Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA) for the Treatment of Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (NERD)

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-75 years, irrespective of gender * Typical heartburn symptoms for at least 3 months * Heartburn on at least 2 days during the run-in diary period * Endoscopically confirmed NERD (no esophageal erosions, Los Angeles grade N or M) within 12 months * Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures and to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Familiarity with acupuncture points and their functions (e.g., previous acupuncture experience or medical training) * Any esophageal structural or mucosal disease (e.g., Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis LA grade A-D, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal stricture, varices, malignancy, or prior chemical/thermal/radiation injury) * Presence of gastric or duodenal ulcers * History of or suspected diagnosis of functional heartburn or functional dyspepsia by Rome IV criteria * Systemic diseases affecting gastrointestinal motility (e.g., systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (fasting glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L or glycated hemoglobin ≥7.0%), severe cardiovascular disease, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, or severe psychiatric disorders * Inability to discontinue prohibited medications (PPIs, P-CABs, H2RAs, prokinetics, or other GERD-directed therapies) except for protocol-defined rescue medication during the study * Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, defibrillator) or other implants susceptibl…