The thyroid, a little butterfly-shaped gland in the throat, is extremely important to human health because it releases crucial hormones, which are essential to the healthy function of every tissue in the body throughout life. It’s estimated that around 850,000 Australians live with an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below then you should consult your GP and have a blood test, especially if thyroid disease runs in your family.
When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly due to factors including genetic predisposition, iodine deficiencies, or cancer, it releases (1) too little or to much thyroid hormone. The (2) causes for these disturbances in hormone levels is due to underlying autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s (3) (underactive thyroid) and (4) Grave’s disease (overactive thyroid). The two main thyroid hormones (8) are T3 or triiodothyronine, and T4 or thyroxine. They regulate the heart rate, metabolism and body temperature. Another hormone, TSH, is released from the pituitary gland and controls the amount of thyroid hormones that are secreted (5).
We can deepen your understanding of your condition through education and advice, helping you take back control of your health.
We help people like you every day
A study published in 2017 (9) concluded Acupuncture treatments for thyroid problems showed positive results. The study went on to say that although it can take time, disorders of the thyroid may successfully be resolved with acupuncture treatment. Our practitioners aim to assist anyone who is suffering from either an underactive or overactive thyroid gland and the associated symptoms of fatigue and hormonal imbalance. When things go wrong with this gland, it can have a marked effect on overall health.
Symptoms we may be able to assist [in treating] – ? “assist with” instead?:
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- High blood cholesterol level
- Hoarseness
- Heavy or irregular menstruation
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Memory impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tenderness, aches, and stiffness
- Puffy face
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Slowed heart rate
- Weight gain
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Abnormal, popping or puffy eyes
- Diarrhoea
- Thinning hair
- Fatigue
- Fast heart rate
- Heat intolerance
- Hyperactivity
- Inordinate hunger
- Insomnia or difficulty getting to sleep
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Muscle weakness
- Menstrual irregularity
- No periods
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Panic attacks
- Restlessness
- Short and light menstruation
- Sudden weight loss
- Sweating disproportionally
- Tremors
- Warm skin
Do You Need Help With?
- Overactive thyroid
- Underactive thyroid
- Adrenal exhaustion (which can lead to insomnia)
- Lupus – SLE
- Pituitary and hypothalamus imbalance
- Diabetes
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Constant fatigue
- Reproductive difficulties
Our practitioners are dedicated to finding the underlying cause to your health issues, while easing your symptoms, so you can get on with everyday life
Acupuncture & Moxibustion for Fatigue, Hormonal & Thyroid Imbalance
The thyroid’s function is to secrete hormones (thyroxine) that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and metabolism. These essential thyroid hormones regulate every cell in the body, their chemical reactions and help children to grow and develop. In traditional Chinese medicine (7) yin and yang are considered critical parts of the material universe – both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are seen as polar imbalances of these two forces. When treating hypo or hyperthyroidism, practitioners will use acupuncture and moxibustion to balance the yin and yang in the body.
Clinical Nutrition, Exercise, and Lifestyle for Fatigue, Hormonal & Thyroid Imbalance
Nutritional Medicine is a somewhat new field within the complementary health industry. To be accredited, a three-year full time degree in Nutritional Medicine must be completed, and practitioners need to be accredited members of an association and continue professional education. Our practitioners are fully accredited, trained in all aspects of this important part of our patients’ well being and are enthusiastic advocators that nutrition (10), exercise and lifestyle all play a vital part in everyone’s thyroid health (9). Our clinical nutritionists will use dietary advice, nutritional supplements & herbal medicine to assist in rebalancing your Thyroid.
Psychology for Fatigue, Hormonal & Thyroid Imbalance
Thyroid symptoms and the resulting Fatigue and Hormonal problems are seen in Chinese medicine as imbalances of yin and yang forces in the body (8). For example, hyperthyroidism is considered a deficiency of yin energy unable to control yang and, because yang is fire, it flares upwards giving rise to hyperthyroid symptoms like anxiety, anger, dry mouth – all symptoms of heat in the body. Hypothyroidism is considered a deficiency of yang causing excess yin, which represents water or cold energy which causes symptoms like lassitude, poor memory, oedema, being pale and feeling cold.
Acupuncture, Meditation, Yoga and other complementary activities may assist to balance our patients’ yin and yang and our practitioners support them on their path to better physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
References
- The Medical Journal of Australia: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2004/180/4/5-diagnosis-and-management-hyperthyroidism-and-hypothyroidism#CHDJAIHF
- https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/health/article/2017/02/07/tired-heres-5-underlying-reasons-could-be-blame
- http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/health/article/2016/04/18/hashimotos-disease-poorly-understood-chronic-illness
- http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/health/explainer/what-graves-disease
- http://www.mydr.com.au/health-images/thyroid-gland-and-thyroid-hormones
- https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/acupuncture/the-thyroid-in-chinese-medicine/
- Bowers SE. Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism:What’s the Difference? available at: http://www.everydayhealth.com.
- Arsovska B, Zhu J. Thyroid disorder: treatment with acupuncture. Int J Sci Rep 2017;3(7):227-9.
- Cutovic M, Konstantinovic L, Stankovic Z, Vesovic-Potic V. Structured exercise program improves functional capacity and delays relapse in euthyroid patients with Graves’ disease. Disabil Rehabil. 2012;Epub ahead of print.
- Dean S. Medical nutrition therapy for thyroid and related disorders. In: Mahan KL, EscottStump S, eds. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008: 711-724.
