Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid plays an integral role in a healthy functioning body. However, thyroid disorder is an often neglected health issue. When the thyroid does not function properly, other parts of a human body will suffer, which causes a wide range of health problems.
If you currently have thyroid problems, you might have sought out hormonal medication, radioiodine therapy, or even surgery. If you are not happy with the current results, acupuncture might be a nature and alternative solution for you. Learn more about thyroid disorders and available thyroid treatments.
What is thyroid and what are its functions?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck.
It is an essential organ for producing thyroid hormones which regulate body metabolic processes, energy and growth, detoxification, immunity and maintain healthy body weight and blood calcium levels.
What are thyroid disorders?
Thyroid hormones include thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in human body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and mental health. Thyroid disorders are hormone disorders that can cause symptoms due to over- or under-function of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid disorders mainly fall into two categories: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Other thyroid disorders include goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
Hypothyroidism is characterized by an under-active thyroid gland that produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone than body needs. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone than body needs.
What are symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
What are the causes of thyroid disorders in Oriental medicine?
Oriental medicine views thyroid disorders as Yin and Yang imbalance. Recent research shows that Yin and Yang balance can be linked to charged particles that exist in living cells and that move freely through the body. Oriental medicine practitioners postulate that these "bio-electrons" move along the classic energy pathways (meridians) that carry Qi through the body. External factors (such as diet and life style) and internal factors (such as emotion and hereditary conditions) can affect bio-electrical movement in the body and cause a Yin and Yang imbalance of electrons at the cellular level.
What Oriental medicine and acupuncture can do for thyroid disorders?
Oriental medicine typically employs acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary change and special exercises to rebalance a patient's Yin and Yang - the production and release of thyroid hormones.
