Hypothyroidism Yoga: Yoga Postures for Hypothyroid
What is thyroid? The thyroid is a small but important gland in our throat which regulates our metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is under-active, and does not produce sufficient thyroxine (T4). T4 is essential for regulating important functions of our body such as mental development, physical growth, digestion and heart rate.
Symptoms: The symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain, dullness, mental lethargy, depression, mood swings, excessive falling of hair, dry skin and constipation. In more serious cases, it can cause life-threatening complications by damaging tissues and organs in the body.
Because the thyroid is closely linked with emotions, its symptoms are difficult to pin-point because they can be confused with natural tiredness.
Causes: Sometimes hypothyroidism is caused as a side effect of a surgery or certain medications. It could also be caused by wrong diet or malnutrition. Sometimes arthritis, liver problems or blood sugar problems also trigger off this condition.
Yoga Postures and Hypothyroidism: Yoga is helpful in treating hypothyroidism effectively. Since the poses include twisting, stretching and compressing, they help to massage the endocrine glands. This increases the flow of blood to them and nourishes them, thus enhancing their function.
The Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana, which means ‘all the body’) has been found to be helpful in treating an under-active thyroid. This is an inverted pose, which reverses the effect of gravity. Thus the blood flows easily from the feet and legs, and reaches the area of the neck. Since this is where the thyroid gland is located, it gets stimulated and nourished. With better nourishment, the functioning of the thyroid gland improves, causing a chain reaction, where circulation is improved followed by increased metabolism and weight loss. At the same time, Shoulder Stand strengthens the organs of the abdomen, and enhances better blood circulation in those areas.
Shoulder Stand also releases tension and calms the mind. If you do it in the morning, it will help to reduce fatigue. If you do it in the evenings, it will encourage deep and restful sleep. It also reduces back pain, by strengthening the neck and back muscles.
Other poses which are effective to combat hypothyroidism are Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirasana), Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani) and Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottasana). Along with this, you can also gradually add Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati) and Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanmuktasana).
Pranayama or breath regulation with its correct breathing technique is also beneficial in Hypothyroidism because it encourages a better intake of oxygen in the body. This leads to greater nourishment reaching the cells of the body, and helps in dissipating the lethargy associated with hypothyroidism.
