ACUPUNCTURE & TCM FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM
Did you know that Hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) is one of the most common thyroid disorders worldwide? With ten times more females than males presenting with Hypothyroidism and approximately 90% of those have Hashimoto’s (autoimmune hypothyroidism), and only half of them know they have it!
Major factors that affect thyroid function include: nutrient deficiencies or excesses (iodine, zinc, selenium, tyrosine), toxicities (pesticides, mercury), inflammation, stress, certain medications, infections and autoimmune disease.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression, anxiety, cold intolerance, poor memory & concentration, low libido, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, irregular menstruation, infertility, muscle stiffness & pain plus a wide range of other symptoms.
According to Chinese Medicine Hypothyroidism is seen as a SPLEEN &/or KIDNEY yang deficiency, qi &/or blood deficiency.
YANG deficiency presents with the majority of the symptoms mentioned above, with particular emphasis on sensations of COLD. If it is a Spleen yang deficiency then digestive symptoms predominate with poor appetite, loose stools and bloating. Heavy limbs and abdominal pain with a cold feeling may also be present. If Kidney yang is deficient, symptoms will include oedema in the ankles, cold aching knees or lower back, tinnitus, low libido, dizziness and/or frequent clear urination. Fatigue is common to both the Kidney and Spleen (and Hypothyroidism).
Can you test for hypothyroidism? Yes! It’s important to determine causative factors, nutrient deficiencies and the severity of disease and progression. Simple blood tests include: TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid antibodies, methylmalonic acid, iron studies, B12, vitamin D, zinc, selenium as well as a urinary iodine test.
Key steps to a healthy thyroid include: good food, nutrition & lifestyle choices, along with reducing inflammation, modifying stress, improving digestion and reducing toxin exposure.
Endometriosis & BLOOD STAGNATION
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue, which normally grows inside the uterus, is growing outside of it, leading to a number of symptoms, with the most common being pain and unfortunately may also affect a woman’s fertility. Definitive causes are still postulated over (though oestrogen dominance is key, along with immune dysfunction & inflammation) and medical treatments may be too invasive or unsuitable for some.
This is where Chinese Medicine may offer another option for reducing symptoms and treating the condition.
‘Blood Stagnation’ is the diagnostic term used in TCM for Endometriosis and it can appear in 4 different situations:
1: Blood & Qi Stagnation - pain (often severe) in the lower abdomen before, during & after period; breast & abdominal distension; flow is also dark with blood clots &/or a stop/start flow (1, 2).
2: Cold Accumulation in the Uterus (an attack of cold to the uterus which congeals the blood & the Ren & Chong channels become obstructed) - chills & pain in the lower abdomen which is better for warmth; flow may be purple & clotted (1, 2).
3: Accumulation of Heat (due to chronic Stagnation of Blood) - pain may be relieved by cold & is worse for pressure; possibly feverish during period with thirst, restlessness & constipation (1, 2).
4: Qi Deficiency (Qi fails to lead the blood, giving rise to stagnation) - pain is relieved by warmth; with physical or mental fatigue (1, 2).
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine can play an important role in reducing these symptoms, though food & optimal lifestyle choices form a critical part of any treatment plan.
Food choices that improve symptoms of Endometriosis include: reducing soy, dairy and gluten to decrease inflammation & immune reactions; eating more broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts & cauliflower to help metabolise oestrogen through the liver; also reduce sugar, red meat, alcohol & caffeine (3).
Environmental toxins can also increase your risk of Endometriosis, so reduce your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, PCBs, plastics, dioxins and xeno-oestrogens (3).
If you think (or know) you have Endometriosis, book in and we can work out a plan to get you back on track.