Finding Alternative: My Journey with Acupuncture and GERD
In my previous post, I shared my experience with GERD and the emotional toll it took on my life. I opened up about the anxiety attacks that often accompanied my GERD symptoms and the challenges I faced in finding relief. After seeking out alternative forms of treatment, I realized how little I knew about this condition and began to research it more in-depth. In this post, I will share what I learned about GERD and how it affects the body.
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a chronic condition that occurs when the acid in the stomach flows back into the esophagus. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, GERD can even lead to more serious conditions, such as esophageal cancer.
It was alarming to know this disease is globally occurring and let's look at Malaysia's Data. "According to Ara Damansara Medical Centre consultant physician and gastroenterologist Dr Loong Yik Yee, GERD cases are rising not only in Malaysia but globally due to poor lifestyle choices and obesity. According to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia has the highest prevalence of obesity among adults in South-East Asian ..."
Take note while anyone can experience GERD, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing the condition. These include being overweight, smoking, and having a hiatal hernia. Additionally, certain foods and drinks, such as spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can trigger GERD symptoms.
To properly diagnose GERD, a doctor may perform several tests, including an endoscopy (which I did!) or a pH test. Endoscopies involve inserting a small camera down the throat to examine the esophagus and stomach, while pH tests measure the amount of acid in the esophagus.
Once diagnosed, the treatment for GERD may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and quitting smoking. Medications used to treat GERD include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the lower esophageal sphincter or the hiatal hernia.
It's important to note that untreated GERD can lead to serious complications, including esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, and even esophageal cancer. That's why it's crucial to seek out medical attention if you're experiencing symptoms of GERD.
Continuing from the last post that I shared, after my endoscopy, I thought I had found the solution to my problems by practicing small, timed meals. Unfortunately, my symptoms still persisted and I found myself feeling desperate for relief. It was then that I stumbled upon a website (The Tole Acupuncture) discussing the benefits of acupuncture as a treatment for GERD.
After researching further, I found The Tole Acupuncture Herbal Medical Centre located at Jalan Sultan Ismail. Without hesitation, I decided to make an appointment and seek out the help I so desperately needed.
When I arrived at the center, I met with the doctor and described my condition. I was then led to a treatment room and asked to lie down on the bed. The doctor began to poke me with needles and I felt an electric current running through my body. It was an uneasy experience, and the tingling sensation was overwhelming.
I had never experienced so many needles in my body before, and if I had a choice, I would have avoided this treatment altogether. However, I was determined to find relief from my symptoms and trusted in the process.
After the 45-minute treatment was over, I felt completely drained and exhausted. The doctor prescribed me a herbal remedy and taught me how to boil and drink it for five days. The remedy was meant to reduce the acidity in my body, which would, in turn, help alleviate my GERD symptoms.
Although the treatment was uncomfortable and exhausting, I couldn't deny the positive effects it had on my body. I was given some herbs (as you can see from the photos above) and brought back to boil as a bowl of soup to consume. It was a slightly bitter taste. As the days passed, I found myself experiencing fewer and fewer symptoms. My body was healing, and I felt hopeful for the first time in a long time.
The journey to recovery from GERD has been a challenging one, but I've learned that sometimes the answers we seek are found in unexpected places. While acupuncture may not have been my first choice for treatment, I'm grateful for the relief it provided me. The key is to stay open to alternative forms of treatment and trust in the process!
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