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To Use or Not Use Cold Level Laser for Thyroid Conditions/Symptoms, that is the question.
Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroid, Hashimoto’s Disease or Chronic Thyroiditis (the most common cause of hypothyroidis)
Danger or Benefit? Somewhere between yes, no and maybe!
Disclaimer necessary - No laser has been FDA cleared for the treatment of Thyroid conditions. Responsibility is yours - No one can tell you for certain if a cold laser will help or hinder a specific thyroid condition. There is not enough clinical trials and ongoing research as to how low level laser therapy affects the Thyroid. However...
In recent years, there is mounting evidence showing positive signs that benefits are possible, and that precautions are more for legal protection than based on any clear and proven data that warrants avoiding the Thyroid area. This is being taken as a good sign in general.
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital Study:
"Laser light can be valuable since the local and systemic actions of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have been shown to be effective in treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. There is also evidence suggesting that LLLT can facilitate regeneration of various tissues and, in animal thyroids, can lead to improvement in microcirculation and increases in serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Since the LLLT is a non-invasive, cost-effective and painless procedure, the objective of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT in patients with hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, based on patients' thyroid function, their concentration of thyroid autoantibodies, and parameters of their ultrasonography study."
The Thyroid has been said to regulate multiple systems and to work in concert with other glands in a positive or negative manner, depending upon overall balance. When we restore balance to other glands, we sometimes see balance returning to the Thyroid. Certain low level lasers such as the Scalar Wave Laser have shown fantastic results and benefits with regard to balancing organs and glands. Particularly, the Adrenal glands and Thymus gland respond very favorably and quickly. The master gland, the Pituitary gland in the Hypothalamus region also responds very positively and helps to restore balance to the body because as its performance improves, its ability to regulate activity of the endocrine glands improves as well.
A hypothyroid condition is characterized by a thyroid gland that produces too little thyroid hormones; most prevalent being T3(triiodothyronine) and T4(thyroxine); both responsible for controlling metabolism throughout the body. Slow metabolism often equates to weight gain and every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism.
Research from 2010 shows promising conclusion that Cold Laser Therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), may be helpful for Hypothyroidism:
Help for People with Hashimoto’s Disease
August 31, 2010 Cold Laser Therapy, Hashimoto's Disease, Hypothyroidism, Thyroiditis.
One of the earliest contraindications (warnings) in using cold laser or low level laser therapy was to AVOID using over or treating the thyroid gland. The common question was WHY? The theory was that we might somehow, negatively affect thyroid gland function. Many of us cold laser users questioned the wisdom of this warning. We reasoned that if a person's thyroid gland was not functioning properly, maybe the cold laser could help restore functionality and balance? After many years of using cold lasers on the neck (not specifically over the Thyroid, but in the general vicinity) for myself and hundreds of others, I can confidently say that there have not been any complaints, which is a good sign, and many people do report fantastic results of improved metabolism, stronger immune system, better energy, deeper sleep, improved mood regulation and clearer skin.
Journal Article: (Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Aug;42(6):589-96) provides some answers.
Hashimoto’s Disease or Chronic Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. A hypothyroid condition is characterized by a thyroid gland that produces too little thyroid hormones; most prevalent being T3(triiodothyronine) and T4(thyroxine); both responsible for controlling metabolism throughout the body. Slow metabolism often equates to weight gain and every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism throughout the body. So, this process is obviously incredibly important.
Hashimoto’s Disease is an auto-immune disease where the thyroid gland is attacked by the body’s own immune system. In doing so, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, and it’s function is impaired. The result is hypothyroidism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry thinning hair, heavy or irregular periods, depression, and anxiety. It can be confirmed through blood tests showing high levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and low levels of T3 and T4.
About 14 million people in the U.S. suffer with hypothyroidism. It affects about 7 times more women than men. Common treatment methods include supplemental thyroid medication such as Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, Levothyroxine (LT4), and Synthroid.
Since acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in some cases of hypothyroidism, some people have taken to using a cold laser probe to treat specific acu-points. Cold laser is proven to be exceptionally effective as an alternative to traditional needle based acupuncture. You can typically treat a given acu-point in 20-120 seconds with most lasers that are rated at 100mW or more. A more recent study was conducted to test if laser treatments directly on the thyroid gland can eliminate or reduce the need for supplemental thyroid medication (Levothyroxine). Positive results have been achieved using a Infrared wavelength. "The results suggested that even 9 months after a 10 week treatment session, the need for supplemental thyroid (Levothyroxine) can be reduced or even completely eliminated! The study continues to suggest that one of the markers reflecting the autoimmune aspect of the disease (thyroid peroxidase-TPOAb ) can also be reduced!"
