Chinese Herbal and Acupuncture Treatment Protocols for Hypothyroidism - Formulas, Protocols, TCM Diagnoses

Hypothyroidism - Basics

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to help carry out many bodily functions. The thyroid produces two hormones, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which are carried through the bloodstream and affect weight, metabolism, skin moisture levels, breathing, brain development, menstruation, cholesterol, muscle strength and other essential functions. When there is not enough of these hormones, an individual can experience fatigue, hair thinning, weight gain, constipation, depression, joint and muscle pain, heavy menstrual cycles, cold intolerance and slowed heart rate.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism - Diagnostic Patterns

The Chinese Medicine treatment of hypothyroidism generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern. This pattern within the individual is what treatment is based on not the general condition (see treating the cause and not the symptoms).

The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of hypothyroidism:

• Heart Yang Deficiency
• Spleen Qi Deficiency
• Spleen Yang Deficiency
• Kidney Qi Deficiency
• Kidney Yang Deficiency

Hypothyroidism - Questions

Need treatment options for hypothyroidism and not finding the information you need?

Using our forums our staff and our community may offer guidance with regards to the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism - Related Acupuncture Points

The following (1) acupuncture point may be useful for hypothyroidism. A subset of these could potentially be useful with acupressure stimulation and/or tongren therapy methods as well.

Generally treatment would be based on the TCM patterns listed above instead of selecting points by function alone, (see general points selection rules.)

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