CASE REPORT - ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT IN MALE PATIENT WITH HASHIMOTO THYROIDITIS

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with the presence of anti-thyroid autoantibodies (anti-TPO). High serum antibodies are found in the active phases of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. In many medical cases with Hashimoto's thyroiditis it is possible to have high levels of anti-TPO antibodies and fT4, fT3 and TSH levels to be within the normal range. Most doctors believe that Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an incurable form of thyroid deficiency. With the TCM treatment the patient's strength and vitality can be improved, the Qi flow can be harmonized, nourished and strengthened and the body's system can be repaired and recharged so the patient may go into remission. The treated patient is 44 year old man, diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis caused by stress. The patient has done 40 acupuncture treatments within 21 months, once a week. The patient wasn't taking any additional hormonal medications. The parameters for fT4, fT3 and TSH were showing normal levels and the anti-TPO levels were increased. Before the treatment the anti-TPO antibodies amount was 252.4 IU/ml and after the treatment 4.07 IU/ml (normal <80 IU/ml). Treated points are: BL15 (XinShu), BL20 (PiShu), BL23 (ShenShu), DU4 (MingMen), DU14 (DaZhui), DU20 (BaiHui), ST9 (RenYing), LI4 (HeGu), KI3 (TaiXi), GB20 (FengChi), RN4 (QuanYuan), RN6 (QiHai), LR2 (TaiChong), SP9 (YinLingQuan), SP6 (SanYinJiao), ST36 (ZuSanLi) and Ashi points located on the neck (front and back).