In the traditional Chinese medicine clinic of Zhai Zhangsuo, rows of gratitude banners tell silent stories of patients reclaiming health. With over four decades specializing in thyroid diseases, Zhai has pioneered a clinical approach that blends TCM (pattern discrimination) with modern medical practice. His philosophy—”inherit without rigidity, innovate without deviating from essence”—has offered new hope to countless individuals struggling with hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other refractory conditions.
When treating a patient with a decade-long history of recurrent
hyperthyroidism, Zhai bypassed the conventional “clearing heat, nourishing yin” approach. Through comprehensive diagnosis—observing dark red tongue with yellow greasy coating, (taut-slippery-rapid pulse), and a history of chronic emotional —he identified the pattern as “liver depression transforming into fire, phlegm-blood stasis inter “. His treatment integrated his mentor’s “transforming turbidity, resolving toxins” theory: prunella and fritillaria cleared phlegm and ，while bupleurum and turmeric soothed liver qi. A groundbreaking external plaster targeted the thyroid directly, complemented by acupuncture at Taichong (LR3) and Qimen (LR14) to regulate qi. After three months, the patient’s thyroid function normalized fully—a vivid demonstration of TCM’s “observe the pulse and symptoms, identify the pathogenesis, treat accordingly” principle.
Holistic Healing for Thyroid Nodules
Zhai’s approach to thyroid nodules transcends traditional “softening hardness, dissipating nodules” methods, proposing a three-step strategy: “regulate qi mechanism, resolve phlegm-stasis, support righteous qi”. Using astragalus and angelica to tonify qi-blood as the foundation, he adds and to invigorate blood and resolve stasis. Innovatively, TCM plasters are applied to Tiantu (CV22) and Shanzhong (CV17), delivering herbs transdermally to the thyroid. Clinical data shows this “internal-external combined” model achieves an 80% nodule reduction rate, with complete resolution in some cases—embodying the dialectical unity of TCM’s “holistic view” and “local treatment”.
Modernizing Ancient Wisdom
Zhai’s academic achievements stem from deep insight into his mentor’s “transforming turbidity, resolving toxins” theory. He inherits the emphasis on spleen-stomach (ascending-descending) while integrating modern lifestyle factors, proposing that “emotional diseases should be treated from the liver”. This “uphold the orthodox, innovate” attitude breathes contemporary life into ancient TCM wisdom. As a banner in his clinic states: “Forty years of benevolence healing the world; skilled hands restoring spring to life”, Zhai proves TCM’s irreplaceable value in chronic and difficult disease management.
From hyperthyroidism to nodules, oral medication to external application, Zhai’s recovery cases the TCM concept of “heaven-human integration”. This exploration blending millennial wisdom with modern clinical practice not only provides new paradigms for thyroid disease treatment but also the vibrant vitality of TCM’s commitment to integrity and innovation.
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