GRAVES' HYPERTHYROIDISM SYMPTOMS AND LABS MANAGED WITH AURICULAR ELECTROACUPUNCTURE VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE: A CASE REPORT

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

8-21-2024

Publication Title

J Integr Complement Med

Abstract

Introduction: This case report offers insight into the effects of multimodal auricular acupuncture vagal nerve stimulation (aaVNS) therapy interspersed with Traditional Chinese Medicine protocols (TCM) for management of Graves' hyperthyroidism symptoms following chemotherapy (CT) and radiation therapy (RT) of large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Case: A mid-50's Caucasian female suffering from moderate mixed presentation insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, daytime flushing, night sweats, and fatigue. Measurable thyroid levels showed an oscillation between hyper-, hypothyroid, and Grave's disease for at least two years prior to initiation of acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture point prescriptions were utilized, as well as aaVNS with diaphragmatic breathing due to dysautonomia symptoms.

Results: Physical symptoms surrounding sleep, palpitations, and flushing were significantly improved within the first three months. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, free T3, and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) levels normalized when patient was in otherwise good health but demonstrated regression of disease markers when prone to opportunistic infections.

Conclusions: Data from other studies suggest mixed conclusions if acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment can impact thyroid levels. This case presents a unique look at measurable thyroid changes utilizing a multimodal approach of auricular vagal stimulation, diaphragmatic breathing, and traditional acupuncture.

Volume

30

Issue

8

First Page

A25

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