goiter
AliasThyroid Disease
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, the condition known as "Goiter" is referred to as thyroid disease, which falls under the category of liver and gallbladder disorders. The classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine" records: "The goiter is a mass in the anterior neck, resembling a pendant pearl, with no change in skin color, and it is not painful when pressed. Its size fluctuates with joy and anger." The goiter is characterized by a swelling mass on both sides of the laryngeal prominence in the anterior neck, with the pathological mechanism involving qi stagnation, phlegm accumulation, and blood stasis.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of goiter is often associated with liver depression and qi stagnation, phlegm-dampness aggregation, and blood stasis. Common precipitating factors include emotional disturbances, irregular diet, and Failure to adapt to climate and environment. During the process of differentiation, it is important to distinguish between cold and heat, deficiency and excess, such as the qi stagnation and phlegm obstruction pattern, which presents with soft goiter masses in the anterior neck that are not painful and change with emotional fluctuations; the phlegm mass and blood stasis pattern, which is characterized by harder masses and discomfort in the chest; and the liver fire hyperactivity pattern, which is accompanied by symptoms like restlessness and irritability. In terms of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine advocates for regulating qi and alleviating depression, resolving phlegm and reducing goiter, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and clearing liver fire. By adjusting the functions of the internal organs, balancing yin and yang, and regulating qi and blood, the goal of treating goiter is achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Stagnation of qi leading to phlegm obstruction
Main Manifestations: Swelling and enlargement of nodules on both sides of the Adam's apple in front of the neck, soft and painless, varying with mood
Management Approach: Regulate Qi to relieve depression and resolve goiter
Phlegm and blood stasis syndrome
Main Manifestations: A lump in front of the neck that does not subside for a long time, feels harder when pressed, chest oppression
Management Approach: Regulate Qi and activate blood circulation, resolve goiter and phlegm
Exuberant liver fire syndrome
Main Manifestations: Mild to moderate swelling on both sides of the Adam's apple in the front of the neck, irritability and easy to be angry
Management Approach: Clear the liver and drain fire, disperse nodules and resolve goiter
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
For patients with goiter, the size and texture of the neck mass are important indicators for determining the presence of phlegm-dampness, qi stagnation, and blood stasis.
— Li Mingjiu Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)