From the perspective of modern medicine, gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which gastric acid refluxes into the esophagus, causing inflammation and injury to the esophageal mucosa. This primarily arises from dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter at the gastroesophageal junction; when this sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, gastric contents reflux into the esophagus. Sphincter dysfunction is aggravated by factors such as stress, dietary habits, and obesity, with autonomic nervous system imbalance exerting a major influence. Under stress, the body increases sympathetic tone and suppresses parasympathetic activity, impairing gastrointestinal motility and inducing lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, which can further intensify reflux. The autonomic nervous system regulates virtually all bodily functions, including digestion, closely mirroring what Donguibogam terms the unimpeded flow of qi. In Korean medicine, Hegu (LI4) belongs to the large intestine meridian and is renowned for its remarkable efficacy in modulating digestive system function and relieving generalized pain. Modern neuroscientific research confirms that stimulating Hegu (LI4) activates specific brain regions, particularly those linked to pain control and the autonomic nervous system, such as the periaqueductal gray, hypothalamus, and limbic system. This demonstrates that acupressure on Hegu (LI4) acts far beyond local effects, influencing the central nervous system to induce systemic regulatory responses. Specifically, stimulating Hegu (LI4) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, including the vagus nerve, to promote gastrointestinal motility, regulate gastric acid secretion, and normalize lower esophageal sphincter tone. Moreover, it promotes the secretion of neurotransmitters like endogenous endorphin and enkephalin to produce analgesic effects, helping alleviate heartburn and epigastric discomfort caused by reflux esophagitis. Because stress is a primary factor worsening gastrointestinal disease, studies report that acupressure on Hegu (LI4) reduces cortisol levels and improves heart rate variability, positively contributing to autonomic nervous system balance. This illustrates that stomach fire stemming from liver qi stagnation in Donguibogam directly corresponds to modern medicine's stress-induced autonomic imbalance, demonstrating that Hegu (LI4) plays an important role in resolving these interwoven issues. Ultimately, using acupressure on Hegu (LI4) to promote the smooth flow of stomach qi and pacify fire represents a prime example of Korean medical wisdom aligning seamlessly with modern neuroscientific mechanisms to restore systemic balance.
