Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Qilu Visceral Tuina Therapy Compared with Rabeprazole in the Treatment of Reflux Esophagitis (Liver-Gastric Stagnant Heat Syndrome):A Randomized Controlled Trial

Reflux esophagitis (RE) refers to a disease where gastric or duodenal contents reflux into the esophagus, causing esophageal mucosal damage. Clinical symptoms mainly include epigastric distension and pain after eating, nausea, vomiting, burning sensation, belching, and acid regurgitation. RE is a subtype of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), together with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and Barrett's esophagus (BE), known as GERD. RE accounts for 30%-40% of GERD, making it the most common type. The prevalence of GERD in China is as high as 1.9%-7.0% , while in western China, it reaches 23.4% . Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are conventional therapeutic drugs, but long-term use of PPIs can lead to serious complications, including kidney diseases, infections, pancreatitis, osteoporosis, and cancer, and 54.1% of patients still have symptoms. As a unique external therapeutic method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Qilu Visceral Tuina Therapy may provide a safe non-pharmacological alternative therapy for RE patients by regulating gastrointestinal hormone levels.