Whenever the Thyroid becomes compromised and symptoms become apparent, it is a good idea to first look at ones diet. Look for leaky-gut issues, and other digestive conditions. Work on improving digestion and eliminating known foods that impair digestions, and cause gas, bloating, mucus and inflammation. Typical dietary culprits include refined sugars, diet drinks and foods, fried foods, trans fats and polyunsaturated vegetable oils and acidic foods such as meat and dairy. All of these items tend to support and create inflammation. Fortunately, low level laser therapy (LLLT) helps to deactivate 7 of the 9 enzymes that cause inflammation up to 70%, which significantly helps the body to heal and recuperate from dis-ease, stress, aging, pain, arthritis, and degenerative conditions.
Clinical Abstract: suggests there is a benefit from increased circulation and vascularization.
"Assessment of the effects of low-level laser therapy on the thyroid vascularization of patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism by color Doppler ultrasound. Hofling DB1, Chavantes, MC, Juliano AG, Cerri GG, Knobel M. Yoshimura EM, Chammas MC Background. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) frequently alters thyroid vascularization, likely as a result of the autoimmune process.
Objective. To evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the thyroid vascularization of patients with hypothyroidism induced by CAT using color Doppler ultrasound parameters.
Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 43 patients who underwent levothyroxine replacement for CAT-induced hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive either 10 sessions of LLLT (L group, n = 23) or 10 sessions of a placebo treatment (P group, n = 20). Color Doppler ultrasounds were performed before and 30 days after interventions. To verify the vascularity of the thyroid parenchyma, power Doppler was performed. The systolic peak velocity (SPV) and resistance index (RI) in the superior (STA) and inferior thyroid arteries (ITAs) were measured by pulsed Doppler. Results. The frequency of normal vascularization of the thyroid lobes observed in the postintervention power Doppler examination was significantly higher in the L than in the P group (P = 0.023). The pulsed Doppler examination revealed an increase in the SPV of the ITA in the L group compared with the P group (P = 0.016). No significant differences in the SPV of the STA and in the RI were found between the groups.
Conclusion. Results suggest that LLLT can ameliorate thyroid parenchyma vascularization and increase the SPV of the ITA of patients with hypothyroidism caused by CAT."
Danger or Benefit? Somewhere between yes, no and maybe!
Disclaimer necessary - No laser has been FDA cleared for the treatment of Thyroid conditions. Responsibility is yours - No one can tell you for certain if a cold laser will help or hinder a specific thyroid condition. There is not enough clinical trials and ongoing research as to how low level laser therapy affects the Thyroid. However...
In recent years, there is mounting evidence showing positive signs that benefits are possible, and that precautions are more for legal protection than based on any clear and proven data that warrants avoiding the Thyroid area. This is being taken as a good sign in general.
University of Sao Paulo General Hospital Study:
"Laser light can be valuable since the local and systemic actions of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have been shown to be effective in treating autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. There is also evidence suggesting that LLLT can facilitate regeneration of various tissues and, in animal thyroids, can lead to improvement in microcirculation and increases in serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Since the LLLT is a non-invasive, cost-effective and painless procedure, the objective of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT in patients with hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, based on patients' thyroid function, their concentration of thyroid autoantibodies, and parameters of their ultrasonography study."
The Thyroid has been said to regulate multiple systems and to work in concert with other glands in a positive or negative manner, depending upon overall balance. When we restore balance to other glands, we sometimes see balance returning to the Thyroid. Certain low level lasers such as the Scalar Wave Laser have shown fantastic results and benefits with regard to balancing organs and glands. Particularly, the Adrenal glands and Thymus gland respond very favorably and quickly. The master gland, the Pituitary gland in the Hypothalamus region also responds very positively and helps to restore balance to the body because as its performance improves, its ability to regulate activity of the endocrine glands improves as well.
A hypothyroid condition is characterized by a thyroid gland that produces too little thyroid hormones; most prevalent being T3(triiodothyronine) and T4(thyroxine); both responsible for controlling metabolism throughout the body. Slow metabolism often equates to weight gain and every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism.
Research from 2010 shows promising conclusion that Cold Laser Therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), may be helpful for Hypothyroidism:
Help for People with Hashimoto’s Disease
August 31, 2010 Cold Laser Therapy, Hashimoto's Disease, Hypothyroidism, Thyroiditis.
