Hypothyroidism – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Reviving Vitality by Supporting Yang, Nourishing Qi, and Restoring Organ Balance

Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, results in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, constipation, and slow metabolism. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is no exact equivalent term for "hypothyroidism," but its symptoms fall under several syndromes such as “Yang Deficiency,” “Qi Deficiency,” and “Essence Deficiency.”Rather than focusing on the thyroid as a single organ, TCM views hypothyroidism as a systemic disorder of internal organ disharmony, most commonly involving the Kidneys, Spleen, and Heart. TCM treatment aims to identify the root cause, tonify the deficient organs, and rebalance the body’s Yin-Yang and Qi-Blood dynamics.

🔹 TCM Understanding of Hypothyroidism

TCM understands health as a balance between Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood, and organ harmony. Hypothyroidism is primarily considered a pattern of Yang deficiency, meaning the body lacks sufficient warmth and metabolic energy to function optimally. In many cases, it may also involve Spleen Qi Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, and Blood Stasis.

🔹 Common TCM Patterns and Treatment Strategies

✅ Kidney Yang Deficiency (Primary Pattern)

The Kidneys are the source of all Yin and Yang in the body. When Kidney Yang is weak, metabolism slows, and symptoms like fatigue, cold limbs, weight gain, and low libido arise.

Treatment Principle: Warm and tonify Kidney Yang, support metabolism

✅ Spleen Qi Deficiency

The Spleen governs digestion and the transformation of food into Qi and Blood. Spleen weakness leads to fatigue, poor appetite, bloating, and weight gain.

Treatment Principle: Strengthen the Spleen, raise Qi, and eliminate Dampness

✅ Heart Blood and Qi Deficiency

In some hypothyroid cases, there may be emotional depression, poor memory, palpitations, or insomnia, pointing to Heart Qi or Blood deficiency.

Treatment Principle: Tonify Heart Qi and Blood, calm the Shen (mind)

✅ Blood Stasis with Cold

In long-standing hypothyroidism or with symptoms such as dark complexion, cold extremities, and sluggish circulation, Cold and Blood Stasis may develop.

Treatment Principle: Warm the channels, invigorate Blood, and dispel Cold

🔹 Dietary and Lifestyle Guidance

Eat warm, nourishing foods: lamb, chicken, ginger, garlic, walnuts, black sesame

Avoid raw, cold, or damp-producing foods: salads, dairy, greasy foods

Get sufficient rest: Yang is replenished through sleep and relaxation

Moderate physical activity: like tai chi or walking to support Yang without overexertion

✅ Conclusion

In TCM, hypothyroidism is not treated as a single disease but as a multi-organ, energetic imbalance involving deficiency in Yang, Qi, Blood, or Essence. By using customized herbal formulas, acupuncture, diet, and lifestyle therapy, TCM offers a holistic and effective approach to restoring warmth, energy, and overall metabolic function—naturally and sustainably.