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, up to a level adequate for the body’s needs.
Although the exact causes of Hashimoto’s disease have yet to be determined, some of the important contributors that have been found to play a role include estrogen dominance, excessive iodine intake, radiation exposure, and genetic factors. . This disease affects eight times more women than men, suggesting that estrogen and progesterone may have an important role to play. One can diagnose the disease by its symptoms: an enlarged thyroid or goiter accompanied by hypothyroidism and abnormal blood levels of autoantibodies.
In addition to the above symptoms, some of the other symptoms of Hashimoto’s are joint and muscle pain, fatigue, weight gain, slow heart rate, constipation, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the hands and feet due to poor production of energy and circulation. To diagnose and find out the real causes of this thyroid problem, a Chinese acupuncturist will analyze all the symptoms, tongue, pulse and blood test results.
Acupuncture treatment and medications.
Hashimoto’s patients must take pills containing thyroxine—a lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Getting Hashimoto-qualified acupuncture treatment along with traditional Chinese medicine and making dietary and lifestyle changes has been shown to be very effective in reducing symptoms and keeping medications at the lowest possible dosage.
A Chinese acupuncturist in Boston will give you a differentiated diagnosis based on your symptoms, pulse, and tongue reading. Acupuncture treatments can balance your immune function and reduce inflammation in your thyroid glands, so your body won’t continue to produce antibodies to attack your thyroid glands.
You may be able to maintain some of your thyroid function and only have to take very small doses of Synthroid. Chinese herbs combined with acupuncture can help patients better digest food, improve their energy production so they can be more active and sleep better with less aches and pains. Also, a high dose of thyroid hormones can be life-threatening: it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to heart failure.
Duration of treatment for long-lasting results
People with Hashimoto’s disease require comprehensive and expert treatment only by experienced acupuncturists. Receiving treatment two or once a week for three months reduces symptoms and helps achieve harmony to rejuvenate thyroid function. People with large goiters and long-standing problems may need weekly treatment for 6 to 12 months depending on their age and health conditions to help reduce medication use and normalize their hormonal balance.
Consulting an experienced acupuncturist and following a well-designed acupuncture treatment protocol will provide patients with adequate relief. Inserting hair-thin needles into specific acupuncture points triggers the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins, stimulates blood flow, reduces stress and relieves pain. It balances the immune system and helps patients feel energetic.
Experts suggest receiving acupuncture treatment for Hashimoto’s disease along with other natural treatment methods for maximum benefits. In addition to acupuncture treatment, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and meditation will go a long way in reducing stress and helping Hashimoto’s patients recover more quickly.
