Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules can be improved by means of traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, traditional Chinese medicine treatment, acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint massage, diet regulation, etc. Thyroid nodules may be related to emotional disorders, soil and water imbalances, physical factors, phlegm coagulation and blood stasis, and organ dysfunction.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that thyroid nodules are related to liver depression and qi stagnation, and can be regulated through the method of soothing the liver and relieving depression. Commonly used formulas such as Xiaoyao San, with modifications, contain medicinal herbs such as Bupleurum chinense, Paeonia lactiflora, and Poria cocos, which can help alleviate symptoms such as chest and rib distension and emotional fluctuations. Individuals with emotional difficulties should maintain a calm mindset and avoid long-term anxiety and depression. Some patients may experience neck compression or discomfort during swallowing, and regular follow-up of nodule changes is necessary.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment

For phlegm stasis nodules, Seaweed Yuhu Decoction can be used, which contains medicinal herbs such as seaweed, kelp, and Fritillaria thunbergii for resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules. Qi stagnation and blood stasis type is suitable for modified Taohong Siwu Tang, which contains blood activating ingredients such as Danggui, Chuanxiong, and Taoren. It should be noted that traditional Chinese medicine should be prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner based on syndrome differentiation, and avoid self consumption of seaweed medicinal materials with high iodine content. Some patients may experience side effects such as bitter mouth and dry throat, and the prescription should be adjusted in a timely manner.

3. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Acupuncture at Tiantu, Tanzhong, Zusanli and other acupoints, 2-3 times a week, can improve local blood circulation. For patients with nodules accompanied by palpitations and hand tremors, acupoints such as Neiguan and Shenmen can be added to calm the nerves. Electroacupuncture stimulation combined with moxibustion can enhance the effect of dissipating nodules, but it is contraindicated for individuals with bleeding constitution or skin infections. A brief feeling of soreness and bloating during treatment is a normal phenomenon.

4. Acupoint massage

Press the neck acupoints such as Renying and Shuitu for 3-5 minutes daily, combined with distal acupoints such as Taichong and Sanyinjiao. When massaging, use the circular kneading method with fingertips and abdomen, and the appropriate intensity should be slight soreness and swelling. This method is suitable for patients with small nodules and no compression symptoms, and can help relieve neck tightness. Hot compress can be used before and after massage to promote blood circulation, but avoid directly pressing the nodule area.

5. Dietary regulation

It is recommended to consume selenium containing foods such as seaweed and oysters, as well as spleen strengthening ingredients such as yam and coix seed. Avoid spicy and high iodine diets, and individuals with thyroid dysfunction should control their intake of cruciferous vegetables. People with phlegm dampness constitution can drink aged tangerine peel and hawthorn tea, while those with qi stagnation are suitable as a substitute for rose tea. Long term dietary regulation should be accompanied by physical identification to avoid blindly supplementing and increasing metabolic burden. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for thyroid nodules should be persisted for 3-6 months to show significant effect, during which thyroid ultrasound should be rechecked every 3 months. Avoid staying up late and experiencing intense emotional fluctuations, and keep your neck warm and protected from the cold. If the nodule rapidly enlarges or symptoms such as hoarseness and difficulty breathing appear in the short term, it should be immediately referred to Western medicine for treatment. You can practice soothing exercises such as Eight Section Brocade and Tai Chi to regulate your qi in daily life.