Using Acupuncture To Treat Heartburn During Pregnancy

Acid reflux or heartburn is caused by the rising hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. This causes the smooth muscle of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach to relax, causing acid to counter-flow from the stomach into the esophagus. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but most often at the end, in the last trimester when the uterus pushes up into the diaphragm and stomach.  The degree of discomfort can vary from very mild to severe pain.  It is usually worse when in a reclined position and better when sitting upright. It may be relieved a little in the final weeks of pregnancy when the baby “drops” into the pelvic cavity.

Western medical treatment consists of prescribing antacids but many women are finding that acupuncture is incredibly helpful for heartburn a well..

Acupuncture For Heartburn

According to Eastern medicine, heartburn can be categorized into two patterns; “Stomach Fire Blazing” or “Food Stagnation in the Stomach.” Symptoms include:

  • Burning in the epigastrium

  • Thirst for Cold Beverages

  • vomiting Sour fluids

  • Epigastric Fullness

  • Belching

  • Acid Regurgitation

  • Vomiting After Eating

  • Distention & Pain

The main acupuncture points used to treat heartburn and acid reflux are:

  • ST 44: Drains heat from the Stomach

  • Ren 12: Harmonizes the middle burner (Stomach and Spleen) and descends rebellious qi

  • PC 6: Harmonizes the Stomach and alleviates nausea and vomiting (also the main point for morning sickness)

  • ST 36: Harmonizes the Stomach.

These points are located on the foot, lower leg, wrist, or mid-abdomen and can be helpful to redirect the flow of digestive juices to their proper place.  Sometimes we can send our patients home with ear press needles to be applied to the webbed area between the 2nd and 3rd toe as an adjunct to weekly treatments. A lot of women say that this helps them get better sleep at night.

Patient Advice for Self Care

  • Learn to recognize and avoid the foods that trigger heartburn.  Some common culprits are highly seasoned rich foods, fried or fatty foods, processed meats, chocolate, coffee, alcohol and often times yeast-containing foods.

  • Small frequent meals as opposed to fewer larger meals are better for you now.  As your baby grows, your internal organs are displaced and smaller meals are processed easier than a large meal, especially when space is limited.

  • Drinking peppermint tea is cooling and eases the tummy.

Sarah JohnsonComment