Acupressure for Acid Reflux

Natural Relief

Acupressure Point ST 43 Xiangu 陷谷 | Sunken Valley. For Natural Relief for Acid Reflux.

On the distal end of the Stomach channel lies ST43. An amazing point for Yang Mind (frontal) headaches and TMJ syndrome/toothache, as the Stomach channel begins its journey wrapping its way across our jaw. Clinically however, I use this point mostly for upper gastric problems. Next time you feel like you have a bout of acid reflux or heart burn coming on, try firmly pressing this point. Let me know how you get on.

ST 43 Xiangu 陷谷 // Sunken Valley

The Wood point of the Stomach channel, this is often used for Stomach Heat induced by Liver Qi Stagnation – more simply, an internal heat triggered by stress, anger, irritability or frustration causing acid reflux or heart burn. Our emotions really do have a significant impact on our physical health, which is why we believe in Chinese Medicine that the mind and body cannot be separated.

In Nepal, we treated many patients with upper gastric problems. Typically, this point used in combination with other Heat reducing and Liver Qi smoothing points, we were able to see a 80-100% improvement within 2-3 treatments (without any dietary changes!) But it often left patients bearing the root cause of this physical manifestation – their unprocessed emotional state!

Emotions and stress are necessary, and healthy! But it is how our body processes them that we need to rein control over, as each thought and emotion releases a tiny chemical signal in our brain that can often lean to dramatic changes to our physical state and well-being. Acupuncture works by stimulating the CNS and interrupting these destructive patterns, helping to re-establish homeostasis and therefore healthy processing of emotions.

In between treatments, I often recommend some highly effective acupressure points for patients to self-administer and this is one of them. This point is located i a depression distal to the junction of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones. Rest and hold for 3-5 minutes & feel that rebellious Stomach Qi & internal Heat subside 🙂 xx

Photo courtesy: Bob Wong @ArtofAcupuncture

More info

This is an acupressure point on the Stomach Meridian. It is classified in TCM as the Shu Stream and Water point of the Stomach channel. Shu-Stream points are where the Qi starts to pour down the meridian. They are known to alleviate heaviness and pain in the joints.

• Clear Heat from the channel
• Regulates the Spleen and dispels edema
• Regulates and harmonizes the Stomach and intestines

In relative terms, this point can be used for signs and symptoms including:

• Frontal headache
• oedema and swelling of the face, pain and swelling of the eyes.
• Abdominal pain, abdominal distension and fullness, borborygmus, fullness of the chest and lateral costal region, belching, acid reflux
• Fever with absence of sweating, cold shivering with malarial disorders.
• Swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot, difficulty in flexing and extending the toes.

About Kimberley

Kimberley, Acupuncturist and Clinic Director at Life + Lemons, is a registered TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) Acupuncturist, passionate about helping women reclaim their feminine edge. After graduating with a First Class Honors in York, she has undertaken specialist training in the area of pain management, natural conception, IVF support, menopause + pelvic pain (endometriosis/dysmenorrhea).

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