Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive issue among modern people. In Western medicine, the typical treatment involves prescribing antacids. For most people, these medications provide quick relief. However, since they only alleviate the symptoms without addressing the root cause, they cannot completely cure the condition. As a result, patients often need to take antacids continuously on a daily basis. Once they stop the medication, the symptoms tend to return quickly.
Melbourne acupuncturist in South Yarra, Dr. Alex Chen treats acid reflux by identifying acupuncture points that regulate gastric motility. By locating and pressing on tender points along the erector spinae muscles in the upper back, the patient’s stomach function can be restored, leading to rapid improvement of reflux symptoms. Clinical experience shows that the origin pain points for GERD patients are usually found in the erector spinae muscles between T5 and T7—70% on the right side and 30% on the left.
Since pressing these points can often be very painful—especially as both the superficial and deep layers of the erector spinae need treatment—the most effective, painless, and fast method is to use Origin Point Acupuncture. This reduces the patient’s discomfort while providing long-lasting effects.
Many GERD patients also experience mild depression or anxiety. In such cases, it is important to additionally treat the inner border of the scapula (shoulder blade). Simply using the thumbs to gently press along this area can help relax the rhomboid muscles, thereby relieving tension in the entire upper back. Beginners should pay close attention to the patient’s response during treatment—improper pressure could trigger stronger emotional reactions. A good practitioner not only acts with kindness but also observes carefully, adjusting pressure and sequence as needed. Otherwise, rushing may lead to poor results.
Studies have confirmed that Chinese herbal medicine has a positive therapeutic effect on chronic kidney disease (CKD).
A research team with a Western medical background conducted a large-scale study on the efficacy of Chinese herbal formulas in patients with chronic kidney disease. The results were published in the International Society of Nephrologyjournal in 2015. The study analyzed 24,971 patients in Taiwan who were diagnosed with CKD between 2000 and 2005, and they were followed up until 2008.
The report indicated that among the 24,971 patients diagnosed with CKD, 11,351 began receiving Chinese herbal treatment after diagnosis. The study found that patients who received Chinese herbal medicine had a 60% lower risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to those who did not receive traditional Chinese medicine treatment.
Another study also demonstrated that Chinese herbal medicine can significantly improve the survival rates of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A medical research report published in 2014 in the BMJ Journal confirmed this conclusion. The study analyzed 13,864 patients who had been diagnosed with CKD by Western medicine.
Patients were divided into four groups:
The study focused on patient survival rates eight years after diagnosis. As shown in the chart, regardless of whether patients had taken Chinese herbs before diagnosis, the two groups that received Chinese herbal treatment after diagnosis had significantly higher 8-year survival rates compared to the two groups that did not receive such treatment after diagnosis.
