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Hyperthyroidism

How Chinese medicine differentiates hyperthyroidism, the six patterns you'll actually meet in practice, and the points for each. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. Hyperthyroidism needs medical diagnosis and management; acupuncture is a complementary, not a replacement, approach.
General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for hyperthyroidism — 10 key points, used across most of the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

PointKey action
LR-3Subdues Liver-Yang, promotes the smooth flow of Liver-Qi, invigorates Blood.
ST-40Resolves Phlegm and Dampness throughout the body.
Ren-22Resolves Phlegm. Benefits the throat and voice.
LR-2Drains Liver-Fire, resolves Damp-Heat, cools Blood.
G.B.-20Expels exterior Wind. Clears Heat. Benefits the head and neck.
SP-6Strengthens the Spleen, resolves Dampness, nourishes Blood and Yin.
KI-3Tonifies the Kidneys (Yin and Yang), strengthens Essence.
HE-7Calms the Mind and opens the Mind's orifices. Nourishes Heart-Blood.
P-6Opens the chest, moves Qi and Blood, calms the Mind.
LR-14Promotes the smooth flow of Liver-Qi and harmonizes Liver and Stomach.
The Six Patterns

reinforcing   reducing   even method — technique below follows standard Excess/Deficiency treatment principle for each pattern, not tied to a specific point-by-point source.

1. Qi-Phlegm

Clinical manifestations: A soft, mobile swelling in the neck; a sensation of a lump in the throat; chest tightness and frequent sighing; symptoms that worsen with emotional stress; moodiness and irritability; brought on by suppressed emotion or chronic stress congealing Qi and fluids into Phlegm; eased by emotional release and gentle movement.
Tongue: Normal pink-red, possibly slightly swollen, white greasy or slippery coating. Pulse: Wiry, Slippery.
Treatment principle: Soothe Liver-Qi and resolve Phlegm, soften hardness.
Note: no moxa. No deck slide on this site has a standalone Qi-Phlegm/plum-pit-throat pattern, so no pattern link is given here.

2. Liver-Fire Blazing View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: A throbbing headache at the temples or crown; red, burning, or painful eyes; a bitter taste and dry throat; intense irritability and a short temper; a sensation of heat and easy sweating; protruding eyes; brought on by chronic emotional stress or suppressed anger transforming into Fire; eased by cooling foods and a calm environment.
Tongue: Red with redder sides, dry yellow coating, possibly red prickles. Pulse: Wiry, Rapid, full and forceful, especially at the left middle position.
Treatment principle: Drain excess Liver-Fire, clear Heat, cool the Blood, calm irritability.
Note: no moxa.

3. Liver-Yin Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Dizziness and light-headedness; dry, gritty eyes or blurred vision; night sweats; heat in the palms, soles, and chest; fine tremors in the hands; irritability and restlessness; a throbbing headache; brought on by chronic overwork, ageing, or a long illness consuming Liver-Yin; eased by rest and cooling foods.
Tongue: Red, thin, redder sides, dry surface, little or no coating. Pulse: Wiry, Fine, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Nourish Liver-Yin, clear Empty-Heat, gently soothe the Liver.
Note: no moxa.

4. Heart-Yin Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Palpitations, worse at rest or at night; insomnia with vivid or disturbing dreams; mental restlessness and anxiety; night sweats; heat in the palms, soles, and chest; brought on by chronic overwork, stress, or a long illness consuming Heart-Yin; eased by rest and a calm evening routine.
Tongue: Red, especially at the tip, little or no coating, dry surface, possible midline crack. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, weak at the deep level, particularly at the left Cun (Heart) position.
Treatment principle: Nourish Heart-Yin, calm the spirit, clear Empty-Heat to stabilize the Heart.
Note: no moxa.

5. Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; dizziness and ringing in the ears; night sweats; heat in the palms, soles, and chest; dry, gritty eyes or blurred vision; insomnia with vivid or disturbing dreams; fine tremors; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, or long-term illness consuming Kidney and Liver Yin; eased by rest and cooling foods.
Tongue: Red, thin, cracks, little or no coating, dry surface. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, Wiry, weak at the left Chi position, thin and slightly Wiry at the left Guan.
Treatment principle: Nourish Kidney and Liver Yin while clearing deficiency Heat to address deep depletion.
Note: no moxa.

6. Liver-Qi Stagnation View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Distension or bloating along the ribs and flanks; chest tightness and frequent sighing; irritability, mood swings, or emotional depression; a sensation of a lump in the throat; brought on by stress, frustration, or suppressed emotion; eased by gentle exercise, emotional release, or a calmer routine.
Tongue: Normal or slightly dark, red or slightly purple sides, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry, like a taut guitar string, especially at the left middle position.
Treatment principle: Smooth Liver-Qi, relieve stagnation, restore the free flow of energy.
Note: no moxa.
Related conditions

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