21/05/2025
In TCM, acid reflux caused by *overeating* is often due to *food stagnation (食积, Shí Jī)* and *Spleen-Stomach dysfunction. Overeating overwhelms the digestive system, leading to **rebellious Stomach Qi (胃气上逆)*, which pushes stomach acid upward.
TCM has serveral ways to treat acid reflux naturally.
1. Herbal Formulas
- *Bao He Wan (保和丸) – "Preserve Harmony Pill"*
- *Best for:* Food stagnation, bloating, belching, sour regurgitation.
- *Key herbs:*
- *Shan Zha (Hawthorn)* – Digests meat/fatty foods.
- *Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata)* – Breaks down grains.
- *Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed)* – Moves Qi downward to relieve bloating.
- *Dosage:* 6-9 pills (water-honey pills), 2-3 times daily.
- *Jian Pi Wan (健脾丸) – "Strengthen Spleen Pill"*
- *Best for:* Weak digestion with frequent overeating.
- *Strengthens Spleen while clearing stagnation.*
2. Dietary Adjustments*
- *Eat light, warm, and easily digestible foods* (congee, steamed veggies, ginger tea).
- *Avoid:*
- Raw/cold foods (weakens digestion).
- Greasy, fried, or overly sweet foods (worsen stagnation).
- Chew food thoroughly* and stop eating at *70% full*.
3. Quick Home Remedies*
- *Hawthorn Tea (山楂茶)* – Brew dried hawthorn to help digest excess food.
- *Ginger & Brown Sugar Tea (姜糖水)* – Warms the Stomach, prevents acid reflux.
- *Radish Soup (白萝卜汤)* – Cook white radish to promote digestion.
4. Lifestyle Tips*
- *Walk gently* after meals (helps move food downward).
- *Avoid lying down* for at least 2 hours after eating.
- *Practice mindful eating* to prevent overeating.
*When to See a TCM Practitioner*
If acid reflux persists despite these remedies, you may have *underlying Spleen Qi deficiency or Liver-Stomach disharmony*, which requires personalized herbal treatment.
You may like to look for our TCM Physicians for a customised prescription.
We are located at Novena Medicial Center #10-28, Tel: 67766720 ( Whatsapp: 82227436) or Clementi Blk 433 #01-264 Tel: 67747900 (Whatsapp: 88265909)