Chronic Heartburn and How to Eradicate Reflux Esophagitis That Only Taeyang-in Types Miss

Modern medicine views dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) as the core cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When this sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, gastric acid, bile, and digestive enzymes reflux into the esophagus. However, this dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter is not merely a mechanical problem; it occurs when the body's intricate regulatory system breaks down. One of the most important links is the vagus nerve and the gut-brain axis. The vagus nerve is a key nerve that directly connects the brain and the digestive organ, profoundly involved in gastrointestinal motility, the regulation of gastric acid secretion, and lower esophageal sphincter function. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression disrupt autonomic nervous system balance and disturb vagus nerve activity, which can trigger inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and delayed gastric emptying. The qi stagnation described in Donguibogam can be interpreted similarly to this autonomic nervous system imbalance and mental stress. In addition, modern dietary habits exert a major influence. High-fat diets, overeating, and specific foods like coffee, chocolate, and spicy foods can excessively stimulate gastric acid secretion or lower lower esophageal sphincter pressure. This increases intragastric pressure and elevates the risk of reflux, a concept that overlaps with Donguibogam's phlegm-fluid—namely, unnecessary fluid retention and food stagnation. When gastric emptying is delayed, food remains in the stomach for too long, fermenting and producing gas, which further drives up intragastric pressure. Recently, the role of the gut microbiome has also attracted attention. Research shows that gut dysbiosis triggers inflammatory responses and affects overall digestive system function, potentially worsening reflux symptoms. As such, modern medicine understands reflux esophagitis not simply as an issue of gastric hyperacidity, but as a systemic problem involving a complex interplay of the nervous system, hormones, dietary habits, and the intestinal environment. In the end, Donguibogam's holistic approach is being re-explained in the language of modern science. Understanding the signals from deep within our body and restoring healthy balance is what matters most.