Hypothyroidismaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Endocrine Disorders, Thyroid Disorders
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The deficiency of these hormones can slow down metabolism, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression. The condition can have significant impacts on various bodily functions and overall health.
How Does TCM View Hypothyroidism?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives hypothyroidism not as a singular disease entity but as a manifestation of an underlying imbalance.
Unlike the Western focus on hormone levels, TCM looks at the body's energy flow or Qi, the harmony of Yin and Yang, and the function of the organ systems.
Identifying the correct disharmony pattern is crucial in TCM, as hypothyroid symptoms could arise from multiple potential imbalances.
Causes of Hypothyroidism According to TCM
In TCM, hypothyroidism is often attributed to Kidney Yang Deficiency or Yin Deficiency, leading to an imbalance that disrupts the body's natural processes. The Kidney is considered the foundation of all Yin and Yang energies in the body, and its deficiency can manifest as metabolic sluggishness seen in hypothyroidism.
Another common TCM diagnosis is the accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness within the body, which can block the flow of Qi and lead to symptoms reflective of hypothyroidism.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypothyroidism
TCM tailors treatment to the individual's pattern of disharmony.
For hypothyroidism stemming from Yin Deficiency, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan is often prescribed, centering around the herb Prepared rehmannia to nourish Yin and support the Kidney and Liver.
If the root lies in Yang Deficiency, Shen Qi Wan with its key herb Prepared aconite may be used to warm and tonify Yang, benefiting the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen.
Additionally, Zhen Wu Tang, also featuring Prepared aconite, is utilized to transform Water and Dampness, indicative of TCM's nuanced approach to treating hypothyroidism.
Each formula is carefully chosen to correspond with the specific TCM diagnosis of the individual.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypothyroidism, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Hypothyroidism can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Hypothyroidism can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Hypothyroidism can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Zhen Wu Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hypothyroidism
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hypothyroidism, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hypothyroidism 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 Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypothyroidism, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Hypothyroidism can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypothyroidism, like Shen Qi Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Hypothyroidism can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypothyroidism, like Shen Qi Wan.