Heartburn or acid regurgitation refers to the abrupt bringing up of undigested materials into the back of the mouth & throat.

Normally our Stomach energy (qi) goes down and food passes from the Stomach into the Small Intestine. When our Stomach Qi goes up, then nausea, vomiting, or acid regurgitation can occur. This is termed ‘Rebellious Stomach Qi’.

Causes of Heartburn

(a) Food stagnating in the Stomach

This is a common cause of heartburn and may be the result of weak stomach acids. Food stays in the stomach too long and disrupts the flow of stomach qi, causing it to ascend rather than descend. Food ferments in the stomach and becomes acidic. Often anti-acid medication is taken symptomatically for this condition. This helps with the immediate symptoms, but long-term usage can be very damaging for the stomach’s qi.

(b) Excessive cold and raw food

Our digestive systems require warmth in order to digest and metabolise food. This is referred to as ‘Spleen Yang ’ in Chinese medicine, or the ‘digestive fire ’. This digestive food becomes damaged by the over consumption of cold & raw food which can then lead to food stagnating in the stomach and the disruption of the stomach’s qi.

(c) Long-term emotional strain

Unmanaged stress can lead to digestive problems. Stress prevents the stomach’s qi moving correctly. This is a condition called ‘Liver invading the stomach ’ in Chinese medicine. Stuck stomach qi can develop into heat. This is analogous to a car ticking over on a motorway, stuck in a traffic jam, and gradually getting hotter & hotter. This stomach heat frequently causes acid regurgitation since the excessive heat is generated in the stomach and the Stomach's energy is not flowing freely.

Acupuncture is effective treatment for these conditions. Changes in lifestyle and/or dietary habits may also be recommended.

I would also recommend visiting your GP since some conditions can be very serious (e.g. stomach ulcers).