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Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Yoga is more than just about executing a posture, it is a holistic practice that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Yoga is well known for its ability to reduce stress and build muscle, but it also has the potential for helping to regulate thyroid health. Let’s explore five postures in yoga for thyroid patients that can help balance thyroid function and reduce symptoms that accompany it.
Himani Shokhand, Senior Consultant of Yoga in Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi says, “Yoga can help you keep control of thyroid problems along with your ongoing medication. Practicing yoga regularly can also help keep a balance in thyroid hormones. However, you need to be careful about your pre-existing health conditions. Not every yoga position is fit for every person. Also, yoga may not be a direct replacement for your medication.”
Sarvangasana: The shoulder stand pose
The shoulder stand position, or sarvangasana, is well known for being able to gently press the thyroid gland. Doing this helps to promote healthy thyroid hormone flow and blood circulation. Laying on your back, raise your legs gradually to a 90-degree angle to complete this pose. Your body should make a straight line as you lift your buttocks, legs, abdomen, and chest. Himani says, “High Blood pressure patients should avoid this practice.” Sarvangasana has several health benefits, including toning the legs and buttocks and promoting stress easing in addition to stimulating the thyroid and digestive organs.
Halasana: The plow pose
The plow pose, or halasana, opens up the neck and activates the thyroid glands. Posing in this manner can be especially helpful for people who have hypothyroidism since it increases blood flow to the thyroid glands. If you have hyperthyroidism, however, you must avoid this stance as it may encourage the production of thyroid hormones. Himani also adds, “Those who are having back pain must avoid this practice or do it under the guidance of yoga instructor.” Lying flat on your back, slowly raising your legs over your head, and maintaining a straight position, is the practice of Halasana.
Matsyasana: The fish pose
The fish pose, or matsyasana works well to treat hypothyroidism by opening up the throat and neck and stimulating the thyroid glands. For those who have hypothyroidism, this pose is helpful because it promotes blood flow to the thyroid glands. Align your feet together and place your arms alongside your body while lying on your back to complete Matsyasana. With your hands beneath your hips, raise your chest and inhale; then, while keeping your head raised, descend it to the floor. “Patients suffering from vertigo must avoid this practice”, says Himani.
Bhujangasana: The cobra pose
The cobra position, also known as bhujangasana, is well known for its ability to stimulate thyroid activity and ease the pain in the throat that comes with hypothyroidism. In addition to stretching the neck, this pose activates the thyroid glands. Place your palms next to your last rib cage while lying flat on your abdomen. Inhale and press into your palms to raise your upper body. After maintaining the pose for 30 seconds, gently release it. Himani emphasizes, “Holding time for asana must be 30 counts (30 secs) and gradually up to 1 min.”
Ujjayi Pranayama: The ocean breathing technique
The ocean breathing technique, or Ujjayi Pranayama, is pushing out your chest and opening your lungs like a proud warrior. This method calms the mind and nerves and restores enough oxygen to the lungs to heal thyroid abnormalities. In order to perform Ujjayi Pranayama, do a slight constriction at the back of your throat and inhale and exhale to produce a well-modulated hissing sound that sounds like ocean waves.
Finally, adding yoga for thyroid patients and breathing exercises to your practice will help enhance traditional thyroid treatments. But it’s crucial to view yoga as a therapeutic aid rather than a substitute for medical guidance or prescription drugs. Before starting any new fitness program, always get advice from your healthcare professional, particularly if you have any underlying medical concerns. Accept and use the therapeutic benefits of yoga for thyroid patients and use these helpful techniques to support thyroid health.
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