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!
This is a one time only mailing -
If you wish to subscribe to this newsletter
and receive future monthly mailings, please
reply to this email with "subscribe" in the
subject field.
|
|
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.
|
