Oriental medicine (OM), also known as Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a healing art that existed in some form or other for more than 3,000 years. Some of the earlier texts date back from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 ACE). In the western world, it is commonly known as acupuncture. However, acupuncture is only one of several modalities that physicians of TCM use to treat patients. TCM emphasizes the role of the body in the healing process and uses herbs and natural agents to maintain health. It is an effective form of treatment and a particularly safe form of therapy. TCM is a complete medical system that takes into account every aspect of human life to promote health and well-being. It sees the body as one whole entity like a “Garden” and encompasses its physical, emotional, energetic, as well as its spiritual aspects. It emphasizes on the “Vis medicatrix” the “healing power of nature” better known as “the inborn ability of the human body to respond to the insult of illness or injury and restore itself to health in most episodes of disease or trauma (Whorton, 2002, p. 6).” The goal for treatment is boosting the ecological condition to favor self-regulatory capacity. Physicians in the eastern world are trained to examine skin, complexion, bones, channels, smells, sounds, mental state, preferences, emotions, tongue, pulse, demeanor, and body build to discern patterns that underlie a patient’s complaints. TCM’s wholistic approach to healing addresses the underlying cause of disease, and allows the body to heal itself naturally. Physicians are taught to treat the cause not just the symptoms of an illness so that the body can function more efficiently and therefore ensuring true health.
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1898 S Clyde Morris Blvd., Ste. 120 Daytona Beach, FL 386.872.7167
Thyroid disorders are topics that are being discussed more and more. Many people who have trouble with weight gain, problems losing weight, feeling tired or fatigued often feel that they may have a thyroid disorder, often self-diagnosing themselves with hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid is not producing enough hormones. Let's start with a little more background on the thyroid gland before diving into this condition and what it has to do with chiropractic care.
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The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that influence a number of different functions in your body. Everything from bone density control to mood control is influenced by the hormones released from the thyroid gland. When we talk about the condition of hypothyroidism, we are referring to a condition in which the thyroid gland is not producing or releasing enough T4 (thyroxine) which then also leads to a decrease in the amount of T3 (triiodothyronine) that can be produced (T4 is required to make T3). Iodine is an important dietary mineral that is required to make T4 and therefore also T3. Iodine was added to table salt in 1924 to prevent the onset of hypothyroidism (which can lead to the formation of a goiter - abnormal growth of the thyroid). Therefore, if you are not consuming enough iodine in your diet, you may be at risk for developing hypothyroidism.
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If you do develop this condition, and therefore the T3 and T4 hormones are deficient, it may lead to a number of symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, cold sensitivity, and brittle hair and nails. However, these symptoms can also be signs of a variety of other illnesses so visiting your physician for the appropriate diagnosis is very important. Not to mention, there are several other causes of thyroid disorders that may be the cause of your symptoms, some of which may be serious.
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Now where does chiropractic care fit into all of this? Well, you may desire to visit your chiropractic physician if you have signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. He or she will perform an evaluation and may order laboratory tests to see if you have abnormal levels of thyroid hormones. Lifestyle changes such as dietary alterations can help ensure that you receive appropriate amounts of iodine and other nutrients required for a properly functioning thyroid gland. Chiropractic adjustments may also help in preserving the lines of communication between your brain and your body through your spinal nerves. This will help to ensure that the thyroid gland isn't under-active due to the fact that it is receiving faulty signals from the parts of the brain involved with regulating thyroid function.
Depending on the severity of your condition, your chiropractor may want to co-manage your condition with your medical doctor, should medical intervention be required.
If you have more questions about the information above, please contact our Daytona Beach office for your free consultation with Dr. Fleming at (386) 872-7167. You may also schedule your appointment through this website at the link below!
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Dr. Alesha Fleming
Natural Health and Wellness Chiropractic, LLC
Daytona Beach, FL
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Dr. Fleming is a family chiropractor in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is passionate about preventative health care and nutrition and enjoys empowering her patients to improve their health and fitness, one day at a time!
Thyroid Disorders & Chiropractic
