Thyroid Nodules – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Resolving Masses by Moving Qi, Softening Hardness, and Nourishing the Root

Thyroid nodules are palpable or non-palpable lumps in the thyroid gland that may be solitary or multiple. In Western medicine, most are benign and often discovered incidentally. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), thyroid nodules are classified under the category of “Ying Liu” (瘿瘤), which refers to goiters, scrofula, and other neck masses. TCM interprets these nodules as the result of Qi stagnation, Phlegm accumulation, and imbalances among the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney organ systems.Rather than focusing solely on the local mass, TCM treatment addresses both the root cause and symptomatic expression, aiming to dissolve the nodule, regulate organ function, and prevent recurrence.

🔹 TCM Understanding of Thyroid Nodules

From a TCM viewpoint, nodules form when Qi fails to flow freely, leading to the stagnation of fluids and the generation of Phlegm, which can congeal into lumps. Emotional stress, dietary habits, chronic illness, or constitutional weakness may all contribute.In addition to Phlegm, Blood stasis, Fire, or Yin deficiency may underlie the condition, and each patient must be diagnosed according to their unique constitutional pattern.

🔹 Common TCM Patterns and Treatment Approaches

✅ Qi Stagnation and Phlegm Accumulation

This is the most common pattern, especially in people experiencing chronic stress, suppressed emotions, or irregular diet.Symptoms: Soft or rubbery thyroid nodules, chest or throat tightness, irritability, sighing, frequent throat clearing, emotional lability

Treatment Principle: Regulate Liver Qi, resolve Phlegm, soften masses

✅ Phlegm and Blood Stasis

This pattern is typical for firm or long-standing nodules and may follow unresolved Qi stagnation. There is often a longer disease course or history of trauma or poor circulation.Symptoms: Firm or fixed nodules, purple lips or tongue, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, fatigue

Treatment Principle: Invigorate Blood, dispel stasis, transform Phlegm, soften hardness

✅ Liver Fire with Phlegm

This pattern arises when emotional stress turns into Heat and combines with internal Phlegm to form nodules. It is more likely in patients with a red face, anger, or restlessness.Symptoms: Irritability, insomnia, bitter taste, dry mouth, heat sensations, nodules that may grow quickly

Treatment Principle: Clear Liver Fire, resolve Phlegm, calm the Shen

✅ Kidney and Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm

Seen in chronic cases or in older individuals with constitutional deficiency. Nodules may be small, stable, and painless.Symptoms: Fatigue, poor digestion, weak limbs, frequent urination, loose stools, pale tongue with tooth marks

Treatment Principle: Tonify Spleen and Kidney, transform Phlegm

🔹 Lifestyle and Dietary Guidance

Avoid: Cold/raw foods, dairy, sugar, and greasy foods (which produce Damp and Phlegm)Favor: Warm, cooked meals and Phlegm-transforming foods like radish, kelp (in moderation), and barley

Stress management: Meditation, tai chi, and emotional expression are encouraged

Monitor nodules: Re-evaluate size and consistency regularly with your healthcare provider

✅ Conclusion

In TCM, thyroid nodules are seen as a result of internal organ imbalance, not merely a local growth. By identifying whether the root lies in Qi stagnation, Phlegm accumulation, Fire, Blood stasis, or organ deficiency, TCM offers a personalized, whole-body approach to reduce and prevent thyroid nodules. Through herbal formulas, acupuncture, diet, and lifestyle changes, the goal is not only to shrink the nodules but to restore long-term internal harmony.