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Yoga For Thyroid Health

Updated: Jul 28




Do you have thyroid problems? Don't feel alone. Many people have problems related to their thyroid health, but there is one belief. Yoga offers you involving a complete view to managing thyroid conditions, providing a comfortable yet effective way to support your thyroid function.

 

Understanding what is Thyroid Health:

Before practicing yoga poses for thyroid health, it is important to understand the role of the thyroid gland in the body and the common thyroid conditions you may face. The thyroid gland located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy level, body tempreture, and other significant role. When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause the variety of thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism(Overactive thyroid), Thyroid nodules, and autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’ disease caused by stimulation of TSH receptor which is known as TSH receptor antibody (TRAb). These conditions can revealed in the range of symptoms including fatigue, mood swings, distuptions in menstrual cycles and weight change.

 

Role of Yoga for Thyroid :

 

Yoga originated from an ancient practice in India, including asanas, breathing exercises such as pranayama, meditation and mindfulness techniques. With its multidimensional approach, yoga addresses not only the physical body but also the mind and spirit, promoting overall health and well-being. When it comes to yoga for thyroid health, Yoga has many benefits which can help individuals manage thyroid conditions and supports thyroid function :

 

1.   Reducing stress: Prolonged stress negatively affects thyroid function by disrupting the production and regulation of hormones. Yoga for Thyroid You should practice daily life exercises like pranayama and meditation to reduce stress and reduce body tension.

 

2.   Improved blood circulation : Specific poses of Yoga for thyroid, such as gentle stretches, increase blood flow to the neck region, where the thyroid gland is located. This improved blood circulation nourishes the thyroid gland.

 

 

3.   Balancing the Endocrine System : Yoga affects the endocrine system, including the thyroid gland and other hormone-secreting glands. By balancing the endocrine system, yoga can help regulate hormone levels and promote thyroid health.

 

4.   Enhansed energy flow : Based on yoga philosophy, prana flows through energy channels called nadis in the body. Through yoga exercises, most pranayama and asanas can increase the flow of prana, supporting overall energy levels, which are closely related to thyroid function.

 

 

Including yoga for thyroid health into your daily habits can have an extreme impact on your overall health, and some yoga poses target the thyroid gland, promoting balance and liveliness. Let's explore some important yoga poses that can help your thyroid health:

 

1.   Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) : Start your day with a series of Surya Namaskar to revitalize your entire body, including the thyroid gland. With each motion, nurture a sense of warmth and liveliness in your thyroid centre.

 

2.   Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose) : This high-strength conversion activates the thyroid gland by increasing blood circulation in the neck area.

 

3.   Halasana (Full Plough Pose) : Move from Sarvangasana to Halasana, extending your legs over your head to the floor. It restores the thyroid gland and helps in relaxation and stress reduction.

 

 

4.   Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) : Bridge pose gives you a great yet effective stretch to the neck and throat, supporting thyroid health. Focus on lifting your hips up toward the ceiling while maintaining a grounding position through your legs.

 

5.   Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) : Sleeping face down on your mat gently compresses the neck area, energizing the thyroid gland. As you move into Cobra Pose, imagine stimulating and awakening your thyroid centre with each chest lift.

 

6.   Matsyasana (Fish Pose): Gently backbend and stretch the neck and throat, directly targeting the thyroid gland. While inhaling, imagine a sensation of expansion and openness in the centre of your throat.

 

7.   Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath) : This asana is also known as lotus pose or ocean breathing if you include this pranayama in your practice to enhance thyroid function. Sea breathing calms the nervous system, promotes balance and vitality in the thyroid gland. Habit of Ujjayi Pranayam for several times, as you become more comfortable with the technique you can increase the duration.

 

 

8.   Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) : Learn various pranayama techniques to support thyroid health. “Kapalbhati Pranayama” and “Nadi Shodhan Pranayama” promote energy flow and balance in the thyroid gland.

  • Kapalbhati Pranayama : “Kapalbhati Pranayama” also known as Skull Shining Breath is a dynamic breathing technique that involves forceful exhalation.

  • Simple Steps of Kapalbhati Pranayama:

·  Step 1: Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position or you can sit in a chair with your spine straight and hands on your knees.

·  Step 2: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to focus on yourself.

·  Step 3: Breathe deeply through your nose.

·  Step 4: Exhale forcefully through your nose, forcing the air out by contracting your abdominal muscles.

 (Let the inhalation happen passively, without effort)

·  Step 5: Continue to forcefully exhale in small bursts, focusing on the sensation of your abdominal muscles contracting and relaxing.

 

 

Practise several rounds of Kapalbhati Pranayama, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the breath as you become more comfortable with the Kapalbhati technique.

 

 

  •  Nadi Shodhan Pranayama : “Nadi Shodhan Pranayama”,

 also known as alternate nostril breathing, it helps regulate the flow of energy in the body through balanced breathing techniques.

 

  • Simple Steps of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama:

·  Step 1: Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position or you can sit in a chair with your spine straight and hands on your knees.

·  Step 2: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to focus on yourself.

·  Step 3 : Close your right nostril with your right thumb and take a deep breath through your left nostrils.

·  Step 4: Close your left nostril with your right middle and ring figure, and release your right nostrils.

