Winning Hands Massage

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Treatment Work - Conditions

Acid Reflux (GERD)

Most cases of Acid Reflux are NOT caused by the stomach producing too much acid. All of the drugs, however, treat the problem by suppressing production of stomach acid. Unfortunately, the acid is needed for digestion. Suppressing the acid simply leads to other problems, like constipation.

The technique itself is deceptively simple, requiring no more than either a thumb or one finger-tip.

In medical terms, the location is called the gastroespohogeal junction. Specifically, this is where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. There is a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal foramen. That hole can get stretched out of shape allowing a piece of the upper stomach wall to slip through and get pinched, creating a hietal hernia. It also affects the positioning of the esophageal sphincter or valve. This valve is a one-way valve that allows downward movement through the esophagus while preventing back-flow from the stomach. When the valve does not properly seal, acid can flow from the stomach up into the esophagus, generally when in a reclining position. Over time in cases of GERD, this acid will literally eat a hole in the esophagus.

The actual location is two centimeters to the left of the xyphoid process. that small, lumpy bone at the base of the sternum. If you can’t feel it, don’t panic, not everyone has one – it’s another one of those medical mysteries why some people have it and others don’t. Either way, simply place your left thumb so the medial edge/corner of the tip is at the base of the sternum. In this position, your thumb pad will be right on top of the junction.

With your thumb in that position, bend forward slightly (maybe 5-10 degrees) at that point and press in with your thumb using medium-firm pressure. Step two is to then simultaneously extend your back (again maybe 5-10 degrees past the center line) with a slight rotation of your shoulders toward the right while applying a stretch with your thumb on a line down toward your left hip. There are three pieces to this – extension, rotation and stretch, all done at the same time. Hold that position for 30-60 seconds or until you get relief. While you are doing this you might as well add some visualization and “intention” to energetically increase the effectiveness. The following photos illustrate the specific steps.

It doesn’t matter whether you use your left thumb or the fingers of your right hand. Use whichever is easier and more comfortable for you. Whichever you use, the force applied is the same – diagonally toward your left hip.

Does this provide a cure? It doesn’t really matter. Bringing the problem under control without using meds is certainly cheaper and easier on the body. As far as that goes, none of the drugs cure the problem either.

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