Mandrake,
I find what you've said very interesting since my heartburn flamed up heavily just a few days ago when the arguments between the mrs. and myself began. Even more strangely it was about my personal, free time, etc. I need time to relax and to just forget about the stresses of work.
Through reading this forum I have come to realize that the stresses in my life somehow add to the amount of acids in my stomach, and that by eating and drinking certain "inappropriate" foodstuff, the condition is worsened. So yes, I too think that my mind (those bottled-up emotions) is where I should begin treatment first.
The pepper does help a lot in a great variety of ways, but I can feel the acids brooding in my tummy while the symptoms are lessened by nutritional treatment.
Merry Christmas, D.
To the non-religious: Have a merry, non-denominational holiday and a happy change of dates on your calendar.