Thyroid Disorders have recently become a lot more common in India. 1 out of 10 people suffer from thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. Women fall victim to thyroid disorders more often compared to men. Although, people of all ages are affected by this disorder. Thyroid Disorders can be caused by hormonal imbalances that can be easily confused with other hormonal imbalances like menopause and diabetes.
With time, we have come a long way in terms of medical technology. There are many treatment possibilities like the use of drugs and surgeries to cure thyroid disorders. Even though everybody reacts to these treatments differently and can have a few side effects.
Another eastern technique that is effective against these disorders is Acupuncture. It is completely natural and safe without serious side effects.
Before talking more about acupuncture, let's understand more about thyroid disorders.
What is Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland present in our body at the front of the neck. It secretes the required amount of thyroxine hormones to regulate many metabolic processes in our body. It also provides energy to the body, regulates our hormones, and regulates blood calcium levels.
There are various types of thyroid disorders, but the most common ones we see are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland starts to over-produce thyroxine, it is deemed hyperthyroidism. Some common symptoms of this disorder are -
- Weight loss despite increased appetite.
- Increased heart rate and higher blood pressure.
- Nervousness
- More frequent bowel movements
- Muscle weakness
- Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
Hypothyroidism
In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid glands do not produce enough thyroxine hormone. The common symptoms you see under this condition are -
- Lethargy
- Slower mental processes
- 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 are diagnosed by sampling the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. To conclude the test, Thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH), a chemical released by the pituitary gland, are then tested.
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How can Acupuncture help?
Even though there are various methods of treatment in both Eastern and Western medicine, the Eastern treatment aims to restore immune functions and balance the production and release of these hormones.
In our body, several acupuncture points are present that can help regulate the secretion of thyroxin.
Acupuncture is a process that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body that coordinate with particular pathways. By targeting these meridians or pathways, an acupuncture practitioner aims to bring back into balance believed to cause thyroid disorders or other symptoms of a disease.
Thus, the treatment aims to assess your symptoms, deduce the cause, and bring back the lost balance in the thyroid gland.
There have been numerous studies conducted to look at the effectiveness of Acupuncture for treating Thyroid Disorders. The British Acupuncture Council has mentioned several ways in which Acupuncture has been helpful. It helps reduce pain and stress, promoting relaxation by acting on specific parts of the brain. Acupuncture also helps in improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility by increasing blood circulation in small blood vessels, aiding the dispersal of swelling. It can also help reduce inflammation by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors.
Acupuncture has been the choice for many people who have been suffering from Thyroid Disorders. It is also an effective way to treat anxiety, stress, and tiredness.
Help your body attain total relaxation at Ayushyaa Clinic - The best Acupuncture clinic in Bangalore.
Give your body the time to heal and recover so that you can put it to work efficiently.