Thyroid and Acupuncture
Tracie Smith, Acupuncturist
Thyroid disorders fall into two categories. There is hyperthyroidism characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid hormone. Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, moist skin, sweating, tremor, nervousness, appetite changes with weight management, diarrhea, and/or frequent bowel movements.
The other category is hypothyroidism that is characterized by an under-active thyroid gland. The symptoms are quite different for each category. Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include a hoarse voice, slowed speech, puffy face, drooping eyelids, sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, dry hair and skin, and depression.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism as imbalances of the yin and yang energy of the body. According to Chinese medicine, everything that exists in our universe has both yin and yang aspects. Therefore, in relation to the body, we can use yin and yang aspects to understand what is happening to the body. For example, when yin and yang are in balance we are healthy and able to protect ourselves from disease, but when yin and yang become imbalanced, illness and or pain develops.
When addressing hypo or hyperthyroidism, your TCM Practitioner or Registered Acupuncturist will use acupuncture, dietary therapy and advise on “energy” movements (like qi gong, tai qi and or yoga) to rebalance the individual’s yin and yang.
Registered Acupuncturists, practitioners with the designation R.Ac, have the ability to assist in rebalancing the body functions. There have been a few studies that have looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture and thyroid disease. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture may help with thyroid diseases.
In addition, the “British Acupuncture Council” cites numerous ways in which acupuncture has been potentially useful for may help with thyroid disease symptoms:
- Increasing levels of thyroid hormones in people with hypothyroidism
- Lowering levels of thyroid hormones in patients with hyperthyroidism
- Reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation by acting on specific areas of the brain
- Increasing the release of the chemical adenosine, which decreases sensitivity to pain
- Improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility by increasing blood circulation in small blood vessels, which aids dispersal of swelling
- Reducing inflammation by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors
Acupuncture services can be useful as well as complementary to your current medical care plan. Naturopathic Living clinic offers these alternative acupuncture services.
References:
https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/acupuncture/the-thyroid-in-chinese-medicine/
https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/press-releases/2015/05/14/traditional-chinese-medicine-and-thyroid-disease
https://www.verywellhealth.com/chinese-medicine-for-thyroid-disease-3231507
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496418300992?via%3Dihub