Probably the most interesting thing in Chinese Medicine about treating thyroid conditions is that in this medicine, there is not really such thing as the thyroid—-there is only its function.

To explain, hypothyroidism fits most closely to the pattern of being cold, having difficult or few bowel movements, sparse eyebrow hair. THOSE are what we treat in Chinese medicine, since the thyroid “slowing” is actually a symptom, not a cause of these problems. Same with hyperthyroidism.

Nodules are very well understood by Chinese medicine as China is such a large place that many communities did not have access to sources of iodine. Goiter features prominently in the literature and thyroid nodules are often called “scrofula”, which Chinese Medicine treats well.

Just as important: The FEELING of something stuck in or pressing on your throat, especially when your lab tests and examinations say that nothing is wrong. It’s uncomfortable, makes people anxious, and can be fixed with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.