A goiter is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland, which is located in the base of the neck, just above the chest. Typically, goiters are caused by iodine deficiencies or irregular glandular activity, either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If you prefer an alternative to Western treatments, there are records of acupuncture curing goiters since at least the third century B.C. Consult with your primary care provider before seeking further treatment to determine the best course of action for your particular case.
Acupuncture Basics
Acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which differs dramatically from the Western scientific framework. According to TCM, disease arises because of imbalance or a blockage in energetic flow. An acupuncturist can relieve disease, such as a goiter, by stimulating specific points of the body that reinstate the proper flow of energy, or "qi." An imbalance may be interpreted in terms of excess or deficiency, cold or heat, or yin and yang, two opposing but complementary forces.
Goiters in TCM
According to TCM, goiters may be influenced by environmental factors and emotional stress. As a result of the stress or the environment, an individual develops stagnant qi, which manifests in a goiter. Goiters are further classified and understood in terms of their appearance, whether flesh-colored, covered with exposed blood vessels or changing in size. While acupuncture approaches will vary depending on the patient's particular symptoms and condition, usually techniques aim to move the qi, invigorate the blood and soften the mass.
Complementary Approaches
A Western medical response to goiter may include taking radioactive iodine or replacement hormone therapy, depending on whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In addition to Western responses, the Maryland Medical Center recommends acupuncture among the complementary and alternative modalities that may cure goiters. The medical center attributes acupuncture's success to its potential ability to right hormonal imbalances. In addition to acupuncture, nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies may assist in treating goiters and underlying thyroid conditions.
Benefits
Acupuncture has a low incidence of negative interactions with other medications, making it an advisable form of complementary treatment. Compared with Western scientific approaches, acupuncture is also relatively uninvasive and has few side effects. To treat a goiter, standard Western approaches regularly include surgery, radioactive medications and hormones or corticosteriods. However, before seeking alternative or complementary treatment, first consult with your primary medical provider. Should you adopt a multi-pronged recovery strategy, keep all of your doctors and practitioners informed of all the medications and treatments you undergo.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Goiter - Definition; January 2011
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine; Goiter; Giovanni Maciocia; 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Introduction to Acupuncture
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- MayoClinic.com; Goiter - Treatments and Drugs; January 2011
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