Hypothyroidism, also known as reduced thyroid function, is a clinical syndrome caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones, leading to a decrease in the body's metabolic activities. This condition is more common in middle-aged women, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:5. The onset is insidious, and the progression is slow. Symptoms include cold intolerance, lethargy, aversion to speech, a dull facial expression, thickened lips and enlarged tongue, dry and cold skin, sparse eyebrows, memory loss, reduced intelligence, anorexia, abdominal distension, constipation, decreased libido, and in male patients, impotence, and in female patients, galactorrhea. Hypothyroidism falls under the category of "deficiency and exhaustion" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with the key to the disease course being the decline of yang qi. The kidney is considered the root of congenital essence and the dwelling place of true yang. The deficiency of true yang leads to a cold body and a tired spirit, showing sign
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency Type: Characterized by fatigue and lack of energy, drowsiness and lethargy, memory decline, dizziness and blurred vision, tinnitus and deafness, coldness in the waist and knees, aversion to cold and cold limbs, dry and flaky skin, dry and brittle hair that falls out easily, constipation, general edema, impotence in men, and irregular menstruation in women; the tongue is pale and swollen, with tooth marks, and the coating is white and greasy.
Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency Type: Symptoms include palpitations and anxiety, chest tightness and pain, fatigue and drowsiness, and a cold body and limbs. The tongue is pale and tender, with a white coating. Other symptoms may include dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, weakness in the waist and knees, impotence in men, and irregular menstruation in women.
Yang Qi Exhaustion Type: Symptoms include unconsciousness and fainting with cold limbs, decreased skin temperature, low and faint voice, and flaccid and weak muscles; the tongue is pale and swollen.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. In terms of diet, focus on nutrition with a diet rich in vitamins, high protein, high calories, and an appropriate amount of iodine-containing foods, and avoid overconsumption of raw and cold foods. 2. Engage in appropriate exercise to strengthen the physique and keep warm in daily life. 3. Dietary therapy recipe: Oyster and Kelp Soup. Oyster meat 50 grams, kelp 100 grams, cook together with water and seasonings. Consume in two servings daily. Oysters nourish and enhance yang, and kelp supplements iodine, both assisting in the regulation of hypothyroidism.