Acupuncture for Thyroid Health

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month!

Often overlooked, this tiny gland that sits at the base of the neck plays an outsized role in overall health. The thyroid regulates cellular metabolism, growth, and energy production, meaning nearly every system in the body relies on thyroid hormones to function properly. Thyroid disorders are extremely common in the United States—an estimated 30 million Americans are affected, and 1 in 8 women will develop hypothyroidism at some point in her life.

Thyroid health is especially critical for fertility and pregnancy. Low thyroid function can itself be a cause of infertility, as it may lower basal body temperature, delay ovulation, and contribute to irregular cycles or abnormal bleeding patterns. During pregnancy, there is a 30–40% increased demand for thyroid hormones, and many women require adjustments to their thyroid medication. If left untreated, hypothyroidism is associated with higher rates of miscarriage, premature delivery, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight.

Why Thyroid Disorders Can Be So Complex

Thyroid imbalance rarely has a single cause. Contributing factors may include:

• Nutrient deficiencies (iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, B vitamins)

• Chronic stress and adrenal dysregulation

• Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease

• Digestive dysfunction and impaired nutrient absorption

• Exposure to environmental toxins or heavy metals

• Long-term use of hormonal birth control or other medications

• Immune challenges or chronic infections

Because of this complexity, restoring optimal thyroid function often requires a multifaceted and individualized approach.

Foods That Support Thyroid Health

A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet can provide essential building blocks for thyroid hormone production and conversion:

• Sea vegetables (kelp, dulse, nori): natural sources of iodine (used judiciously and individualized)

• Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs: rich in selenium, critical for thyroid hormone conversion

• Shellfish, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed meats: provide zinc and iron

• Eggs, leafy greens, legumes: supply B vitamins for cellular metabolism

• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, coconut, ghee): support hormone signaling

• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt): promote gut health and immune balance

For some individuals—especially those with autoimmune thyroid conditions—reducing gluten, ultra-processed foods, and inflammatory oils may also be supportive.

Herbs Commonly Used to Support Thyroid Function

Herbal support is always individualized, but herbs may be selected to nourish the endocrine system, support immunity, and regulate stress responses:

• Ashwagandha: supports thyroid-adrenal balance and stress resilience

• Schisandra and Reishi: adaptogens that support immune and endocrine harmony

• Bladderwrack (Fucus): a traditional iodine-containing herb used carefully and case-by-case

• Lemon balm: often used when thyroid symptoms are associated with anxiety or overstimulation

• Nettle leaf: nutritive support rich in minerals

• Licorice root: supports adrenal function and energy metabolism (used selectively)

Note: Ashwagandha, Schisandra, Nettles, and Licorice Root are best taken under the guidance of your acupuncturist or clinical herbalist. While these tonic herbs are generally safe, they might be aggravating to some constitutions and can complicate other meditations and treatments.

How Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Can Support Thyroid Health

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, hypothyroidism is often understood as a pattern of yang deficiency, though presentations vary widely. Acupuncture and herbal medicine aim to restore balance rather than simply suppress symptoms.

Acupuncture and herbal care may help by:

• Supporting healthy thyroid hormone regulation and conversion

• Improving circulation and metabolic efficiency

• Addressing underlying patterns such as yang deficiency, qi stagnation, or blood deficiency

• Modulating immune function in autoimmune thyroid conditions

• Supporting digestive function and nutrient absorption

• Regulating the stress response and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis

• Improving energy, mood, sleep, and cognitive clarity

• Supporting menstrual regularity and fertility outcomes

Dietary therapy, supplementation, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine are often used together to create a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. For many women, addressing thyroid health becomes the missing link in resolving infertility, menstrual irregularities, chronic fatigue, or mood concerns.

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