Thyroid and Autoimmune Disorders

Rather than suppressing symptoms, TCM works to regulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and restore balance, providing long-term relief for autoimmune conditions.

1. Acupuncture

• Regulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, and improves energy levels.
• Helps with hypothyroidism symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance) by strengthening Kidney and Spleen Yang.
• Helps with hyperthyroidism symptoms (anxiety, heat intolerance, weight loss) by calming Liver Fire and Yin deficiency.

2. Herbal Medicine

Customized formulas target the root imbalance based on individual symptoms. Common herbs include:

• Hypothyroidism (Yang & Qi Deficiency) – Herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) warm and boost metabolism.
• Hyperthyroidism (Yin Deficiency & Heat) – Herbs like Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Root) cool excess heat and nourish Yin.
• Autoimmune Regulation – Gan Cao (Licorice Root) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) help balance immune overactivity.

3. Electro-Acupuncture (E-Stim)

• Enhances acupuncture’s effects by stimulating nerve pathways and modulating immune function.
• Useful for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis to reduce inflammation and joint pain.

4. Moxibustion

• Used for Yang-deficiency autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism and Raynaud’s disease to warm the body and improve circulation

5. Dietary Therapy

• For hypothyroidism: Eat warm, cooked foods like bone broth, ginger, and iodine-rich seaweed. Avoid raw, cold foods.
• For hyperthyroidism: Include cooling foods like pears and cucumbers. Reduce stimulants like coffee and alcohol.
• For autoimmune conditions: Reduce inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, processed sugar) and eat nourishing foods like wild-caught fish, turmeric, and leafy greens.

6. Exercise (Qi Gong & Strength Training)

• Supports circulation and reduces stress, a major trigger for autoimmune flare-ups.
• Gentle movement is beneficial for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Common Autoimmune Disorders Treated by TCM

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Hypothyroidism)
• Graves’ Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis
• Lupus (SLE)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac Disease
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
• Sjögren’s Syndrome

By addressing immune dysfunction, inflammation, and underlying deficiencies, TCM provides a holistic, natural approach to managing thyroid disorders and autoimmune conditions, improving both symptoms and overall well-being.