Thyroid problems can lead to any combination of debilitating symptoms such as weight problems, chronic fatigue, feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, emotional imbalances, hair loss, skin problems, and depression. These symptoms can severely and negatively impact your overall health and well-being. Acupressure therapy, also known as reflexology, can be useful in stimulating the flow of "qi" or healing energy throughout the body to restore the homeostatic mechanisms of the thyroid, thus restoring hormonal balance. (Related: How to use reflexology to improve your overall well-being.)
Useful acupressure points for treating hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder that is characterized by the insufficient production of hormones, leading to a sluggish metabolism and a lack of energy. In acupressure therapy, this condition is described as a deficiency of qi in the kidney. Here are some acupressure points you can stimulate to improve your thyroid's production of hormones:
- Governing Vessel 7. Also known as the Central Pivot, this point is beneficial for treating thyroid symptoms and improving hormonal function. You can find this spot at the mid-point on the backside of your body. It should be right at the middle of the area between the end of your neck and the start of your pelvic region. It can also help relieve back and abdominal pain, poor appetite, and other menstrual issues.
- Yin Tang point. The Yin Tang point is also called the Hall of Impression and is one of the most important acupressure points for treating hypothyroidism. You can locate this spot between your two eyebrows, just beneath the area commonly known as the third eye. This point corresponds to the pituitary gland, which controls the thyroid gland. Stimulating this spot can help calm one's spirit and help relieve insomnia, stress, anxiety, and headaches.
- Large Intestine 11. This point is known as the Pool at the Bend and is a powerful acupressure point for treating hypothyroid issues. Find this spot at the lateral edge of your elbow crease and massage it to help regulate your flow of blood and qi. It can also help cool your blood.
Useful acupressure points for treating hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces excessive amounts of thyroxine. This can result in symptoms such as drastic weight loss, anxiety, palpitation, profuse sweating, dry mouth, and swelling of the thyroid gland. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is believed that a stagnant qi due to an improper diet causes this condition. These are some of the acupressure points that can quell your thyroid's hyperactivity:
- Stomach 9. Also known as the Man's Prognosis, this is a useful acupressure point for treating hyperthyroidism and goiter caused by qi disorders. You can find this spot on the inner border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle. It should be on the same level as the tip of your Adam's apple. It can also help mitigate high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, coughing, lower back pain, asthma, and tightness of the chest.
- Large Intestine 4. This is a popular acupressure point, which is also known as the Union Valley. You can find it on the fleshy region between your thumb and your index finger. You can stimulate this point on both hands to treat a number of health issues and relieve chronic pain. It can promote the circulation of blood and qi in the body to clear stagnation and help manage the thyroid gland. It can also help boost your immune system and is useful in the treatment of acne, eye problems, headache, allergies, and fever.
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