Yoga for Thyroid Health

Our body has different glands that make hormones. These hormones regulate certain body functions. Thyroid hormones are made by the thyroid gland in our neck. These hormones control our metabolism. Complications might arise due to too little or too much thyroid hormone. You can balance the levels of this hormone with exercise, diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

Practicing yoga is a simple and effective way to treat the thyroid. Research has found that regular yoga can reduce stress levels. This indirectly affects the secretion of the thyroid gland. Below are the most notable yoga asanas that will help improve your thyroid function.

1. Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana, or shoulder stand, helps improve blood circulation to different parts of the upper body. This simple yet effective yoga pose is recommended for treating thyroid. To do this pose, simply lie on the bed and raise your legs straight up. Use your hands to support the lower part of your body. While doing the Sarvangasana pose, match your breathing to your movements.

2. Bhujangasana

We also call this pose the cobra pose. It stretches the throat area to give it relief. It also increases the function of the thyroid. People with back pain benefit greatly from this pose. It is best to avoid this yoga pose if you have an ulcer or hernia.

Lie flat on your abdomen. Keep your palms facing down and your hands beside your rib cage. Raise your upper body while inhaling by pressing on the palms. This must include your head, shoulders, and chest. In this case, there is no need to keep your arms straight. However, it is a good idea to bend your elbows a little. Hold this pose for 30 seconds while breathing normally. Slowly release the pose and bring your body down.

3. Plough pose

The plough pose plays an important role in controlling the generation of hormones by the pituitary and thyroid glands. In this way, it helps stimulate the thyroid effectively.

Lie down on a yoga mat on your back. Support your shoulders by placing a rolled towel or blanket under your neck. Keep your head on the mat. Bring your shoulders to the edge of the blanket or towel. Place your arms on both sides while the palms are facing down. Raise your legs at 90 degrees from the yoga mat while breathing in. Raise the legs further while exhaling and bring them over your head. Use your hands to support your lower back. Push your shoulders into the mat as your legs go behind your head. Place your toes on the mat behind your head. While placing the toes on the yoga mat, inhale deeply 3 times. Breathe deeply while bringing your legs back on top of your head. Take your arms off your back and place them on both sides. Lower your legs gradually on the yoga mat while exhaling.

4. Matsyasana

This pose is also called the fish pose. The arch of your back increases blood circulation in the thyroid gland. This stimulates the thyroid gland and the neck to get rid of any tension. It also helps get rid of stress and improve posture.

Extend the legs in front while sitting on the mat. Place your hands beneath your buttocks with the palms down. Your fingers should point toward your toes. Make a right angle between your chest and your arms. Raise your chest slowly while pressing into your arms. Stay in this position for some time, then release it slowly.

5. Setu Bandhasana

We also call this pose the bridge pose. It helps control thyroid hormones, which indirectly benefits people with hyperthyroidism. SetuBandhasana helps improve blood circulation in our brain. This helps the brain relax effectively.

Lie down on the floor and bend your legs. Your hands must touch your heels. Lift your upper body as well. Hold this pose by lifting your buttocks and keeping your fingers interlaced. Do not put any pressure on your neck, shoulders, or chin. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds while breathing normally.

6. Urdhva Dhanurasana

We also call this particular pose the upward bow pose. It aids in treating hypothyroidism by providing energy to your thyroid gland.

Lie flat on your back. Fold your legs at the knees and bring your heels close to your buttocks. Your toes must face straight and your knees must point toward the ceiling. Curve your hands toward your head. Rest your palms beside your head, facing down. Your feet must not be wider than hip distance. Exhale while pressing into your feet. Then raise your buttocks and back while breathing in. Raise the crown of your head while keeping your thighs firm. Once you are comfortable, straighten your arms. Release all force from your throat. Allow it to hand back while breathing normally. Release the position slowly to avoid any jerks. Then return to the original pose.

7. Cat-Cow Pose

This pose also improves thyroid health, since it helps stimulate the thyroid glands. Draw your chin into your chest and expose your throat chakra. This will help improve blood circulation in this area.

To do this pose, kneel on the ground and place your hands on the ground. Keep your hands apart from each other. Place your knees below your hips. Breathe in deeply and curve your lower back. Tilt your pelvis up like a cow while raising your head. Breathe in deeply and draw in your abdomen. Arch your spine, then bring down your pelvis and head like a cat.

8. Shavasana

We also call this pose the corpse pose. It helps increase inner awareness and deep relaxation. This pose can be quite hard, even though you simply lie on the ground. Shavasana is recommended for people with hyperthyroidism.

Lie on the back flat on the ground while keeping your toes apart. Allow the palms to face the ceiling while bringing your arms away from your body. Keep your head, spine, and neck in a straight line. Make certain to relax completely. Breathe slowly, and support your knees with a pillow if needed.

9. Bhramari Pranayama

This pranayama takes its name from the black Indian bee called Bhramari. This is because breathing out sounds like the humming of a bee. This asana relaxes the mind to a great extent. It also frees us from any kind of anxiety, anger, frustration, or depression. The good thing is that this pranayama is also helpful in treating thyroid.

Use your thumb to close your ears, and place your index finger on your temple. Use the other 3 fingers to close your eyes. Next, breathe in gently through your nose and hold for several seconds. Breathe out with your mouth closed, making a humming noise.

Conclusion

Do these yoga exercises to improve the health of your thyroid. However, it is also important to lead an active lifestyle and eat a healthy, balanced diet. These yoga poses will benefit elderly people, pregnant ladies, and kids. They will also help those with persistent health issues.