In This Issue
- Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture
- How to Monitor Your Basal Temperature
- Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function
Treating Thyroid Problems with Acupuncture
When functioning properly, the thyroid gland secretes just the right amount of thyroid hormone to regulate almost all the metabolic processes in your body. Too much or too little of these vital body chemicals and it can drastically influence energy levels, body weight and your mental health. With over 20 million Americans living with some form of thyroid disease, much attention has been given to the many ways that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat thyroid problems.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation,
body weight and blood calcium levels. Thyroid disorders stem from either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction
(hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, your body can experience a variety of symptoms:
Hyperthyroidism:
Weight loss despite increased appetite
Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration
More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea
Muscle weakness, trembling hands
Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
Lighter or shorter menstrual periods
Hypothyroidism:
Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression
Reduced heart rate
Increased sensitivity to cold
Tingling or numbness in the hands
Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Hormones secreted by the
thyroid are measured, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland that triggers hormone
production in the thyroid. Some milder forms of hypothyroidism can also be detected by a consistently low basal body temperature.
How can acupuncture help?
Both Western and Eastern medicine offer various methods to restore thyroid hormone levels. Western treatments rely mainly on drugs and
surgery while Eastern treatments aim to restore immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through a variety of approaches ranging from acupuncture and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises.
In the treatment to thyroid problems, acupuncture can be used to restore hormonal balance, regulate energy levels, smooth emotions and
help manage sleep, emotions and menstrual problems. There are several powerful acupuncture points on the ear and the body that can be used to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. Treatments take all of your symptoms into account and are aimed at balancing the energy within the body to optimize health.
When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, and iodine helps support thyroid function while certain
foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and should be limited. These include cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Stress reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial.
If you have a thyroid problem, call for a consultation. A custom-tailored treatment plan will be created to suit
your individual needs so that you can feel better quickly and safely!
How to Monitor Your Basal Temperature
 Blood tests may not be sensitive enough to detect milder forms of hypothyroidism. Monitoring your body’s basal (resting) temperature is often used to identify a thyroid hormone deficiency.
To track your basal temperature accurately, follow these guidelines:
• Shake the thermometer below 95°F at night and place it where you can reach it without getting out of bed.
• The following morning, before you get out of bed, take your temperature via your armpit for 10 minutes while staying as still as possible.
• Keep records of your temperature for at least three days. (Women should do this during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, as their basal temperature may rise during the latter half.)
•Normal basal body temperatures fall between 97.4° F and 97.8° F. If your basal temperature is consistently low, you could be mildly
hypothyroid. |
Three Foods to Support Thyroid Function
 Seaweed – Iodine is an essential element that assists the thyroid in producing thyroid hormone. By increasing iodine intake, patients have seen an increase in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The best natural source of iodine is kelp, bladderwrack and other seaweeds.
Coconut Oil – Virgin coconut oil is praised by health experts for its ability to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. It is made up largely of medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known to speed metabolism, promote weight loss, and raise basal body temperatures.
Brazil nuts and walnuts – These nuts contain high amounts of selenium. Many hypothyroid patients have been found to have
deficiencies in this trace mineral.
Mind-Body Techniques :: Qigong :: Tai Chi :: Acupuncture :: and more…
Life hard? Tai Chi EASY!
- Good article on Tai Chi Qigong in the LA Times: “Movement therapies may reduce chronic pain” http://wp.me/pg1tF-2RS
- Just published in the American Journal of Health Promotion: An important research paper, “A Comprehensive Review
of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi” authored by my teacher and colleagues, Roger Jahnke and Linda Larkey.
http://wp.me/pg1tF-2RE
Tai Chi EASY blends Qigong AND Tai Chi for Self Healing of Body – Mind- Spirit. You exercise each of the 3 levels of your being: body, mind
and spirit. The combined principles of qigong and tai chi affect your internal alchemy and enable the creating your own personal medicine.
Class time is approximately 45-60 minutes. Appropriate for beginners. You are welcome to start at anytime. Why not try a class? See Mark’s
class and workshop schedule at mindbodyspirit4health.com/calendar.
Tai chi is
often described as “meditation
in motion,” but it might as well be called
“medication in
motion.” This mind-body practice can help treat
or prevent many age-related health problems, …it may be the perfect
activity for the rest of your life.
Harvard Women’s Health Watch (May, 2009)
My business depends on YOU!
I value all referrals or introductions to your friends, family and business associates. Please know that anyone you
refer to me will be treated with the same high regard. Thank you so much for your trust and confidence.
Until next month …Healthy regards!
Mark Melchiorre, L.Ac.
…it’s about balance!
melchiorre.com
mindbodyspirit4health.com
626-799-2364
ind, Body, and Spirit methods and techniques including: Acupuncture, Qigong (Chi Kung) and Tai Chi
See Mark’s class and workshop schedule at mindbodyspirit4health.com/calendar |
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
If you have hypothyroidism, or a lack of the hormone being produced, then you have options. Coconut oil has gained in popularity as a way to control hormone levels. It is full of saturated fats and also helps control weight, so it has several benefits. Just make sure that you buy extra virgin oil.