Acupuncture and Conditions
Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture
Newsletter by Acufinder
When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid
hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too
little of these vital body chemicals can drastically influence energy levels, body weight
and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid
disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental
medicine can treat thyroid problems.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms:
Hyperthyroidism:
Weight loss despite increased appetite
Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure
nervousness, and excessive perspiration
More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea
Muscle weakness, trembling hands
Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
Lighter or shorter menstrual periods
Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression
Reduced heart rate
Increased sensitivity to cold
Tingling or numbness in the hands
Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid
hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are measured, as well as
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers
hormone production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected
by a consistently low basal body temperature.
Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels.
Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery while Eastern treatments aim to
restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones
through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle
changes and special exercises.
In the treatment to thyroid problems, acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance,
regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual
problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be
used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms
into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health.
When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, and iodine
helps support thyroid function while certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with
thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables
(such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Stress reducing
exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial.
Coconut Oil - Virgin coconut oil is praised by health experts for its
ability to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. It is made up largely of medium
chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known to speed metabolism, promote
weight loss, and raise basal body temperatures.
Brazil nuts and walnuts - These nuts contain high amounts of selenium.
Many hypothyroid patients have been found to have deficiencies in this trace mineral.
If you have a thyroid problem, please
schedule an appointment for a
Free Consultation .A custom-tailored treatment plan will
be created to suit your individual needs so that you can feel better quickly and safely!
Hypothyroidism:
How can acupuncture help?
Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function:
Seaweed - Iodine is an essential element that assists the thyroid in
producing thyroid hormone. By increasing iodine intake, patients have seen an increase
in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The best natural source of iodine
is kelp, bladderwrack and other seaweeds.