Acid Reflux
反酸
Backward flow of stomach acid causing a sour or burning sensation.
Quick Facts
| Health Topic | Digestive Health |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Acid reflux, Sour regurgitation, Heartburn-like reflux, Acid rising, Sour belch |
| Common Symptoms | A sour or acidic fluid rising from the stomach toward the throat, sometimes with a burning sensation in the chest. It often appears after meals, when lying down, or with certain foods, and may come with belching or a bitter taste. |
| Related TCM Patterns | Food Stagnation · Qi Stagnation |
| Related Classical Formulas | |
| Related Articles | Acid Reflux: Syndrome Differentiation and Daily Care |
Acid Reflux in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acid regurgitation in the current set is associated with food stagnation. Differentiation still considers whether there is foul belching, epigastric fullness, and a thick tongue coating after overeating. Classical formulas are matched to this pattern context rather than to acid rising alone. Accompanying signs such as tongue appearance, pulse quality and the presence of heat or cold help distinguish one presentation from another.
TCM Patterns Associated With Acid Reflux
The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.
| Pattern | Common Features | Related Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Food Stagnation食積證Stagnation Patterns | Epigastric or abdominal fullness and distension after eating, foul belching or sour regurgitation, and reduced appetite for the next meal. Stools may be foul-smelling or sticky, and the person often feels better after vomiting or passing stool. Symptoms clearly relate to overeating or irregular meals. Tongue with a thick greasy coating; pulse slippery. | |
| Qi Stagnation氣滯證Stagnation Patterns | Distension, tightness or a constrained feeling in the chest, flanks or abdomen that comes and goes with emotion or stress. Frequent sighing, a sense that emotions are hard to move, and in women premenstrual breast or lower abdominal discomfort are common. Symptoms often ease after movement, expression or belching. Tongue may be normal or slightly dusky; pulse wiry. |
Classical Formulas Traditionally Associated
Associated with 2 classical formulas
Listed for study. Which formula fits, if any, depends on the pattern rather than the symptom.
Learn More About Acid Reflux
Related Health Topic
Digestive Health — Formulas that strengthen the spleen and stomach, aid digestion, and ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
Health Topic
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine understand acid regurgitation?
In TCM, acid regurgitation (反酸) is mainly related to rebellious Stomach Qi and impaired harmony between the Liver and Stomach. Liver Qi invading the Stomach, Heat in the Stomach, Cold in the Middle Burner, food stagnation or Phlegm-Damp can all cause sour fluid to rise. Emotional strain and irregular eating are common triggers.
What are the common TCM patterns of acid regurgitation?
Frequent patterns include Liver-Stomach disharmony (reflux worse with stress, distension), Stomach Heat (burning sour regurgitation, thirst), Cold in the Middle Burner (sour fluid with cold pain, preference for warmth), food stagnation, and Spleen deficiency with Dampness. Accurate pattern differentiation determines the treatment approach.
How does TCM regulate acid regurgitation?
The main principles are to soothe the Liver, harmonize the Stomach, descend rebellious Qi, and clear Heat or warm the Middle according to the pattern. Formulas such as modifications of Zuo Jin Wan, Chai Hu Shu Gan San or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang may be considered. Meal timing is equally important. Internal treatment should be guided by a qualified TCM practitioner.
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This library is educational. It describes how Traditional Chinese Medicine has traditionally understood these presentations. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not a treatment recommendation.
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