Acupuncture to Support Thyroid
by Ann Lee
The thyroid is a critical part of our wellbeing;
it can impact all of our hormones, including stress and reproductive hormones,
the strength of our immune system and our ability to maintain a healthy
weight.
While acupuncture’s most popular use is for pain
management, it can also be used to support hormones, including thyroid
function. Acupuncture works by bringing more blood flow and circulation to
specific parts of the body. With more blood flow, specific organs including the
thyroid can receive more oxygen for hormone production.
Acupuncture points are generally needled along
meridians in the body, of which there are 12 principal meridians to choose
from. When needles are placed along specific meridians, they help to bring more
blood flow and circulation to organs that are located on specific meridians,
similar to reflexology.
Needles can be placed in specific acupuncture
meridians to bring more blood flow and circulation to the thyroid. Acupuncture
needles do not necessarily have to be placed where the thyroid is located. They
are oftentimes placed in the arms, legs and head.
In 2011, a research study, “The influence of
acupuncture on the quality of life and the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone
in patients presenting with subclinical hypothyroidism,” by Luzina KÉ, Luzina
LL, Vasilenko AM, Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii, and Lechebnoi Fizicheskoi
Kultury, was performed. Twenty women with high thyroid-stimulating hormone
values received acupuncture for three to four months. This resulted in
normalized hormone values and a significant decrease in severity of fatigue and
pain.
It is important to note that acupuncture is not
an overnight process when it comes to supporting the thyroid. Some may have
heard cases of people getting immediate results with acupuncture and resolving
pain, but thyroid hormones take time to produce, and therefore thyroid function
can be improved over time. Acupuncture frequency for thyroid function can range
from weekly to monthly appointments. Factors that affect acupuncture duration
are stress, nutrition and exercise. Acupuncture may be an option for those
wanting to optimize their thyroid function.
Dr. Ann Lee, naturopathic doctor and licensed
acupuncturist, is the owner of Health For Life Clinic, located at 112 N.
Cornell Ave., in Lancaster. For more information, visit DoctorNaturalMedicine.com.
