Acupuncture and Eastern Medical Practices Can Support Better Endocrine Health
The endocrine system is what the body uses to communicate with itself. It does so by using hormones and the organs that secrete them. When the endocrine system is operating properly, hormone levels can be kept in balance and optimal organ function can be achieved.
For many people, though, their endocrine organs have trouble maintaining this balance. This could be due to one of many conditions, some of which acupuncture and eastern medical practices can help with. Given the wholistic nature of eastern medicine and the systemic nature of endocrine conditions, eastern medical modalities are a good fit for endocrine disorders.
What Endocrine Disorders Can Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Help With?
The endocrine system is made up of several glands, including the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid, gonads, and others. Acupuncture services and other eastern therapies can support these glands and improve the symptoms of the following endocrine disorders:
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease)
Hypothyroidism, of which Hashimoto’s disease is the most common version, is the result of too little thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism tends to develop over many years, so symptoms may be absent or mild at first. Eventually, though, hypothyroidism causes fatigue, weakness, joint pain, focus issues and depression.
Acupuncture, though, is considered a promising treatment for hypothyroidism. It’s a proven adjunct for western medical treatments for hypothyroidism and the British Acupuncture Council has recommended it for treating pain and depression.
Hyperthyroidism (Cushing’s disease)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess amounts of thyroid hormone. Cushing’s disease is the most common type of hyperthyroidism, which is often the result of a pituitary adenoma. In patients with hyperthyroidism, anxiety, headaches, muscle stiffness and muscle pain are the most reported symptoms.
Acupuncture targets pain, headaches, and anxiety well, which can help offset the effects of hyperthyroidism. Some practitioners also combine herbal therapy with acupuncture to help bring thyroid levels into better balance.
Hypoparathyroidism and Hyperparathyroidism
The parathyroid glands are tiny - only the size of rice grains. They provide critical functions, though, especially in the proper absorption of phosphorous and calcium. If the parathyroid glands produce too much or too little hormone, it can lead to poor mineral absorption, and this can lead to bone-related disorders down the line, like osteoporosis. Other symptoms include anxiety, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and muscle weakness.
Like with hypo and hyperthyroidism, acupuncture can also serve as an effective adjunct for hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism. In this role, acupuncture can alleviate pain, weakness, fatigue and anxiety.
Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
Addison’s disease, or adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the adrenal glands don’t secrete enough hormone. Specifically, Addison’s disease refers to cortisol and aldosterone insufficiency. In people with adrenal insufficiency, symptoms tend to be nonspecific, but typically include fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are small lumps that develop on the thyroid, and the majority of them are noncancerous. However, some nodules can disrupt hormone production in the thyroid, resulting in a form of hyperthyroidism. Like other versions of hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules that disrupt hormone production can cause anxiety, headaches, muscle pain, and difficulty controlling weight.
While research into acupuncture and thyroid nodules is still ongoing, initial studies suggest that acupuncture can help reduce the size and prevalence of thyroid nodules, when it’s used in conjunction with standard drug therapy.
Hypogonadism
In patients with hypogonadism, the sex glands do not produce enough testosterone (men) or estrogen (women). In these patients, growth and sexual development may be delayed, which may result in infertility or other sexual difficulties.
Multiple animal studies show that acupuncture can improve serum testosterone levels, and some studies also show better effects when acupuncture is used in conjunction with moxibustion (heat therapy) or herbal therapy.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia occurs in males only and is the result of an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. While the condition doesn’t generally produce discomfort, it can be embarrassing for men to deal with. Unfortunately, the primary treatment is surgery, which comes with its own risks.
Acupuncture, though, can improve the hormonal imbalance at the root of gynecomastia. Acupuncture can also help with weight control, anxiety, and depression, all of which are common in gynecomastia patients.
Various benign endocrine tumors (pituitary adenoma, prolactinoma, craniopharyngioma and pheochromocytoma)
There are several types of endocrine tumors that, while benign, can also influence hormone levels. These tumors may emerge in the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands, and depending on where they emerge, they can cause hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture, again, is effective at restoring these imbalances and improving any symptoms associated with a benign endocrine growth.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects many people. Whether a person has trouble falling asleep or can’t seem to stay asleep, chronic insomnia can lead to a variety of health issues, including an imbalance in the endocrine system. Acupuncture and herbal therapies are effective options for those suffering with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Acupuncture has been proven to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, including the endocrine system, which is vital for regulating metabolic processes and hormones. Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the natural production of melatonin, which is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles, making it a useful tool in promoting endocrine health and addressing insomnia.
Your Endocrine System Regulates Your Body’s Function and Acupuncture Can Help Regulate Your Endocrine System.
The endocrine system supports hundreds of functions in the body, so any imbalance in endocrine organs can have far-reaching effects on whole-body health. Unfortunately, treating endocrine disorders is difficult for standard drug therapy and surgery, given their targeted nature. For this reason, many patients are turning to acupuncture and other eastern treatment modalities to improve their symptoms. There’s plenty of evidence and case studies to support this approach, as long as treatment is administered by a licensed practitioner.
Licensed Houston acupuncturists utilize sanitary acupuncture equipment and know what points to target for treatment. Some Houston acupuncturists also combine mainstream western medical treatments into their practice, and for many patients, this blend of east and west ensures optimal symptom relief.