Unraveling Thyroid Health: Understanding Thyroid Disorders and Their Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Welcome back to our journey through the fascinating world of hormones! In our previous blog, "Unlocking Hormonal Harmony," we explored the crucial role of these chemical messengers in controlling various aspects of our well-being. From metabolism and energy to mood, sleep, and growth, hormones are the conductors of the symphony within our bodies.
Today, our spotlight is on the thyroid gland, an exquisite butterfly-shaped organ gracefully residing in the front of your neck. Nestled discreetly within the endocrine system, alongside glands like the pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenals, and more, the thyroid holds a pivotal position in regulating bodily functions.
The thyroid's primary mission is to produce and release thyroid hormones—thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—into the bloodstream. These mighty hormones influence your body's metabolism, growth and development, body temperature, heart rate and cardiovascular health, and brain function. And if that isn’t enough, their influence extends to nearly every cell, tissue, and organ in your body.
When your thyroid is off or imbalanced, your entire body will feel off.
The pituitary gland, a small yet powerful pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain, plays a critical role in this hormonal symphony. It produces and releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), acting as a messenger to signal the thyroid gland to produce and release T4 and T3. This delicate feedback loop ensures that your thyroid hormones remain within a narrow range, maintaining metabolic equilibrium, energy production, and overall physiological processes throughout your body.
Join us in unraveling the mysteries of thyroid hormones, and understanding their profound impact from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective.
Thyroid Testing Unraveled: TSH, T3, and T4
Understanding thyroid health is a complex puzzle. While TSH is a vital test for assessing thyroid function and is often the most common test ordered, it may not provide the full picture. To truly assess thyroid health you may need to go beyond TSH and order tests for Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3 to gain valuable insights into the thyroid's intricate hormonal cascade.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH, the hormone sent by the pituitary to signal the thyroid, acts like a thermostat, indicating whether thyroid hormone levels are balanced. Abnormal TSH levels can serve as an early warning system for thyroid issues. Since TSH is sent by the pituitary, it can also warn about adrenal fatigue and chronic stress which can impact the pituitary’s ability to produce TSH. While the typical reference range for TSH is 0.45-4.12 mlU/L, a narrower range of 0.5 to 2.5 mlU/L is considered more appropriate for most healthy adults.
Thyroid Hormones: T3 and T4
The thyroid produces both active (T3) and inactive (T4) hormones once it gets the signal of TSH. The T4 hormone (produced in the majority) makes its way around the body, where it’s then converted to either the bioactive T3 or the less active Reverse T3 (rT3) in the cells of the liver, kidney, brain, and skeletal muscle. Thyroid issues can often come secondary to detoxification issues because roughly 80% of the conversion of T4 to active T3 happens in the liver and about 20% happens in the kidneys which are our two major detoxification organs.
T3, the powerhouse of thyroid hormones, has profound effects on the body, from regulating blood vessels to bone health. Insufficient T3 can lead to an under-active thyroid causing symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, constipation, and weight gain.
Reverse T3 (rT3)
Reverse T3 (rT3) is produced by the body as a protective response to stress or illness. During these times, the body may prioritize conserving energy over expending it, leading to a decrease in the conversion of active thyroid hormone (T3) and an increase in rT3 levels. This helps to slow down the metabolic rate and conserve energy, but prolonged or excessive rT3 levels may indicate underlying issues that need attention.
By assessing TSH, Free T4 (aka unbound in the bloodstream), Free T3, and Reverse T3, one gains a comprehensive understanding of thyroid function. This approach helps pinpoint potential root causes of thyroid dysfunction, whether in hormone production, conversion, or a combination of factors. Unraveling this physiological process empowers better diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies rather than giving hormonal medications that simply supplement missing hormones rather than treating the root cause of the problem.
Thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, disease arises from imbalances in the body's energies and substances which flow along meridians. Strong and free-flowing Qi, blood, and body fluids are essential for nourishing organs and maintaining health. Meanwhile, Yin and Yang energies, opposing forces that ensure balance, can lead to "deficiency" or "excess" issues when one becomes dominant over the other.
