Traditional Chinese Medicine for Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders can occur due to either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be caused by many possible patterns. Hyperthyroidism is caused by yin deficiency. Hypothyroidism is caused by yang deficiency.
TCM practitioners often use herbal formula combined with acupuncture for thyroid disorders. After the pattern of thyroid disorders is identified, an herbal formula will be used based on your condition and constitution, along with a personalized acupuncture plan. TCM aims to cool down and nourish for people with hyperthyroidism, warm up and stimulate for people with hypothyroidism. Chinese medicine can be effective for the following common patterns of thyroid disorders.
Chinese Herbs for Thyroid Disorders
For hyperthyroidism, there are three common patterns of yin deficiency include kidney yin deficiency, heart and liver yin deficiency, heart and kidney yin deficiency. For kidney yin deficiency, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is often used. It is an herbal formula to nourish the energy of the kidneys. It contains herbs include Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yao, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi and Fu Ling. For heart and liver yin deficiency, Zhi Zi Qing Gan Tang can be used. It contains herbs include Zhi Zi, Xia Ku Cao, Xuan Shen, Zhi Mu, Zhe Bei Mu and more. For heart and kidney yin deficiency, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan can be used. It contains herbs include Dan Shen, Shi Chang Pu, Di Huang, Dang Gui, Wu Wei Zi and more.
For hypothyroidism, there are two common patterns of yang deficiency include spleen and kidney yang deficiency, heart and kidney yang deficiency. Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan is often used for hypothyroidism. It is an ancient Chinese herbal formula for yang deficiency. It contains herbs include Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yao, Mu Dan Pi, Fu Ling and more. You Gui Wan can also be used for yang deficiency. It contains herbs include Shu Di Huang, Shan Yao, Tu Si Zi, Gou Qi Zi, Lu Jiao Jiao and more.
Acupuncture for Thyroid Disorders
Several studies suggest that acupuncture can be beneficial for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It can decrease the levels of thyroid hormones in people with hyperthyroidism and increase the levels of thyroid hormones in people with hypothyroidism. TCM practitioners believe that acupuncture is very useful for thyroid disorders. It can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and help manage sleep and emotions.
