Goitreaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Endocrine Disorders, Thyroid Disorders
Did you mean? Hyperthyroidism
What is Goitre?
Goitre refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. This condition can manifest as a visible swelling and may be associated with thyroid dysfunction. While some goitres are harmless and symptom-free, others may lead to symptoms such as a tight feeling in the throat, coughing, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
How Does TCM View Goitre?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches goitre as a symptom of imbalance within the body's vital energies (Qi). Rather than focusing solely on the thyroid, TCM considers goitre as a result of disrupted Qi.
Treatment in TCM is often individualized, with a focus on correcting the specific pattern of disharmony causing the goitre.
Causes of Goitre According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), goitre is often attributed to Qi Stagnation and accumulated Phlegm. Disruptions in the body's energy flow can lead to visible lumps, while an imbalance in dietary habits and emotional stress exacerbates this Stagnation. Targeting the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach Channels, TCM seeks to rectify these imbalances and restore harmony.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Goitre
To address the Qi Stagnation , TCM turns to formulas like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, which includes Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) to promote the movement of Qi and transform Phlegm. This formula targets the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach Channels, key areas in the production and movement of Qi and Body Fluids.
For the Dampness and lingering Phlegm, Er Chen Tang is often recommended, utilizing the same pivotal herb, Ban Xia, to dry Dampness and further transform Phlegm. These formulas are part of a broader strategy in TCM to reestablish a balanced flow of Qi and reduce the symptoms of goitre.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address goitre, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Goitre can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Goitre can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Goitre can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
Acupoints for Goitre
TCM suggests various acupoints to alleviate symptoms associated with goitre.
On the Large Intestine Channel, Binao LI-14 and Futu LI-18 are targeted to resolve Phlegm and benefit the throat. Fenglong ST-40 on the Stomach Channel is chosen for its ability to calm the mind and transform Phlegm.
The Gall Bladder Channel's Fubai GB-10 and Tianchong GB-9 are indicated to clear Heat and subdue Yang, while Luoque BL-8 on the Bladder Channel helps transform Phlegm.
In the Triple Burner Channel Naohui TB-13 is utilized to remove obstructions from the Channel.
Each point is selected for its traditional efficacy in balancing the Qi and addressing the specific manifestations of goitre in the patient.
Explore below some acupoints used to address goitre, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Large Intestine Channel
- Stomach Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Triple Burner Channel
- Lung Channel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Directing Vessel
Binao LI-14
On the radial side of the humerus, superior to the lower end of deltoid muscle, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15, 7 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11.
Jianyu LI-15
Jianyu LI-15 is located antero-inferior to the acromion, between the clavicular and acromial portions of the deltoid muscle.
Jugu LI-16
In the upper aspect of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromio-clavicular joint and the scapular spine.
Tianding LI-17
Tianding LI-17 is located on the lateral side of the neck, on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, superior to Quepen ST-12 at the midpoint of the supraclavicular fossa. It is 1 cun below Futu LI-18 which is between the two head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Futu LI-18
On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Renying ST-9
Level with the tip of Adam's apple, 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Shuitu ST-10
On the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, in the middle between Renying ST-9 and Qishe ST-11.
Qishe ST-11
On the upper border of the clavicle, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Fenglong ST-40
Midway between Dubi ST-35 and Jiexi ST-41, two middle finger-width from the anterior crest of the tibia, or one middle finger-width from Tiaokou ST-38.
Fubai GB-10
Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, at the junction of the upper third and the two lower thirds of the curved line connecting Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12.
Luoque BL-8
1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 5.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline. Or 0.5 cun posterior to Baihui Du-20 at the vertex.
Naohui TB-13
On the line joining Jianliao TB-14 and the olecranon, 3 cun below Jianliao TB-14 which is at the lateral extremity of the acromion. Naohui TB-13 is on the posterior border of deltoid muscle.
Tianfu LU-3
On the medial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun below the end of the axillary fold and 6 cun above Chize LU-5, in the depression on the lateral border of biceps muscle.
Tianrong SI-17
Posterior to the angle of mandible, in the depression on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
TCM Herbs for Goitre
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address goitre, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that regulate qi
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Clam Shells (Ha Ke), which is directly recommended for goitre.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for goitre
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Clam Shells (Ha Ke) | Not applicable |
| Costazia Skeletons (Fu Hai Shi) | Not applicable |
| Kombu (Kun Bu) | Not applicable |
| Sargassum (Hai Zao) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for goitre, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for goitre
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for goitre, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for goitre
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
| Heal-All Spikes (Xia Ku Cao) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Goitre can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Castor Beans (Bi Ma Zi), which is directly recommended for goitre.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Cockle Shells (Wa Leng Zi), which is directly recommended for goitre.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Goitre can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu), which is directly recommended for goitre.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen), which is directly recommended for goitre.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for goitre, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Goitre can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for goitre, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Goitre can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for goitre, like Er Chen Tang.