This is the most common of thyroid diseases where the thyroid function is under active which means that the thyroid gland cannot create the normal amount of thyroid hormone. The treatment for this condition includes a prescribed medication named "Synthroid", radiation therapy, and when necessary, surgical removal of the thyroid.
The most frequent cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, damages the thyroid cells and compromises their ability to make thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, forgetfulness, muscle weakness or soreness, joint pain, increase sensitivity to cold, difficulty concentrating, dry and brittle hair and nail, loss of hair, dry and itchy skin, puffy face, water retention in the hand and feet, low sex drive, high cholesterol, excessive menstrual bleeding.
This is when the thyroid is over active, producing too much thyroid hormone. The common cause is the autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease. Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat, palpitation, bulging eyes, eye irritation, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, trembling in the hands and fingers, increased sweating, muscle weakness, diarrhea and light menstrual flow. Continue to read Chinese Medicine Treatment for Hypothyroidism.
Commonly Used Acupuncture Points Include:
--Neck points near the thyroid gland
--Large Intestine 4 on the hand between the thumb and forefinger
--San Jiao 3-6 on the outside of the forearm
--Conception Vessel 22 at the base of the throat