Treating
Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture
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 and it 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
Hypothyroidism:
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.
How can acupuncture help?
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.
If you have a thyroid problem, call for a
consultation. A custom-tailored treatment plan will be created to
suit your individual needs so that you can feel better quickly and
safely!
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In
This Issue
- Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture
- How to Monitor Your Basal Temperature
- Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function
How
to Monitor Your Basal Temperature
Blood
tests may not be sensitive enough to detect milder forms of
hypothyroidism. Monitoring your body's basal (resting) temperature
is often used to identify a thyroid hormone deficiency.
To track your basal temperature accurately, follow these
guidelines: • Shake the thermometer below 95°F at night and
place it where you can reach it without getting out of bed.
• The following morning, before you get out of bed, take
your temperature via your armpit for 10 minutes while staying as
still as possible. • Keep records of your temperature for at
least three days. (Women should do this during the first two weeks
of the menstrual cycle, as their basal temperature may rise during
the latter half.) •Normal basal body temperatures fall
between 97.4° F and 97.8° F. If your basal temperature is
consistently low, you could be mildly hypothyroid.
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. 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. |
