Goiter

Goiter denotes an enlargement of the thyroid gland , causing a swelling in the front part of the neck , which is not accompanied by pain , ulceration or skin discoloration . According to the records of ancient literature , it can be classified as qi goiter , flesh goiter and stone goiter . In this section only qi goiter and flesh goiter are discussed .

Etiology and Pathogenesis

Goiter may be caused by exasperation , anxiety or mental depression which leads to stagnation of qi and accumulation of fluid forming phlegm . It also occurs in certain localities where the soil and water are not good . In the book General Treatise on the Etiology and Pathogenesis , it says : Mountainous areas with black soil where the spring takes its source are not good for permanent dwelling , because drinking the spring water causes goiter . Generally speaking , qi goiter is mostly caused by drinking mountainous water and qi stagnation , and flesh goiter by stagnation of qi and accumulation of phlegm damp .

Differentiation

Main manifestations : Qi goiter is marked by diffusive swelling in the neck , soft , gradually increasing in size with unclear margins , normal color , absence of pain ; in some cases big and drooping , accompanied with dyspnea and hoarseness of voice . The size of the goiter usually changes with emotions .

Flesh goiter often occurs in individuals below forty , more frequently in women than in men , a few oval movable lumps below the Adam's Apple with smooth surface and without pain , accompanied by exophthalmoses , hot temper , irritability , tremor of the hands , sweating , stuffiness in the chest , palpitation , string - taut , slippery and rapid pulse , and irregular menstruation .

Treatment

Method : Activiate blood circulation and remove blood stasis , and disperse the agglomeration through promoting the qi circulation by reducing method . Points of Hand Shaoyang and Yangming Meridians are selected as the principal points .

Prescription : Naohui ( S J 13 ) , Tianding ( Li 17 ) , Tianrong ( Si 17 ) , Tiantu ( Ren 22 ) , Hegu ( Li 4 ) , Zusanii ( S 36 ) .

Supplementary points : Liver - qi stagnation : Tanzhong ( Ren 17 ) , Taichong ( Liv 3 ) with even movement .

Palpitation : Neiguan ( P 6 ) , Shenmen ( H 7 ) with the reinforcing method .

Exophthalmoses : Sizhukong ( S J 23 ) , Zanzhu ( B 2 ) , Jingming ( B 1 ) , Fengchi ( G 20 ) with even movement . Hot temper , anxiety and sweating : Sanyinjiao ( Sp 6 ) and Fuliu ( K 7 ) with even movement .

Explanation : Naohui ( S J 13 ) is a point of the Sanjiao Meridian of Hand - Shaoyang . Sanjiao dominates the qi of the whole body . So Naohui ( S J 13 ) is used to remove obstruction from the meridians in order to relieve qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation for the goiter . Tianding ( Li 17 ) , Tianrong ( Si17 ) and Tiantu ( Ren 22 ) are located on the neck . Puncturing them is to regulate the local circulation of qi and blood , to remove blood stasis and disperse agglomeration . Hegu ( Li4 ) and Zusanii ( S 36 ) belong respectively to the Hand and Foot Yangming Meridians , which pass through the neck region . They have the action of promoting qi circulation in the Yangming Meridians and eliminating stagnation ofqi and blood . Tanzhong ( Ren 17 ) is an Influential Point of qi , and Taichong ( Liv 3 ) is the Yuan - ( Primary ) Point of the . Liver Meridian . Both are used to regulate the circulation of the liver qi . Shenmen ( H 7 ) is the Yuan - ( Primary ) Point of the Heart Meridian , and Neiguan ( P 6 ) , the Luo - ( Connecting ) Point of the Pericardium Meridian . They are effective for palpitation . Sizhukong ( S J 23 ) , Zanzhu ( B 2 ) and Jingming ( B 1 ) are local points . Fengchi ( G 20 ) connects with the eye region . These four points are used together to readjust the circulation of qi and blood in the eye region so as to control exophthalmoses . Sanyinjiao ( Sp 6 ) and Fuliu ( K 7 ) are used to reinforce yin and check yang in order to relieve irritability , bulimia and excessive perspiration .

Remarks

1 . The morbid condition described here refers to simple goiter and hyperthyroidism in modern medicine .

2 . The method of puncturing with several needles surrounding the goiter and with one needle in the center has a fairly good effect of reducing the goiter .