Yoga Postures for Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that is situated in the throat.



It assists the body in maintaining normal temperature and is indispensable for the normal metabolic functioning of the cells. The thyroid gland is responsible for secretion of a hormone called thyroxine - T4. If the thyroid gland gets over productive a condition called hyperthyroidism sets in. this is the result of excess amount of free thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heat intolerance, nervousness, increased irritability, increased heart rate, palpitations, tremors, weight loss and increased frequency of defecation.



Women could have decreased frequency of menses. In hyperthyroidism, the lab investigation shows a low TSH and a high T3 together with a rise in the total and free T4 levels.

In hypothyroidism, the patient also suffers from fatigue, depression and sometimes even symptoms of mild psychosis. The serum cholesterol levels may be raised and there could be severe anemia. Deep relaxation techniques in the form of cyclic meditation are recommended for 30 minutes and pranayama for hyperthyroid.



This will reduce the rate of metabolism.

For hypothyroidism the Yoga practice should include stimulation followed by relaxation. This includes three to six rounds of the following:

• Surya Namaskar
• Viparita Karani
• Sarvangasana
• Matsyasana
• Halasana
• Sputa Vajrasana
• Bhujangasana
• Dhanurasana

These should be followed by Anuloma-Viloma 27 rounds 4 times in a day increases the metabolic rate. Also practicing Yamas, Niyamas, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga forms a vital and integral part of yogic way to cure this problem.

Akarna Dhanurasana

Karna means ‘ear’. Dhanu means ‘bow’. In this pose, the left foot is pulled up till the heel touches the ear as an archer pulls the bow-string. The other hand holds your right big toe, the leg lying straight on the floor. In this pose the raised leg is straightened up till it is almost perpendicular, the big toe being held throughout like an extended bow.

Technique for Akarna Dhanurasana

• Sit on the floor with your legs stretched straight in front of you.
• Hold your right big toe between your right thumb and your index and your middle fingers. Similarly hold your left big toe.
• Exhale, bend the left elbow and lift your left foot up by bending your knee. Now take a breath, then exhale and pull your left foot up until your heel is close to your left ear.
• At the same time draw your left arm back from your shoulder. Don’t let go of your right big toe. Keep your right leg extended throughout and see that the back of your entire leg rests on the floor. Your extended right leg should not bend at the knee.
• Hold this position from 15 to 20 seconds and breathe normally. This is only the first movement in the asana series.
• Next exhale and stretch your left leg up vertically. Take a breath, exhale, draw your leg further back until it touches your left ear. 

Continue to grip the toes of both your feet and fully extend both your legs. Don’t bend them at your knees. It takes some time to learn to balance, so be patient. Stay in this position from 10 to 15 seconds and breathe normally.

• Exhale, bend your left leg at the knee and bring your left leg to your left ear.Then lower your left leg to the floor and keep both your legs stretched on the floor.
• Repeat the pose on your right side, pulling your right foot towards your right ear and raising it up vertically near your right ear.
• Keep your left leg straight on the floor. Don’t loosen the grip on your toes.
• Hold the position on the both sides for an equal length of time.