The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the neck,in front of the windpipe. It is only a small flap of flesh but it is very important in maintaining good health.
It produces a hormone called Thyroxine,which affects every tissue in the body. It is the energy gland of the body and controls metabolism mainly but also digestion,circulation,immune function,hormone balance and emotions.
It is controlled by the pituitary gland,which in turn is directed by chemical signals from the Hypolathamus gland. The Hypolathamus gland is in the brain and monitors hormone levels in the blood stream.
| Under active | Overactive |
| Hypoactive Symptoms (Under) | Hyperactive Symptoms (Over) |
| Also known as Hashiomoto’s disease | Also known as Grave’s disease |
| TOO LITTLE THYROXINE | TOO MUCH THYROXINE |
Both imbalances are known as “Auto-immune disorders”as the body ‘s immune system has put the thyroid into either overdrive or has wiped it out.
It tends to affect women in their middle-life and sometimes too the elderly. It is surmised that there are probably genetic factors that predispose a person to the condition.
Here are some of the symptoms:
| Hypoactive | Hyperactive |
| Dry,cold skin Feeling cold
Swelling of the neck Depression Slow pulse Hair loss Brittle fingernails Heavy menstruation Constipation Weight gain High cholesterol Tiredness Yeast infections Recurring infections | Hot,sweaty skin Feeling hot
Swelling of the neck Nervous,irritable and anxious Fast pulse,Palpitations Hair loss Soft fingernails Light or non-existent menstruation Frequent bowel movements Weight loss Increased appetite Bulging eyes Premature grey hair Loss of skin pigment Insomnia |
Once an under active thyroid is detected it can continue to decline,whereas with an overactive thyroid –the condition can come and go. Therefore there are very different treatments for each condition.
If you have some of the above symptoms –ask your Doctor for a blood test to check your Thyroid function so that you can be aware of the performance of your thyroid and take appropriate action if necessary.
Iodine levels also control the activity of the thyroid,as iodine is an essential for the production of Thyroxine. A good source of Iodine is table salt (to which it has been added).
Alternative health practitioners can also assist in helping with each condition.
Chakra balancing can be of help as the Throat chakra is connected indirectly to the thyroid and the hormones that it produces. Chakras that also need to be taken into account are the Base chakra and Sacral chakra. An energy worker or
Holistic Kinesiologist will be able to help balance the chakras.
Myrrh,Spruce or Blue Tansy Oil tapped on to the Thyroid regularly is said to be helpful in Hyperthyroidism.
Myrtle or Ledum Oil tapped on to the Thyroid regularly is said to be helpful in Hypothyroidism.
Ensure that you drink water that is free of chlorine as chlorine prevents the absorption of iodine. Use an activated carbon filter or let water stand unsealed in a container before drinking.
I have heard that there is a connection between excessive soy milk consumption and an under active thyroid. So moderation is the best rule here.
You yourself can do some visualization work –visualize your Hypothalamus gland sending out just the right amount of chemical signals to the Pituitary gland,which in turn tells the thyroid gland to produce just the right amount of Thyroxine for your body’s requirements. If it helps –find a picture of these gland locations in a Biology reference book.
Keep well and stay informed.
