Part 1: Beat the Burn

1. Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation: 

The primary mechanism of acid reflux is the weakening or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

2. Excess Stomach Acid: 

Overproduction of gastric acid can exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux.

3. Increased Esophageal Sensitivity: 

The esophagus becomes more sensitive to the refluxed material, leading to enhanced discomfort or pain.

4. Other Triggers:

o Poor dietary habits, such as overeating, and frequent consumption of spicy or acidic foods.

o Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

1. 胃食管括约肌松弛

2. 胃酸过多

3. 食管黏膜敏感性增加：食管对反流物的耐受性下降。

4. 其他诱因：

• 饮食习惯不良如过饱、嗜食辛辣、酸性食物等。

• 肥胖、吸烟、饮酒等

In TCM, acid reflux is often associated with "disharmony of the stomach's descending function" and is closely linked to spleen and stomach imbalances. The treatment focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach, soothing the liver, and harmonizing the stomach to counteract upward movement of gastric acid.

Common Causes and Pathophysiology in TCM:

1. Improper Diet

o Overconsumption of cold, spicy, or greasy foods can lead to excess heat in the stomach, causing stomach qi to rebel upward and result in acid reflux.

o Irregular eating habits weaken the spleen and stomach, disrupting their descending function.

2. Liver-Stomach Disharmony

o Emotional distress or prolonged stress can lead to liver qi stagnation, which may disrupt the stomach's function and cause upward movement of qi.

o Symptoms: Acid reflux accompanied by chest and flank discomfort.

3. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency

o Weak spleen and stomach function reduces their ability to process and contain gastric acid, leading to acid regurgitation.

o Common in individuals with chronic illness, fatigue, or weak constitution.

4. Stomach Heat

o Excessive internal heat from overeating spicy or hot foods can generate stomach fire, forcing stomach qi upward.

o Symptoms: Bitter taste, dry mouth, and burning sensation.

5. Phlegm and Dampness Obstruction

o Diet or internal dampness can produce phlegm that obstructs the stomach's descending function.

o Symptoms: Acid reflux with belching, nausea, and a heavy sensation in the head.

6. Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat

o Prolonged illness or physical overexertion depletes yin fluids, leading to dryness and virtual heat in the stomach.

o Symptoms: Acid reflux with burning pain and discomfort, often in individuals with chronic fatigue or insomnia.

中医认为反酸通常属于“胃失和降“，与脾胃功能失调密切相关。中医治疗反酸主要以调理脾胃、疏肝理气、降逆和胃为主。

常见病因和病机如下：

1. 饮食不节

a. 过食生冷或辛辣油腻，导致胃热炽盛，胃气上逆，出现反酸。

b. 饥饱失常，损伤脾胃，胃失和降，胃酸上泛。

2. 肝胃不和

a. 情志不畅或长期压力，导致肝气郁结，横逆犯胃，使胃气不降反升。

b. 表现为反酸伴胸胁胀痛。

3. 脾胃虚弱

a. 脾胃功能低下，运化无力，胃中虚寒，不能收敛胃酸，导致酸气上泛。

b. 多见于体弱久病、劳倦过度者，表现为反酸伴腹胀、乏力。

4. 胃热炽盛

a. 胃中积热或因嗜食辛辣、酒类等热性食物，导致胃中火热内生，迫使胃气上逆。

b. 多伴有口苦、口干、烧心感等。

5. 痰湿阻胃

a. 饮食失调或体内湿气重，痰湿困于中焦，阻碍胃气正常下降。

b. 表现为反酸伴嗳气、恶心、头重。

6. 阴虚内热

a. 久病或体质虚弱导致阴液亏虚，胃失濡养，虚火上炎，引起反酸烧灼感。

b. 多见于病后体虚、过度劳累或长期失眠者。