Hyperthyroidism – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Calming the Fire, Anchoring Yang, and Nourishing the Root

Hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive metabolism, manifests in symptoms such as weight loss despite normal or increased appetite, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and irritability. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these symptoms are not seen as the result of a single gland malfunction but as a systemic imbalance involving excess Heat or Yang, Yin Deficiency, and disharmony of key organs—especially the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys.Rather than suppressing the thyroid’s activity, TCM treatment aims to calm internal Heat, nourish Yin, regulate Qi, and stabilize the Shen (spirit)—bringing the whole body back into balance.

🔹 TCM Understanding of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in TCM is often seen as a condition of Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat or Liver Fire affecting the Heart and Shen (mind). In some cases, Qi and Yin Deficiency combine with Phlegm-Heat to produce the full picture. The root pattern must be identified for proper treatment.

🔹 Common TCM Patterns and Treatment Strategies

✅ Liver Fire and Heart Fire Rising

Emotional stress or internal stagnation can cause Liver Qi to stagnate and then transform into Heat or Fire, which rises upward and disturbs the Heart.Symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, red eyes, palpitations, dry mouth, bitter taste, rapid pulse, red tongue with yellow coating

Treatment Principle: Clear Liver and Heart Fire, calm the Shen

✅ Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire

Prolonged stress, overwork, or illness may deplete Kidney Yin and Liver Yin, leading to deficiency Heat that disturbs the Heart and mind.Symptoms: Night sweats, five-palm heat, restlessness, insomnia, dry mouth and throat, red tongue with little coating, thin rapid pulse

Treatment Principle: Nourish Yin, clear Deficiency Heat, anchor the Yang

✅ Spleen Qi Deficiency with Phlegm and Heat

Some patients present with an overactive appetite, restlessness, and goiter (thyroid swelling), suggesting internal Phlegm-Heat obstructing the throat and Qi pathways.Symptoms: Swollen neck, excessive appetite, loose stools, fatigue, greasy yellow tongue coating, slippery rapid pulse

Treatment Principle: Strengthen Spleen, resolve Phlegm, clear Heat

✅ Qi and Yin Deficiency

This pattern is common in long-standing or post-treatment hyperthyroid cases, where both Qi and Yin are depleted.Symptoms: Tiredness, dry mouth, palpitations, dizziness, anxiety, weight loss, low voice

Treatment Principle: Tonify Qi, nourish Yin, calm the mind

🔹 Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

Avoid: Hot/spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and emotional overexertion

Eat: Yin-nourishing and cooling foods such as pears, seaweed, tofu, spinach, black sesame, goji berries

Practice: Meditation, tai chi, or qigong to anchor the spirit and reduce stress

Sleep: Prioritize rest to rebuild Yin and calm the Heart

✅ Conclusion

From a TCM perspective, hyperthyroidism reflects excessive internal Yang activity or Fire, often combined with underlying Yin and Qi deficiency. By identifying the precise pattern and treating with herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and emotional regulation, TCM offers a natural, whole-body approach to restoring metabolic balance, calming the mind, and improving long-term health outcomes—without suppressing the body's vital functions.