From the Guidelines
Acupuncture in Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acupuncture is not effectively supported by the provided evidence as a treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 1.
- The studies primarily focus on the medical management and diagnosis of GERD, with an emphasis on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and lifestyle modifications, but do not mention acupuncture as a treatment option.
- Standard medical therapy for GERD typically involves medications such as omeprazole (20mg daily) or lansoprazole (30mg daily), and lifestyle changes, with the goal of reducing symptoms and preventing complications 1.
- While some patients may seek alternative therapies like acupuncture, there is no strong evidence in the provided studies to support its effectiveness in treating GERD symptoms 1.
- A personalized approach to the evaluation and management of GERD is recommended, taking into account the individual patient's symptoms, pathophysiology, and response to treatment 1.
- In the absence of strong evidence supporting acupuncture as a treatment for GERD, conventional medical therapy should remain the primary approach to managing the condition, with alternative therapies considered on a case-by-case basis under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Treating GERD
- Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in several studies 2, 3.
- A study published in the Chinese journal of integrative medicine found that acupuncture can effectively inhibit the intraesophageal acid and bile reflux in GER patients to alleviate patients' symptoms with good safety 2.
- Another study published in Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion found that acupuncture can improve clinical symptoms, quality of life, and negative emotions in patients with GERD based on the "heart-stomach connection" theory 3.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Acupuncture has been compared to medication in several studies, with one study finding that acupuncture had a similar effect to omeprazole in reducing symptoms of GERD 2.
- Another study found that acupuncture had a higher GERD-QOL score and lower SAS score than the medication group, with a lower serum VIP level 3.
Pathophysiology of GERD
- The pathophysiology of GERD is complex and not completely understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and increased reflux during transient LES relaxations 4.
- Prolonged exposure of the esophagus to acid is also thought to play a role in the development of GERD 4.
Innovative Therapeutic Strategies
- Innovative therapeutic strategies, such as advanced endoscopic repair procedures, innovative medications, and personalized approaches, are gaining importance in the treatment of GERD 5.
- Aerobic exercise and diaphragmatic breathing have also been shown to improve symptoms of GERD, with diaphragmatic breathing having a positive effect on LES pressure and quality of life 6.