top of page
Search

Acupuncture for Hypothyroidism

Marlo Rapp

Updated: Nov 30, 2022

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck. The thyroid is responsible for secreting thyroid hormones that influence growth and development, metabolism, body temperature, and proper functioning of various organs in the body.


Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning properly. Having too little thyroid hormone in the blood is also known as having an underachieve thyroid. Hypothyroid is most often caused by autoimmune disease, but may also be due to radiation treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid. Roughly 4.6% of Americans have hypothyroidism, though in most cases it is mild. Woman are more likely than men to suffer from thyroid diseases, particularly post-pregnancy or after menopause.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Depression

  • Fatigue

  • Insomnia

  • Unexplained Weight Gain

  • Morning Headaches

  • Difficulty Losing Weight

  • Poor Memory

  • Mental Fog

  • Muscle Cramps

  • Slowed Speech

  • Edema & Facial Swelling

  • Increased Susceptibility to Colds/Flu

  • Reduced Blood Flow

  • Drooping Eyelids

  • Hoarse Voice

  • Constipation

  • High Cholesterol

  • Dry Skin, Nails, & Hair

  • Sensitivity to Cold

  • Slow Wound Healing

  • Chronic Digestive Problems

  • Need Excessive Sleep Just to Function

  • Loss of Outermost Portion of Eyebrows

  • Poor Circulation/Numbness in Hands & Feet

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypothyroidism is regarded as a Yin/Yang imbalance, and is managed through acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and herbal medicine. Acupuncture is also used to address autoimmune issues, which are the most common cause of hypothyroidism.


Acupuncture helps hypothyroidism and autoimmune disease is several ways. Clinical research has found that acupuncture stimulates physical responses related to immune functioning, including the nerve cells, hormones, pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. Research has also found significant improvements in clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism when participants received acupuncture. Benefits noted include normalization of hypothyroidism-induced thyroid hormone imbalance, regulation of the T helper Th1/Th2 imbalance, increased levels of thyroid hormones, and stimulation of the body’s antioxidant defense system.

With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates the use of acupuncture for the treatment of thyroid diseases.


Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny, thin needles at specific points on the body to promote balance and support the body’s natural healing abilities. Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body as a whole when addressing disease, and recognizes each person as unique and requiring a custom approach to address areas of concern. This may include a combination of acupuncture, herbal supplements, and/or nutritional recommendations to fully support your health and well-being.


At Four Seasons Acupuncture in Hot Springs, AR, we are here to help you take charge of your health and restore balance and well-being.


Four Seasons Acupuncture in Hot Springs Arkansas


Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, cupping, injection therapy, moxibustion, tuina, nutritional therapy, TCM, and more!


We are located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, just minutes from Red Oak, AR, Price, AR, Lake Hamilton, AR, Pleasant Hill, AR, and Malvern, AR.


18 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page