Professor Yu Zhenxuan 's Experience In Treating Thyroid Nodules

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the theories in the treatment of thyroid nodules in Chinese herbal medicine by researching classical literature and modern medicine, as well as incorporating the clinical experience of Professor Zhen-Xuan Yu.After a year of clinical observation and clinical case analysis, in combination with researching related classical literature and published articles, this thesis sums up Professor Yu"s characteristic framework in the treatment of thyroid nodules based on TCM etiological factors, pathogenesis, pattern identification and herbal formulation prescription. There are three parts to this paper. Part one includes both the Western and Chinese medicine’s summaries on thyroid nodules to examine the modern medicine’s understanding and treatment of this disease. The TCM etiological factors, pathogenesis and principle-method-recipe-medines regarding thyroid nodules from classical literature and well-known doctors in history are reviewed. Part two explores Professor Yu’s TCM etiologenesis understanding, clinical principles and syndrome differentiation and treatment of thyroid nodules, including clinical case studies. Part three is the conclusion based on part one’s summaries and part two’s clinical observations.Because of the dietary pattern, lifestyle and environment of the modern time, the trend of thyroid nodules is on the rise. Even though the Western medicine has gained a deeper understanding of this disease, the viable treatment options are limited. The Chinese medicine has a long history of treating thyroid nodules, and, when assisted by Western medicine, can be further developed with multiple advantages. Professor Yu has a rich clinical experience with expertise in solving difficult cases. His opinion is that with the rising quality of life, the possibility that thyroid nodules resulting from iodine deficiency is nearly none, where as the high-pressure modern lifestyle and psychological imbalance are more common. The historically frequently-used herbs in treating thyroid nodules such as seaweed, sea kelp and gecko should be carefully considered in formulating an herbal prescription. Instead, strategies such as regulating the flow of liver qi, dispersing swelling abscess, invigorating blood and removing blood stasis, tonifying spleen and removing phlegm, as well as nourishing yin and clearing fire should be employed. In addition, TCM theoretical foundation, decades of clinical experience, an emphasis on the body-mind connection and treating both the symptoms and the underlying cause all inform the central framework of Professor Yu’s strategies in the treatment of thyroid nodules.