Yoga for Thyroid

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