptoms. In GERD, medications of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class are considered. These can help reduce gastric acid production and secretion, thereby decreasing heartburn and aiding in the recovery of tissue damage.

Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for GERD

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), GERD is viewed from a more holistic perspective. Heartburn and reflux symptoms are considered to arise as a result of "Gan-Wi-Bul-Hwa" (disharmony between Liver and Stomach). In TKM, the Liver ensures that qi and blood, emotions, and digestive organs function smoothly in their proper directions.

Lifestyle Management is Also Important

From a TKM perspective, GERD is summarized as a pathogenesis characterized by Liver Qi Stagnation (Gan-Gi-Ul-Gyeol), Disharmony between Liver and Stomach (Gan-Wi-Bul-Hwan), and Stomach Qi Reversal (Wi-Gi-Sang-Yeok). The flow of circulating Liver Qi and descending Stomach Qi must be restored. If there is severe inflammation in the stomach accompanied by Damp-Heat (Seup-Yeol), then the process of resolving this must also be included. These goals are effectively achieved through various TKM treatments, including herbal medicine and acupuncture.