Thyroid Disorders
Acupuncture for Thyroid Conditions in North Vancouver
An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect your energy, weight, mood, sleep and more. AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as complementary support for how you feel, alongside the treatment and monitoring from your physician.
Overview
The thyroid gland makes hormones that help control metabolism. Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone), often from Hashimoto's thyroiditis, can cause tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and low mood. Hyperthyroidism (too much), often from Graves' disease, can cause a racing heart, anxiety, weight loss, heat intolerance, tremor and poor sleep. Some treatments for an overactive thyroid lead to an underactive one that needs lifelong hormone replacement.
Diagnosis, blood tests and medication are managed by your physician or endocrinologist. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Tiredness, low energy or feeling cold
- Feeling anxious, restless or overheated
- Changes in weight, appetite or digestion
- Poor sleep or a racing heart
- Changes in mood, skin, hair or menstrual cycle
How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine May Be Used
Acupuncture for thyroid-related symptoms uses points chosen for your pattern, usually on the arms, legs and body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, an underactive thyroid is often associated with deficient yang qi and an overactive thyroid with excess yang or heat, so treatment aims to support the balance between yin and yang while looking at sleep, digestion and stress.
Research on acupuncture for thyroid conditions is limited, and acupuncture doesn't replace thyroid medication or regular blood tests. Chinese herbal medicine is only considered after a careful review, because some herbs and supplements, especially those containing iodine, can affect thyroid function and medication.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She often combines acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine and takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your energy, sleep, digestion and mood.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about your diagnosis, symptoms, medications and recent blood tests, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. How often you come in is discussed and adjusted over time, and your thyroid levels should continue to be monitored by your physician.
Thyroid changes can affect weight and energy. See our weight management page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your physician for symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid, a lump or swelling in your neck, or trouble swallowing. Seek urgent care for a very fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fever with confusion, or severe agitation. Never stop or change thyroid medication without talking to your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Thyroid Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.