Yoga for thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders usually develop in the body, when there is a problem in the thyroid gland and it cannot produce the hormones that are required for regulating the metabolism. Thyroid problems can lead to one of the two conditions, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism refers to the lack of thyroid hormones in the blood and hyperthyroidism indicates the opposite, i.e., an excessive supply of the thyroid hormones in the body. The symptoms and problems associated with thyroid problems include fatigue, weight fluctuations, water retention, irregular sleeping patterns, mood swings as well as pain in the joints and muscles. People usually adopt various treatment options, to alleviate this condition. Several health experts and even doctors recommend Yoga for thyroid conditions, as it stimulates the thyroid gland and balances the metabolism. Some of the most effective yoga poses for thyroid include:

• Pranayama (Breathing Technique)
• Padmasana (The Lotus Pose)
• Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose)
• Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose)
• Bidalasana (The Cat Pose)
• Sarvangasana (The Shoulder Stand Pose)
• Navasana (The Boat Pose)
• Matsyasana (The Fish Pose)
• Uttana Padasana (The Raised Feet Pose)

Yoga postures thyroid benefits

One of the main causes of hypothyroidism is stress. Yoga is one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help maintain a perfect balance between the body and the mind. The yoga hypothyroidism postures mentioned above massage the thyroid glands and stimulate them too, which subsequently results in correcting the disorder, improving the function of the glands and helping them to work at an optimal level. Yoga for thyroid disorders also helps to improve circulation, boost metabolism, reduce stiffness and strengthen the shoulders, torso and neck.

Most of the exercises in yoga for thyroid problems are relatively simple and some of them are a part of a yoga routine for beginners. However, even the easiest yoga exercises should only be practiced under the supervision and guidance of a qualified Yoga teacher. Some of the yoga hypothyroidism postures are not suitable for people who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as heart, hip, neck and back problems. Therefore, the yoga teacher should be informed about any medical problems that a beginner suffers from. 

Yoga for thyroid disorders should ideally be used as a supplement to medical treatment, as it can alleviate the symptoms but may not necessarily cure the condition. It is absolutely essential to check with a doctor and get an approval before practicing any yoga poses .

Experts say that a woman over 35 has a 30 percent chance of developing a thyroid disorder. A simple explanation is that today’s more sensitive and sophisticated tests detect the ailment earlier, leading to more diagnoses. However, even if that is true many experts think hypothyroidism is under-diagnosed. Even researchers are baffled by it, they don’t know why. The possible explanations for thyroidism include the following:

• Stress
• Environmental toxins
• Nutritional deficiencies and/or imbalances

Two types of thyroid disorders:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyper secretion of thyroid hormone could be the result of autoimmune diseases. This is found to be more frequent in women than in men. In this condition, the thyroid gland gets enlarged two-three times its original size. It is also called goitre and also causes the eye to protrude as well as an abnormally high metabolic rate.  This produces a range of effects that includes higher pulse rate, high body temperature, heat intolerance, and moist flushed skin. The person tends to lose weight and is generally full of 'nervous' energy.

Hypothyroidism

Hyposecretion of thyroid hormone occurs during fetal life or infancy, or during adulthood. These are known as cretinism and myxedema respectively. It is know to lead to dwarfism and mental retardation. Besides other things, cretin also exhibits retarded sexual development and. a yellowish skin color. It lowers the body temperature, slows down the heart rate and brings general lethargy. People suffering from myxedema have sensitivity to cold.

Yoga for thyroid problems

By stimulating the function of the thyroid, pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands, Yoga normalizes them. It limbers and stretches the neck, as well as strengthens and tones the nervous system. The thyroid gland is mainly responsible for correct weight and youthful appearance as it controls metabolism. Yoga stimulates the thyroid gland to work at its peak efficiency. Since the pituitary gland also gets stimulated, it helps improve their function.

Asanas for Thyroid:

Sarvangasana
Naukasana
Uttanpadasana
Matsyasana
Yashtikasana

Suggested Pranayams for Thyroid:

Kapalabhatti
Anuloma-Viloma
Ujjayi

Bandhas

Jalandhara Bandha