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Is acupuncture effective for Thyroid balance?

By targeting these meridians or pathways, an acupuncture practitioner aims to bring back into balance a disruption of Qi believed to cause thyroid disorders or other symptoms of a disease…writes Dr.Srividya Nandakumar

Thyroid disorders are quickly becoming one of the most common health concerns in India, with more than 42 million people suffering from some form of thyroid disorder. Also, 1 in every 10 people in India has thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer, and over 60 per cent of them go undiagnosed.

It can affect people of all ages, but women are more likely to be affected because it is often inherited from family members and also results from iodine deficiency. While traditional treatments usually focus on drugs and surgery, eastern treatments like acupuncture can effectively manage thyroid issues. While acupuncture has many applications, it has proven to be especially effective in the safe and natural treatment of all types of hormonal imbalances.

What is Thyroid?

The thyroid happens to be a butterfly-shaped gland that is situated at the front of the neck. The gland is responsible for metabolism, energy, hormone regulation, body weight, and blood calcium levels. It is one of the endocrine glands that make hormones.

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 doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial thyroid hormones. Here are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism

Weight loss despite good appetite

Increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, heart palpitations, nervousness and excessive perspiration

Frequent bowel movements, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea

Muscle weakness

Shorter or lighter menstrual periods

Development of a goitre (an enlargement in the neck)

Hypothyroidism

Lethargy, depression or slower mental processes

Increased sensitivity to cold

Reduced heart rate

Numbness or tingling in the hands

Constipation

Heavy menstrual periods or dry hair and skin

Hormones are like messengers in the body that is responsible for numerous functions, such as overseeing the regulation of sleep cycles, emotional health, reproduction, physical growth, metabolism, mental acuity, body temperature, the immune system, and energy levels. When they go out of balance, all of the body’s systems can be adversely affected. Fluctuations can be a natural occurrence, but long-term imbalances are not. That is why it is important to get diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

How Acupuncture Helps

According to traditional Chinese medicine philosophy, most diseases stem from imbalances in the key energies of the body and spirit. “Qi” which can be defined as life force energy, flows along pathways through the body known as “meridians”. It must be kept strong and flowing freely. If Qi is weak or the meridians are blocked, certain organs will not get the nourishment they require, and illness will result.

Acupuncture is a process that involves inserting very thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body that coordinates with particular pathways of Qi. By targeting these meridians or pathways, an acupuncture practitioner aims to bring back into balance a disruption of Qi believed to cause thyroid disorders or other symptoms of a disease.

According to the British Acupuncture Council, acupuncture can treat thyroid disease in many ways, such as:

Lowering 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
Improving joint mobility and muscle stiffness by increasing blood circulation in small blood vessels
Enhancing the release of the chemical adenosine, which reduces sensitivity to pain
Reducing inflammation by helping in the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors

Along with acupuncture, certain lifestyle changes like a diet rich in calcium, protein, magnesium, and iodine helps support thyroid function. Also, certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts), soy, and peanuts. Stress-reducing exercises like yoga or tai chi can also be helpful.

ALSO READ-Foods to take for thyroid issues

Foods to take for thyroid issues

A super food that comes with absolute zero wastage which can be used in any form be it sambar/curry/raita/subzi or can be eaten as a fruit itself…writes Siddhi Jain.

Most women in fear Thyroid issues because it is common in the current days. The Thyroid hormone is essential for normal development, differentiation and metabolic balance. It is well established that your thyroid hormone status correlates with your body weight and energy expenditure. Derangements in this mechanism can result in conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis where one can experience several health concerns like hair fall/balding, constipation, weight gain/weight loss, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, sluggishness etc, says Dr Sharanya Srinivas Shastry, a dietitian at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Koramangala Bangalore.

Hence, a well-balanced diet consisting of iodine and essential amino acids (protein of good quality in the right amount) with adequate exercise and regular medication makes sure that you have a healthy, tension-free thyroid. The expert shares a list of top foods to take for thyroid issues.

Saffron

Overnight soaked saffron if consumed on waking up is very good for mood swings in most people who have thyroid issues. It gives relief from abdominal cramps or PMS and is a promising anti-obesity drug as in most cases with thyroid abnormalities, people tend to put on weight. The best way to have it is a homemade Kesari bath with Vegetable Upma in order to get the best amino acids along with good flavour/taste or a glass of saffron milk where you’re getting your calcium and protein too.

Banana (flower/plantain/stem)

What’s in a banana?

A superfood that comes with absolute zero wastage can be used in any form be it sambar/curry/raita/subzi or can be eaten as a fruit itself. Hence, a banana a day keeps thyroid issues at bay as it is a naturally rich source of iodine that is essential for the activation/conversion of the T4 to T3 in the body. (A few slices of mango/jackfruit every day during the season is also good for your thyroid)

Horse gram/Baked Fish

Horse gram is a very important crop grown in South India and also in a few states like Chhattisgarh and Bihar. It is eaten in the form of dal most often is a rich source of protein, iron, zinc which helps in the natural conversion of the inactive T4 to active T3 to produce TSH. Thus, include it in the form of a rasam/dal/soup at least twice a week.

Oven-baked fish, rich in selenium, Omega-3

Used sparingly (once/twice a week, preferably not consumed at night) gives the best amino acid profile along with micronutrients required for a healthy thyroid.

Khichdi or Pongal

Your gut health decides how healthy your thyroid can be according to the latest studies. The gut is another location where T4 (inactive form) is converted to T3 (active form) and any imbalance in the gut bacteria (called dysbiosis) leads to constipation/bloating or gastric problems thereby disrupting your metabolic rate. Therefore, include a khichdi/Pongal at least twice/week in order to keep your gut healthy thus giving you a tension-free thyroid.

Whole Grains with rasam/dal/seafood

Whole grains are rich in Iodine, Copper, Magnesium along B group vitamins which make sure that you’ve good energy levels throughout the day. Hence single polished/hand pound rice or whole wheat atta when eaten with traditionally cooked sambar/rasam/dal/sabzi / fresh seafood gives you the best combination of protein- fiber-selenium and carbohydrate giving you a balanced thyroid. So, go local, regional, and seasonal.

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