How to massage the thyroid reflex area

For patients with thyroid nodules, drug therapy can be chosen during treatment. However, in the process of daily health care, if everyone can master some massage methods for thyroid nodules, it will be of certain help to their condition. So, how do you massage the thyroid reflex area? Today we will introduce it to you. Massage combined with drug treatment will help everyone recover quickly.

The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. Where is the thyroid gland located? As we all know, it is located in the neck. To be more specific, it is located about 2 to 3 centimeters below the Adam's apple and can move up and down with the Adam's apple when swallowing. Where are other endocrine glands located besides this one?

Can thyroid nodules be massaged?

Patients with thyroid nodules can perform body massage, but massaging the nodule area is not recommended.

Because thyroid nodules are mostly abnormal masses in the thyroid tissue caused by goiter or thyroiditis, a few are caused by thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer cannot be massaged casually and surgery must be performed in time; while nodules caused by thyroiditis or goiter may have no effect if light massage is used, if the strength is not controlled well and the massage technique is rough, it may cause the nodules to rupture or bleed. Therefore, it is best not to massage the nodule area.

Can thyroid nodules be massaged?

Body massage for patients with thyroid nodules mainly involves lower body massage, mainly massaging the thyroid reflex area on the sole of the foot (the protruding part under the big toe, as shown in the figure). Specific steps:

1. First use an electric warmer to heat the soles of your feet, focusing on the thyroid reflex area, for 15-30 minutes, while keeping the entire foot warm.

2. Use a round-headed massage stick to press the soles of your feet hard to massage the entire sole.

3. After massaging the entire sole of the foot, focus on massaging the thyroid reflex area. Also, increase the intensity and frequency of massaging the adrenal glands, spleen, cervical lymph, and upper and lower body lymph reflex areas.

4. Massage for 40 minutes each time, every day.

How to massage the body for thyroid nodules

Treatment of thyroid nodules varies depending on the cause and the level of thyroid hormone, and mainly includes:

1. Follow-up observation

Not all thyroid nodules require treatment. If the thyroid nodule is small and does not appear serious, it can be followed up and observed. However, close follow-up is needed to observe whether the nodule grows or requires treatment.

2. Medication

Doctors can shrink thyroid nodules by giving them the drug thyroxine. If you take thyroid hormone medication, your thyroid hormone levels will need to be monitored regularly.

3. Radioiodine therapy

Radioactive iodine is available in tablet and liquid form. It uses a very small amount of radiation, destroys a large amount of thyroid tissue, and is used only on nodules that produce large amounts of thyroid hormone. It is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women.

4. Surgery to remove thyroid nodules

If fine needle puncture under B-ultrasound guidance confirms that the thyroid nodule is malignant, then surgical treatment is required to prevent it from metastasizing and invading surrounding organs.

In addition, if a thyroid nodule is diagnosed as benign, but the size of the nodule exceeds 3-4 cm, it is suspected to have malignant tendencies, or the nodule has caused symptoms such as tracheal compression, difficulty breathing, and swallowing discomfort, doctors usually recommend surgical treatment.

What should I pay attention to when I have thyroid nodules?

1. Patients with thyroid nodules should eat less seafood and try to avoid eating foods rich in iodine, such as kelp, dried shrimps and seaweed.

2. Don’t eat spicy or irritating foods on a regular basis: try to eat light foods.

3. Avoid eating foods that may cause goiter: such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, rapeseed, walnuts, etc.

4. Do not drink tobacco, alcohol, strong tea or coffee.

5. Avoid fatigue and make sure to get more rest.

6. Keep a good mood and avoid emotional fluctuations.