Acupuncture for reflux has a mixed but not empty research base — several smaller trials have found some symptom improvement, particularly for people whose reflux hasn't fully responded to standard medication, though the effect sizes and study quality vary a lot, and it's generally considered a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment.
What it's typically used alongside, not instead of
Most of the research on acupuncture for reflux has studied it in combination with existing medication, not as a replacement for it — the more supported use case is as an add-on for people with residual symptoms despite treatment, not as a first-line option.
What to look for in a practitioner
A licensed acupuncturist with experience in digestive conditions, and ideally one who's willing to coordinate with your doctor rather than positioning acupuncture as a stand-alone fix, is a reasonable standard to look for. Reflux that hasn't responded to standard treatment is worth investigating medically before or alongside trying acupuncture, since there may be an underlying cause (like a hiatal hernia) that acupuncture won't address.
Setting expectations
The honest summary is: modest evidence, low risk when done by a qualified practitioner, and best considered as one part of a broader plan rather than a solution on its own.
