Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation (TEA) for the Treatment of Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (NERD): A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Age 18-75 years, irrespective of gender 2. Typical heartburn symptoms for at least 3 months 3. Heartburn on at least 2 days during the run-in diary period 4. Endoscopically confirmed NERD (no esophageal erosions, Los Angeles grade N or M) within 12 months 5. Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures and to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Familiarity with acupuncture points and their functions (e.g., previous acupuncture experience or medical training) 2. 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) 3. Presence of gastric or duodenal ulcers 4. History of or suspected diagnosis of functional heartburn or functional dyspepsia by Rome IV criteria 5. 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 6. Inability to discontinue prohibited medications (PPIs, P-CABs, H2RAs, prokinetics, or other GERD-directed therapies) except for protocol-defined rescue medication during the study 7. Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, defibrillator) or other i…