Malfunction of Thyroid Glands and Acupuncture

The thyroid gland, which produces hormones such as T3 and T4, is very important for metabolic processes in the body. Insufficient production of thyroid hormones or overproduction can lead to weight loss, weight gain, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, constipation, indigestion, hair loss, and depression. Over-production of T3 and T4 is called hyperthyroidism and can result in weight loss, increased sweating, diarrhea, and sometimes insomnia. When hormone production is insufficient, the condition is called hypothyroidism, causing weight gain, depression, fatigue, dry skin, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and memory problems. Hyperthyroidism can be a life-threatening condition just like high blood pressure. Hyper- as well as hypothyroid conditions can be improved with acupuncture. Acupuncture Can Improve Thyroid Function Traditional Chinese medicine believes that when there is an imbalance of Yin/Yang in the body, there will be health issues, including thyroid problems. With the help of acupuncture, dietary therapy and herbal medicine, the Yin/Yang balance can be restored. A person with a hypothyroid condition can benefit from acupuncture, and research indicates a treatment period of 2-4 months can restore or improve thyroid function so that the dosage of medication can be reduced or even eliminated. The overall health of the person will improve with acupuncture. Thyroid function can be influenced by digestive and adrenal gland function, which can also be strengthened by acupuncture. Acupuncture Helps to Improve Quality of Life Many doctors believe that, along with Western medicine, acupuncture can help to treat the thyroid more effectively. Traditional Chinese medicine seeks to find the root cause of the hormonal imbalance. Once the cause is found, needles, herbal medicines, and life-style changes can bring back balance in the body. Western medicine is excellent at treating life-threatening illnesses, whereas Eastern medicine treats chronic conditions such as hypothyroid, acid reflux, and anxiety with great effectiveness. Hypothyroid conditions can be treated with acupuncture, but patients need to monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels when they are ready to reduce medications such as Synthroid with their endocrinologist. Acupuncture is Effective in Treating Various Conditions When using acupuncture to treat hypothyroidism, the balance of the estrogen and progesterone, parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, adrenal and immune functions can be restored and strengthened. That is why acupuncture can be used to treat IBS, depression, macular degeneration, urinary tract infection, vertigo, sinusitis, migraines and insomnia. People suffering from allergies can also get relief with acupuncture once the immune function is not hyper-reactive. Many couples having problems conceiving choose acupuncture to help in balancing their hormone levels, relax the uterus, and improve the ovarian function, especially for PCOS.