Hypothyroidism (Deficient Yang)
TCM identifies hypothyroidism as a gradually progressive disorder characterized by chronic deficiency of spleen (digestive) and kidney (adrenal) Yang energies, leading to a slowdown of metabolic processes. When spleen energy is deficient, the body cannot produce Qi and blood to supply nourishment to the kidneys and other organs. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, and hair loss.
TCM treatment aims to tonify Yang and nourish the kidney and spleen meridians to restore balance.
Hyperthyroidism (Excessive Yang or Fire)
TCM perceives hyperthyroidism as an excess of Yang or Fire energy, causing an accelerated metabolic rate. This heat can often be trapped in the liver organ or meridian resulting in symptoms such as red skin, itchiness, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and high metabolism. Too much heat over time can damage the cooling Yin and fluids of the body resulting in symptoms such as sweating, difficulty breathing, insomnia, and dry eyes and mouth. Another common pattern of hyperthyroidism is blockages or stagnation of Qi, blood, or fluids. This can cause “phlegm” stagnation and is considered the reason for swelling of the thyroid gland as seen with goiters.
TCM treatment focuses on calming the excessive Yang, clearing Fire and phlegm, and strengthening Qi and Yin to restore equilibrium.
Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment for Thyroid Disorders
Acupuncture can play a significant role in addressing thyroid disorders by balancing the flow of Qi, and addressing specific imbalances in the body. For instance, specific acupuncture points may be used to tonify Yang energy in hypothyroidism or to disperse excessive Yang in hyperthyroidism.
By stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, regulating the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are essential in ensuring a balanced flow of TSH, T3, and T4. Acupuncture's stress-reducing effects make it an excellent ally in managing thyroid issues exacerbated by chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels. Additionally, improved blood circulation through acupuncture enhances nutrient supply to the thyroid, aiding optimal hormone production.
In autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis (which is not actually a problem of the thyroid, but a problem with the immune system and deserves a blog in itself!), acupuncture's immune-modulating effects can help reduce inflammation and improve the autoimmune response.
Five Ways You Can Improve Your Thyroid Function
Acupressure: The acupuncture point Yin Tang is located directly between the eyebrows and is a reflex point of the pituitary gland. Close your eyes and press on this point for about 1 minute or take ten deep breaths. Your nervous system will thank you!
Schisandra Tea: Also known as “Wu Wei Zi” or “the fruit of five tastes” in Chinese medicine. This adaptogenic herb widely cherished for its ability to reduce stress and promote overall well-being is said to contain all five flavors- sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent- which make it unique and balancing for the body’s energies. Simply steep a tablespoon of dried Schisandra berries in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. Add a touch of honey or stevia to sweeten if desired, and let a new sense of calm take over!
Boost Blood Flow: One of the best ways to boost blood circulation and energy is with moxibustion on the acupuncture point Stomach 36 (zusanli) which translates to “leg three miles.” The legend says that stimulation on this point allowed Chinese soldiers to walk an extra 3 miles when they felt they had nothing left to give. This point is located 4 fingers below the kneecap on the outside of the shin bone. Ask your Chinese medicine doctor for a moxa stick to take home and all you need is a few minutes each day!
Herb for Immune Support: Astragalus is one of the most powerful immune-boosting herbs in Chinese medicine. It’s now widely available in many forms, such as teas and tinctures. You can also support your immune system by cooking with this herb at home. Prepare a nourishing astragalus soup by simmering this herb with vegetables and chicken or tofu. Not only will you have a hearty and delicious meal, but a fortified immune system and a happy, healthy thyroid!
Balance Yin and Yang: Start your day with a warm lemon water elixir, a simple yet effective TCM-inspired ritual to balance yin and yang energies. Squeeze half a lemon into warm water and add a dash of honey. This refreshing concoction can help harmonize your body’s energies and support your thyroid’s natural rhythm.
From a TCM perspective, thyroid disorders are viewed as imbalances in the body's vital energy. TCM diagnosis provides valuable insights into the root cause of thyroid issues, enabling tailored treatments to restore harmony and promote optimal thyroid function. Integrating TCM principles with conventional medicine can offer a comprehensive approach to thyroid health, empowering individuals to achieve lasting wellness and vitality. Book an appointment with one of our qualified TCM doctors for personalized diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
