Why Get Acupuncture Treatment For Your Thyroid-Related Problem?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis also known as Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to a condition called hypothyroidism. In this case, the thyroid produces less of the hormone thyroxine, down to a level that is adequate for the body’s needs.
Although the exact causes of Hashimoto’s disease are yet ascertained, some of the important contributors that have been found to play a role are estrogen dominance condition, consumption of excessive iodine, exposure to radiation, and genetic factors. This disease affects women eight times more than men, thereby suggesting that estrogen and progesterone may have an important role to play. One can diagnose the disease by its symptoms: enlarged thyroid or goiter accompanied by hypothyroidism and abnormal blood levels of auto-antibodies.
Besides the above symptoms, some of the other symptoms of Hashimoto are joint and muscle pain, fatigue, weight gain, slowed heart rate, constipation and sometimes numbness or tingling in the hands and feet due to poor energy production and circulation. In order to diagnose and find out the real causes of this thyroid problem, a Chinese acupuncturist will analyze all the symptoms, tongue, pulse and the blood test results.
Acupuncture treatment and medications
Hashimoto’s patients must take pills containing thyroxine: a thyroid hormone replacement therapy for life. Getting qualified acupuncture treatment for Hashimoto’s along with traditional Chinese medicine and making dietary and lifestyle changes has been proven to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms and keeping the medications to the lowest possible dosage.
A Boston Chinese acupuncturist will give you a differentiated diagnosis according to your symptoms, pulse, and tongue reading. Acupuncture treatments can balance your immune function and reduce the inflammation in your thyroid glands, so your body will not continue to produce antibodies to attack your thyroid glands.
You might be able to keep part of your thyroid function and only have to take very small dosages of Synthroid. Chinese herbs combined with acupuncture can help patients digest food better, improve their energy production so they can be more active and sleep better with fewer aches and pains. Furthermore, high dosage of thyroid hormones can be life-threatening: it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, leading to heart failure.
Duration of treatment to get long-lasting results
People suffering from Hashimoto’s disease require comprehensive and expert treatment only from experienced acupuncturists. Getting twice or once a week treatment for three months reduces the symptoms and helps bring harmony to rejuvenate thyroid function. People with large goiters and long-standing problem may need weekly treatment for 6-12 months based on their age and health conditions in order to help them reduce their consumption of medication and normalize their hormone balance.
Consulting an experienced acupuncturist and following a well-designed acupuncture treatment protocol will provide patients with suitable relief. Inserting hair-thin needles on specific acupoints triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, stimulates blood flow, reduces stress, and alleviates pain. It balances the immune system and helps patients feel energetic.
Experts suggest getting acupuncture treatment for Hashimoto’s disease along with other natural treatment methods for maximum benefits. Besides acupuncture treatment, regular exercise, enough sleep, and meditation will go a long way to reduce stress and help Hashimoto’s patients recover more quickly.