Speakers - 2027

Title: Understanding autoimmune thyroiditis and amp; A new approach to its care

Abstract

In TCM disease states are often described as patterns of disharmony and while there are a wide variety to describe the array of Thyroid disorders when we are talking about Autoimmune Thyroiditis overwhelmingly we are describing the following multi-axial pattern:

• Liver Qi (energy) Stagnation which in turn causes internal heat thus becoming,

Liver Heat Rising that Invades the Spleen causing

• Spleen Qi Deficiency which creates
• Phlegm Stasis (nodule formation), and
• Heart Qi Depression

The Jueyin Leg Meridian of the Liver arises between the first and second toes to ascend the medial aspect of our inner leg and thigh.  It has inner branches that are said to enter the sex organs and inwardly to connect with the liver and its associated organ, the gall bladder, which coincidentally suffers the emotion of indecision.  Internally the channel ascends upwards traversing the outer aspect of the breasts to go directly behind our thyroid gland.  From there the meridian ascends the neck to the face and is said to “open to the eyes”.When we discuss suppressed emotions we are talking about frustrations that grow into anger and anger is the chief emotion corresponding to the liver.  Anger disrupts the flow of qi leading to stagnation.  In time this stasis gives rise to heat and inflammation.  As heat rises it ascends the meridian and into the blood to cause hyper-function and inflammation to our thyroid.The heat is also responsible for creating phlegm that in turn becomes the basis of thyroid nodule formation so often associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis. 

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to the Care of Our Thyroid

From a nutritional standpoint extra supplementation with iodine per the guidelines of Dr. Abraham, I endorse.  Iodine supplementation, although not curative in Autoimmune Thyroiditis, does seem to stabilize the thyroid’s behavior. Supplementation should follow Dr. Abraham’s suggested guidelines:

• 12.5mg Iodine for 110lb/49.8kg person
• Increases adjusted for weight and in crises of either stress or elevated TPO and/or Anti-thyroidglobulin levels
• The application of acupuncture can also play a helpful role.  The following prescription I consider a foundational point selection grouping that meets the multi-axial diagnosis earlier discussed.  Of course this can be either altered or alternated per the presentation and needs of each individual patient.The combination of these herbal formulas completely addresses the multi-axial nature of this complex illness.
• In Homeopathy we have a remedy that addresses the very core of the problem of Autoimmune Thyroiditis.  In Natrum Muriaticum we have a remedy that addresses:

“The psychic causes of disease; the ill-effects of grief, fright, anger, etc.  Depressed particularly in chronic (ie long lasting) diseases.  Wants to be alone to cry.”(4)In using homeopathic remedies I always recommend using a muscle-testing technique to determine the best potency at each time we prescribe remedies.  Often I find the 100c potency to be the opening remedy and in subsequent visits we can increase potencies until either the symptom disappears or the body’s reaction to the remedy abates.I don’t mean to appear reductionist in the prescribing of homeopathic remedies it is just that Natrum Muriaticum so perfectly describes the inner mind of the sufferer with Autoimmune Thyroiditis that its applications seems self-evident Finally, it seems only fitting that we understand another aspect of Natrum Muriaticum; it is homeopathic Chloride of Sodium more commonly known as salt.  A component of salt is of course Iodine though not nearly sufficiently to meet our body’s needs. The suffering patient needs to understand the nature of this problem and re-train themselves to engage their emotions expressing them constructively and timely.  When they do this the attacks so common in Autoimmune Thyroiditis, often called ‘Thyroid Storms’, calm down and health can be restored.