In India, thyroid disorders are one of the most common health concerns. More than 42 million people suffer from various types of thyroid disorders. In India, one out of every 10 people has thyroid problems like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. About 60 percent of such cases go undiagnosed.Also read – 5 Reasons Why Coconut Is The Best Food For Thyroid Health
It can affect people of all ages, but women are more likely to be affected as it is often inherited from family members and is also caused by iodine deficiency. While conventional treatments usually focus on medications and surgery, oriental treatments such as acupuncture can effectively manage thyroid problems. While acupuncture has many applications, it has proven to be particularly effective in the safe and natural treatment of all types of hormonal imbalances. Also read – 5 superfoods to monitor thyroid health
What is thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. This gland is responsible for metabolism, energy, hormone regulation, body weight, and calcium levels in the blood. It is one of the endocrine glands that makes hormones. Also read – Untreated thyroid problems can lead to weight gain, menstruation, skin, infertility and heart problems in women: doctor warns
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine hormone. Similarly, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient critical thyroid hormones. Here are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness
- Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and excessive sweating
- Frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Short or mild menstruation
- Goiter development (increase in neck)
Hypothyroidism
- Drowsiness, depression or slow mental processes
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Decreased heart rate
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Constipation
- Heavy menstruation or dry hair and skin
Hormones are like messengers in the body that are responsible for many functions, such as regulating the sleep cycle, emotional health, fertility, physical growth, metabolism, mental acuity, body temperature, immune system and energy levels. When they go out of balance, all the systems of the body can be adversely affected. Fluctuations may be a natural phenomenon, but not a long-term imbalance. That is why it is important to make a diagnosis by checking the level of thyroid hormones in the blood.
How does acupuncture help?
According to traditional Chinese medical philosophy, most diseases are caused by an imbalance in the main forces of body and soul. The “Qi” which can be defined as life force energy flows along the passages of the body called “meridian”. It should be kept strong and free flowing. If the qi is weak or the meridian is blocked, some organs do not get the required nutrition, and the disease will result.
Acupuncture is a procedure that involves inserting a very thin needle into the skin at specific points on the body that coordinates with certain quinine pathways. By targeting these meridians or passages, acupuncture practitioners aim to balance quinine disturbances thought to be the cause of thyroid disorder or other symptoms of the disease.
According to the British Acupuncture Council, acupuncture can treat thyroid disease in a number of ways, including:
- Decreasing thyroid hormone levels in patients with hyperthyroidism
- Increasing thyroid hormone levels in people with hypothyroidism
- Reducing sensitivity to stress and pain, as well as promoting relaxation
- Improves joint mobility and muscle stiffness by increasing blood circulation in small blood vessels
- Increasing the release of the chemical adenosine, which reduces sensitivity to pain
- Reduces inflammation by helping to release vascular and immunomodulatory factors
Along with acupuncture, certain lifestyle changes such as a diet rich in calcium, protein, magnesium and iodine support thyroid function. Also, certain foods called goitrogens can interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts), soy and peanuts. Stress reduction exercises like yoga or tai chi can also be helpful.
(With IANS inputs)
