Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects many women, especially in their late teens and early twenties. According to the American Thyroid Association, about 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, with women being five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems. Around one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.
While I was in college, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a common condition where an under-active thyroid doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. The subsequent constant fatigue made it difficult to keep up with my studies, and the weight gain affected my self-esteem. Mood swings added to the emotional toll, making everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Synthroid, while effective in helping millions overcome thyroid conditions, can have side effects such as heart palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia and I didn’t want my body to become dependent on it. Therefore, I decided to first explore natural holistic options to treat my condition and this is the story about how acupuncture, combined with dietary changes, was able to cure my thyroid condition and spark my career.
Discovering Acupuncture
My introduction to acupuncture came through a family friend’s recommendation. Intrigued by the idea of a natural treatment, I decided to give it a try. During my first session, thin needles were gently inserted into specific points on my body. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of calm almost immediately as the needles generated a warm tingling sensation. Over the next few weeks, the gradual improvement in my symptoms was remarkable.
How To Treat Thyroid Conditions with Acupuncture
Acupuncture’s effectiveness lies in its ability to stimulate the nervous system, improve blood flow, and modulate endocrine function. For thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism, specific acupuncture points can make a significant difference. For example:
- ST9 (Stomach 9): Located on the neck, this point helps regulate thyroid function.
- LI4 (Large Intestine 4): Found on the hand, it reduces inflammation and balances hormones.
- SP6 (Spleen 6): Situated on the inner leg, it supports overall endocrine health.
- CV22 (Conception Vessel 22): At the base of the throat, this point directly influences the thyroid.
By targeting these points, acupuncture helps regulate thyroid activity and improve related symptoms. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, which plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone regulation. By helping to modulate this axis, acupuncture can help balance hormone levels. Additionally, research suggests that acupuncture can improve thyroid function by reducing autoimmune responses in conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (a rare, life-threatening condition that can develop due to long-term, severe, untreated hypothyroidism). By decreasing inflammatory cytokines and promoting immune system balance, acupuncture can mitigate the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland.
Furthermore, acupuncture’s role in stress reduction can have a significant impact on thyroid health. Chronic stress is known to exacerbate thyroid dysfunction by affecting the HPT axis. Acupuncture’s ability to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation can help alleviate the stress burden on the thyroid, contributing to better hormonal balance and overall thyroid function.
Integrating Diet and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to treatments, my acupuncturist recommended avoiding dairy and gluten. These foods can aggravate hypothyroid symptoms because they can cause inflammation and disrupt gut health. For individuals with hypothyroidism, gluten can interfere with thyroid function, while dairy can lead to increased mucus production and inflammation. These dietary changes, along with acupuncture treatments, led to noticeable improvements in my thyroid symptoms. This holistic approach, combining acupuncture with diet, proved to be highly effective.
Remarkable Improvement and Doctor’s Response
Within a few weeks, I experienced significant relief from my symptoms. My thyroid hormone levels improved, and my doctor was amazed, advising me to continue with whatever I was doing. This validation encouraged me to stick with my holistic treatment plan. Within 6 months all of my symptoms were completely gone and to this day, I remain cured.
Journey to Becoming an Acupuncturist
Shortly before graduating college I met local Fort Lee, NJ acupuncturist Une-Hi Song while working part-time at a chiropractor’s office close to my home. We quickly became close friends and her guidance and encouragement further inspired me to pursue my career in acupuncture. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and share the benefits of acupuncture.
My experience with hypothyroidism led me to discover the profound benefits of acupuncture. By combining acupuncture with dietary changes, I was able to holistically improve my thyroid health and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with a thyroid condition, I encourage you to explore acupuncture as a natural and effective treatment option.
Have you been diagnosed with, or suspect you may have, a thyroid issue? What has your experience been like? Share your story below or contact us directly!