Treating Acid Reflux By Stimulating Acupoint Neiguan(PC6)

Stimulating the P6 Point Can Help Lessen Incidences of Acid Reflux

Researchers have shown that mild electrical stimulation on the acupoint Neiguan (PC6) located in the wrist can help lessen the relaxations on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that are the causes of a gastrointestinal condition known as acid reflux. When this acupoint is stimulated with acupressure or acupuncture needles combined with mild electrical impulses, it can help regulate the function of the LES. The study showed that the stimulation lowered TLESRs or transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations by as much as 40%, from six each hour, to only a couple and a half each hour. The results of acupuncture couple with mild electrical impulse were much better compared to that of the placebo group, in which people in that group were given a mock stimulation on the hip.

Acupressure, like acupuncture, is a component of traditional Chinese medicine but is different than acupuncture because instead of needles, it uses the hands to apply pressure on an acupuncture point. Stimulation of an acupoint by electricity is an updated form of traditional acupuncture, which has been used for thousands of years.

By applying pressure to the acupuncture points charted by ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, certain ailments in organs and areas of the body can be effectively treated utilizing the meridian system corresponding to Yin energy. This helps bring about the proper alignment of Qi and Yang that in turn, causes the body to heal itself.

A study used a modern form of acupoint stimulation used by traditional acupuncturists but this time instead of needles, electrodes were used to transmit mild electrical pulses to certain specific acupuncture points on the skin. Based on TCM theory, these acupoints are connected to energetic thoroughfares that convey energy all over the body. The stimulation of these acupoints helps improve the flow of energy in the affected part of the body.

With acupressure, you can also bear pressure on the Neuguan point using just your fingers. Acupuncture points are often located between ligaments, tendons and bones. You cannot find them on the arteries, blood vessels or on the bones themselves but always in the depressions between or beside them. For thousands of years, the Neiguan point has been chosen by both acupuncturists and acupressurists alike to treat postsurgical nausea, morning sickness, sea sickness, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. It has also been an effective acupoint for the treatment of migraines, chest pain, epilepsy, fever and insomnia. These days, some people are using wrist bands known as "sea bands" that also apply pressure on the Neiguan point to help reduce the episodes of acid reflux.