Chinese Medicine for Hiatal Hernia
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Small hiatal hernias are extremely common — affecting approximately 20% of adults — and the majority cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are driven by acid reflux and impaired gastro-oesophageal junction function, producing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Traditional Chinese medicine cannot reverse the structural hernia, but it can very effectively manage the symptomatic pattern of stomach qi rebelling upward.
TCM Understanding
The symptoms of a hiatal hernia in TCM reflect stomach qi failing to descend — the stomach's natural downward movement is disrupted, causing acid and food to rise. This is compounded by liver qi stagnation in stress-related cases (where emotional tension impairs the middle burner) and by stomach heat where the reflux burns and is accompanied by thirst and a preference for cold drinks.
Treatment
Formulas that harmonise the stomach, descend rebellious qi, and resolve any accompanying pattern are the foundation of herbal treatment. Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang harmonises the middle burner and descends qi. Ban Xia Hou Po Tang addresses the plum stone sensation (globus) that many hiatal hernia patients experience. Acupuncture at CV 12 (Zhongwan), ST 36 (Zusanli), and PC 6 (Neiguan) directly regulates gastric motility. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
To discuss digestive health, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
