Metabolism and thyroid

Weight and insulin resistance

Western Insulin resistance is when cells respond poorly to insulin, so the body makes more of it to keep blood sugar in range.

Classical 土 Read as a center that cannot transform what it takes in, so damp and phlegm collect, often pushed along by stress.

Often with Herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Food as medicine

Western Hypothyroidism is a thyroid that makes too little hormone, most often from Hashimoto's, an autoimmune condition.

Classical 水 Read mostly as yang running low in the Spleen and Kidney, so the body loses warmth and damp and phlegm build up.

Often with Herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Moxibustion

Western Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid that makes too much hormone, most often from Graves' disease, and it needs specialist care.

Classical 火 Read as yin too depleted to hold heat in check, often with constrained Liver qi turning to fire and phlegm at the neck.

Often with Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Scalp acupuncture

Western A common hormonal condition with infrequent ovulation, higher androgens and often insulin resistance.

Classical 土 Usually read as phlegm-damp blocking the Chong and Ren, on a root of weak Kidney yang or a struggling Spleen.

Often with Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Food as medicine