·  Step 5: Exhale slowly and complete through your right nostril.

(Inhale deeply through your right nostril)

·  Step 6 :  Close your right nostril with your right thumb and gently release your left nostril.

·  Step 7: Through your left nostril, exhale slowly and completely

·  Step 8 : Continue to alternate inhalation and exhalation between each nostril, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and maintaining a steady pace.

Practise several rounds of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the breath as you become more comfortable with the Nadi Shodhan Pranayama technique.

 

 

 

 

Incorporating yoga for thyroid in your daily lifestyle:

 

To reap the maximum benefits of yoga for thyroid health, it is important to incorporate these practices into your daily routine and maintain consistency over time.

 

1.   Create a committed practice space: Without any distractions, create a quiet and relaxing space in your home where you can practise yoga. You can decorate this space with items that inspire you, such as inspirational quotes, candles.

2.   Create a regular practice schedule : Set a regular time for yoga, whether it's morning, lunch break or evening, find a time that works best for you and fits into your daily routine.

3.   Start and progress slowly: If you're new to yoga or have specific health issues, respect your limits. Listen to your body's cues and start with gentle and beginner-friendly exercises and gradually progress over time.

4.   Seek guidance from Qualified Trainers : If you are not sure how to practise certain yoga poses or techniques, seek guidance from a qualified yoga instructor or healthcare professional who has experience working with yoga for the thyroid.

5.   Listen to your body : Adjust accordingly and pay attention to how your body responds to yoga poses. If you feel discomfort or pain during a pose, modify or skip it and find alternatives that feel safe and comfortable for you.

6.   Exercise awareness and self-care : Yoga is not only about physical postures but also about developing mindfulness, self-awareness and self-care. Incorporating mindfulness techniques such as meditation, visualisation or gratitude practices into your yoga routine to nourish your mind and spirit.

7.   Be persistent and patient: Consistency is the key to reaping the benefits of yoga for thyroid health. Even on days when you don't feel motivated, stay committed to your practice and trust that consistent effort will yield positive results over time.

 

Conclusion :

 

After all, your thyroid deserves the best possible care, and yoga for the thyroid provides a holistic approach to managing thyroid conditions and promoting overall well-being. Yoga for Thyroid can help with its gentle yet powerful practices by reducing stress, improving circulation, balancing hormones and increasing vitality. By incorporating thyroid-specific yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques into your daily lifestyle, you can naturally boost your thyroid health and begin your journey toward greater balance and vitality in body, mind, and spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ’s

 

1.   Does yoga cure thyroid disorders?

Ans. : No, it is not a treatment for thyroid disorders. But yoga can be a valuable complementary practice in managing thyroid conditions. When practised in conjunction with medical treatment and lifestyle changes, yoga can help reduce symptoms, improve overall well-being, and support thyroid function.

 

2.   How Yoga Benefits Thyroid Health?

Ans.: Yoga for Thyroid improves relaxation, reduces stress levels, circulation to the thyroid gland, balances hormone levels and increases overall vitality, all of which support thyroid health.

 

3.   Are there specific yoga poses that are beneficial for thyroid health?

Ans. : Yes, there are many yoga poses that target the neck and throat region, where the thyroid gland is located. These asanas include Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Halasana (Plough Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) and others described above.

 

4.   Which breathing techniques (pranayama) are beneficial for thyroid health?

Ans. Yes, pranayama techniques such as Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath), Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breath), and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breath) can be beneficial for relaxing thyroid health, balancing energy flow, and overall improvement. Existence.

 

5.   Can yoga help with weight management in individuals with thyroid disease?

Ans. Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, yoga can be a valuable component of a comprehensive weight management plan.

Yoga alone may not lead to weight loss or weight gain, but it can support overall metabolic health and contribute to a balanced lifestyle, which may indirectly affect weight management in individuals with thyroid conditions.

 

 

6.   What are the types of thyroid?

Ans. : When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause the variety of thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism(Overactive thyroid), Thyroid nodules, and autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’ disease caused by stimulation of TSH receptor which is known as TSH receptor antibody (TRAb).

 

7.   How long does it take to see results from yoga for thyroid health?

Ans. : The time frame for experiencing the benefits of yoga for thyroid health may vary from person to person. Some individuals may see relatively quick improvements in symptoms and overall health, while others may require more time and consistent practice to see significant results. Patience, consistency and practice requires a mindful approach.

 

8.   How often should I practise yoga for thyroid health?

Ans. : Consistency and regularity are key to reaping the benefits of yoga for thyroid health. Yoga practice for thyroid health can vary according to individual needs and preferences. It is recommended to start with a few sessions per week and gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable and experienced.

 

9.   Does Yoga Help Treat Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?

Ans. : Yes, yoga can help treat symptoms associated with both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). By promoting relaxation, reducing stress levels and supporting overall health, yoga can help relieve common symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and metabolic irregularities.

 

10.         During pregnancy, is it safe to practise yoga for thyroid health?

Ans. While yoga can be a safe and beneficial practice during pregnancy, it is important to practise with caution and choose the right yoga poses that are suitable for pregnancy. Additionally, if you have thyroid-related issues during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider for personalised recommendations and accurate guidance.


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