Exploring New Horizons in Alternative, Holistic, and

Complementary Treatments for Thyroid Disease

Being diagnosed and treated for a thyroid disorder can be a time-consuming, frustrating process. However, once a proper diagnosis has been made, most common thyroid disorders respond very well to conventional medical treatment. As long as you make a commitment to consistently taking your prescription medication as directed, most thyroid patients find that many, if not all, of their thyroid symptoms can be well-controlled.

Still, as holistic health care professionals remind us, the absence of disease is only one aspect of overall health and well-being. From the point of view of many conventionally-trained Western doctors, a lack of symptoms means that you are okay -- case closed. But patients who have lived through the experience of coming to terms with a chronic health condition know that the road to regaining one's health and vitality is often much rockier than that. In fact, it may be an uphill battle that you will be fighting long after your symptoms have been controlled with medication.

If you're a thyroid patient who is stuck somewhere in the middle of this process, you should know that there are a wide range of alternative treatments out there that may help boost your overall sense of health and well-being. While it's vitally important that you adhere closely to the regimen of prescription medication your doctor has established for you, you may find that looking for other options to supplement your ongoing medical treatment can help you regain a sense of wellness. This week, we'll take a look at some of the most beneficial alternative, holistic, and complementary treatments for thyroid patients.

Massage Therapy

• For many patients who are struggling to regain a sense of control over their bodies after being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as thyroid disease, massage therapy and related forms of 'body work' can be enormously helpful. Most people assume that massages are simply a form of deep relaxation, and while this is true, a skilled practitioner can do much more than eliminate stress and work out kinks and cricks. Massage therapists trained in the healing arts have access to a repertoire of techniques that can help boost the body's natural healing abilities. Make sure you tell your therapist about your thyroid condition before your first session so they can plan a treatment sequence based on your unique profile.

Yoga

• The popularity of yoga in the United States has grown in leaps and bounds over the course of the last decade, so even if you live in a remote area, there is likely to be a studio in fairly close proximity. Everyone's experience will differ, but many thyroid patients like the sense of balance and serenity that yoga helps them attain. If you're shy, you can always rent or buy a DVD for use in the privacy of your own home.

Acupuncture

• Once regarded as a fringe holistic practice, acupuncture is now quickly gaining mainstream acceptance. Several recent studies have confirmed acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management and stress relief, as well as a host of other health benefits. The research seems to indicate that acupuncture is particularly effective for people with chronic health conditions. Make sure your therapist is licensed and has a proven track record of satisfied customers.

Aromatherapy

• If the thought of consulting with a holistic health professional still feels a bit too overwhelming, it may be a good idea to ease your way into the world of alternative and complementary care with a treatment you can do yourself. With nothing more than a few carefully-selected essential oils, you can tap into the millennia-old practice of aromatherapy. This practice is designed to call upon the powerful sense of smell to rejuvenate and enhance your sense of well-being. Try adding a few drops of chamomile, cedarwood, or patchouli oil to your next warm bath for a relaxing experience.

If you're interested in exploring the world of holistic, complementary, and alternative treatment, do some research on your own before you take the plunge. If your doctor is supportive, ask him or her for referrals to credible practitioners in your area. Check back each week for more thyroid health news and information.

For Further Reading about Thyroid

• http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/graves_disease/72032

• http://www.ehow.com/how_2033041_use-holistic-medicine.html