Reducing Acid Reflux With Acupressure

Acupressure follows the same healing principle as acupuncture but without the use of needles. Specific areas and organs of the body are successfully treated through the application of pressure on the pressure points indicated in ancient Chinese medicine. By means of this technique, the energy or chi flowing through the energy channel system (aka meridian system) is brought into balance, facilitating the healing process of the body.

For over two thousand years, traditional Chinese acupuncture in Bellingham has been used to address various types of digestive disorders. Recent research shows that electrical acupoint stimulation, acupressure, and acupuncture treatment on the P6 (Pericardium 6) acupoint induces relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). LES relaxation is one of the major causes of acid reflux. A clinical study involving electrical acupoint stimulation led to a 40 percent decrease of these relaxations in a majority of the cases studied. This is an impressive accomplishment and could herald the start of one of the most important findings ever made in acid reflux treatment.

The Pericardium 6 or P6 acupoint, which is also known as Neiguan, is situated between two tendons on the wrist’s underside. This point is found about two finger-widths from the folding where the arm and hand meet (if you stretch out your hand and twist it toward you).

The lower esophageal sphincter or LES is the valve found between the abdomen and esophagus and is made of muscles. Normally, this valve only opens to allow liquids and food to enter into the abdomen. A properly functioning LES should shut tight to restrain the gastric fluids from flowing back into the esophagus. When it relaxes when it shouldn’t acid reflux is the result. Various factors can bring about acid reflux. They may include stress, chocolate, alcohol, carbonated drinks, acidic foods, and others.

Applying acupressure to the Neiguan has been an age-old treatment in China especially in relieving nausea and vomiting. It is now sometimes used to relieve sea sickness, traveler’s motion, postsurgical nausea, and morning sickness in pregnant women. This healing ability has led to the invention of acupressure wrist bands or “sea bands”, as they are sometimes called, to treat sea sickness and traveler’s motion. A small plastic button is built in the wrist band that bears pressure to the Neiguan. Some people have said it is also capable of mitigating acid reflux.

But even without wrist bands, you can treat acid reflux with use of only your fingers. It’s important to note that you should never feel a sharp pain, only a slight numbness whenever you apply pressure to the P6. All acupoints are either in between or beside tendons, ligaments, and bones. They are never located on arteries, blood vessels, and bones, only beside or between them.

The P6 is a very versatile point. Aside from treating acid reflux, vomiting, and nausea, it can also help treat migraines, fever, epilepsy, chest pain and insomnia. When this acupoint is stimulated, the entire body can benefit in various ways.

According to ancient Chinese medicine theory, the acupoints or pressure points connect to the internal channels of energy conduction, and by stimulating these points the movement of chi or energy is increased and accelerated. Allopathic medicine, on the other hand, is seemingly just beginning to understand ancient healing system. Western medical researchers suspect that acupuncture works through chemicals and nerve signals that are secreted by the CNS or central nervous system, although they still can’t explain how it all works. Hopefully, over time, modern medicine may be able to fully grasp the concept and knowledge of these ancient healing systems.

There is no doubt that both acupuncture and acupressure works in varying degrees of effectiveness. They are both pain free and relaxing methods. In acupuncture, the needles used are as thin as the hair in your head that they hardly generate any sensation when inserted into the skin. Acupressure is even a more non-invasive type of procedure in that pressure is applied with use of the hand, fingers, elbows, or even the feet, not with needles. It is also very simple to learn and perform. All you need is an acupressure chart that will indicate the location of the acupoints you need to massage. Even animals and pets can benefit from this type of therapy. Actually I know some veterinarians who have adopted this technique and use them on their animal patients, whenever needed, to avoid the use of drugs.

Some of my patients who suffer from acute GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) have reported using the P6 wrist bands to try to relieve their condition. Most of them said that the wrist band do actually work in decreasing acid reflux, but only if it is placed exactly on the P6. Some online companies recommend wearing two wrist bands, one on each wrist, while other companies say that you only need to wear one. Well, people respond differently from the effects of these devices and so I say, whatever works for you is fine.

If you interested in trying these wrist bands, you can purchase them on health food stores or online at reasonable prices. You can also opt for a massage clinic that employs a therapist specializing in acupressure and have them perform acupressure on the P6. Where you seek treatment is up to you but it is always wise to keep an open mind about healing in general and to learn how to perform acupressure the right way. This therapy gives you the ability to heal yourself. Regarding acid reflux, you can always avail of natural healing approaches to keep it under control, or even cure it completely.