One of the earliest contraindications (warnings) in using cold laser or low level laser therapy was to AVOID using over or treating the thyroid gland. The common question was WHY? The theory was that we might somehow, negatively affect thyroid gland function. Many of us cold laser users questioned the wisdom of this warning. We reasoned that if a person's thyroid gland was not functioning properly, maybe the cold laser could help restore functionality and balance? After many years of using cold lasers on the neck (not specifically over the Thyroid, but in the general vicinity) for myself and hundreds of others, I can confidently say that there have not been any complaints, which is a good sign, and many people do report fantastic results of improved metabolism, stronger immune system, better energy, deeper sleep, improved mood regulation and clearer skin.
Journal Article: (Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Aug;42(6):589-96) provides some answers.
Hashimoto’s Disease or Chronic Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. A hypothyroid condition is characterized by a thyroid gland that produces too little thyroid hormones; most prevalent being T3(triiodothyronine) and T4(thyroxine); both responsible for controlling metabolism throughout the body. Slow metabolism often equates to weight gain and every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism throughout the body. So, this process is obviously incredibly important.
Hashimoto’s Disease is an auto-immune disease where the thyroid gland is attacked by the body’s own immune system. In doing so, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, and it’s function is impaired. The result is hypothyroidism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry thinning hair, heavy or irregular periods, depression, and anxiety. It can be confirmed through blood tests showing high levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and low levels of T3 and T4.
About 14 million people in the U.S. suffer with hypothyroidism. It affects about 7 times more women than men. Common treatment methods include supplemental thyroid medication such as Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, Levothyroxine (LT4), and Synthroid.
Since acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in some cases of hypothyroidism, some people have taken to using a cold laser probe to treat specific acu-points. Cold laser is proven to be exceptionally effective as an alternative to traditional needle based acupuncture. You can typically treat a given acu-point in 20-120 seconds with most lasers that are rated at 100mW or more. A more recent study was conducted to test if laser treatments directly on the thyroid gland can eliminate or reduce the need for supplemental thyroid medication (Levothyroxine). Positive results have been achieved using a Infrared wavelength. "The results suggested that even 9 months after a 10 week treatment session, the need for supplemental thyroid (Levothyroxine) can be reduced or even completely eliminated! The study continues to suggest that one of the markers reflecting the autoimmune aspect of the disease (thyroid peroxidase-TPOAb ) can also be reduced!"
Whenever the Thyroid becomes compromised and symptoms become apparent, it is a good idea to first look at ones diet. Look for leaky-gut issues, and other digestive conditions. Work on improving digestion and eliminating known foods that impair digestions, and cause gas, bloating, mucus and inflammation. Typical dietary culprits include refined sugars, diet drinks and foods, fried foods, trans fats and polyunsaturated vegetable oils and acidic foods such as meat and dairy. All of these items tend to support and create inflammation. Fortunately, low level laser therapy (LLLT) helps to deactivate 7 of the 9 enzymes that cause inflammation up to 70%, which significantly helps the body to heal and recuperate from dis-ease, stress, aging, pain, arthritis, and degenerative conditions.
Clinical Abstract: suggests there is a benefit from increased circulation and vascularization.
"Assessment of the effects of low-level laser therapy on the thyroid vascularization of patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism by color Doppler ultrasound. Hofling DB1, Chavantes, MC, Juliano AG, Cerri GG, Knobel M. Yoshimura EM, Chammas MC Background. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) frequently alters thyroid vascularization, likely as a result of the autoimmune process.
Objective. To evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the thyroid vascularization of patients with hypothyroidism induced by CAT using color Doppler ultrasound parameters.
Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 43 patients who underwent levothyroxine replacement for CAT-induced hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive either 10 sessions of LLLT (L group, n = 23) or 10 sessions of a placebo treatment (P group, n = 20). Color Doppler ultrasounds were performed before and 30 days after interventions. To verify the vascularity of the thyroid parenchyma, power Doppler was performed. The systolic peak velocity (SPV) and resistance index (RI) in the superior (STA) and inferior thyroid arteries (ITAs) were measured by pulsed Doppler. Results. The frequency of normal vascularization of the thyroid lobes observed in the postintervention power Doppler examination was significantly higher in the L than in the P group (P = 0.023). The pulsed Doppler examination revealed an increase in the SPV of the ITA in the L group compared with the P group (P = 0.016). No significant differences in the SPV of the STA and in the RI were found between the groups.
Conclusion. Results suggest that LLLT can ameliorate thyroid parenchyma vascularization and increase the SPV of the ITA of patients with hypothyroidism caused by CAT."