Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are rather common nowadays due to increased stress, poor diet, and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. The importance of medication and proper nutrition cannot be overstated for the treatment of thyroid health; pairing these means alongside yoga can prove to be very useful and powerful. Yoga poses or asanas stimulate the thyroid gland, regulate metabolism, and balance other hormonal functions. This blog is all you need to know about yoga asanas for thyroid.
Top 10 Best Yoga Asanas For Thyroid
Here are the 10 most effective yoga for thyroid patients health that you must try:
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Due to its long list of benefits, the shoulder stands are usually called the 'queen of asanas, particularly when it comes to working on the thyroid.
Benefits
- Stimulates the thyroid gland as a result of increased blood supply.
- Regulates hormone secretion.
- Enhances brain blood circulation.
How to Do
Lie flat on your back, raise your legs, and back up while supporting your lower back with your hands. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds while breathing deeply.
Halasana (Plow Pose)
This asana is completed after Sarvangasana and stretches the neck, thereby improving thyroid function.
Benefits
- Stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
- Reduces stress and fatigue.
- Improves the flexibility of the spine and neck.
How to Do
From Sarvangasana, very slowly lower your legs and bring them behind your head until the toes touch the floor. Keep your legs vertical and either have your hands on the floor or your lower back.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
It is a counter pose to the shoulder stand and helps to stretch the region of the throat and neck.
Benefits
- Stimulates the thyroid gland.
- Relieves neck stiffness.
- Opens the chest and throat region.
How to Do
Lie on your back and lift the chest off the floor with the crown of the head resting on the floor. Then arch the back and slide the hands under the hips.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
A gentle backbend that invigorates the thyroid gland and aids in digestion.
Benefits
- Massages and stimulates the thyroid.
- Relieves anxiety and fatigue.
- Tones the back muscles.
How to Do
Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips, pushing through your feet and contracting your arms to the ground.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
A classic asana that stretches the neck and stimulates the thyroid gland.
Benefits
- Increases the thyroid functions.
- Reduces stress and fatigue.
- Strengthens the spine.
How to Do
Lie flat on the stomach, keeping your palms positioned under your shoulders and lifting your chest while keeping your elbows close to the body.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Deep backbend that stimulates the throat and the thyroid gland.
Benefits
- Enhances thyroid function.
- Improves posture and flexibility.
- Opens up the chest and throat.
How to Do
Kneel on the floor, arch your back, and place your hands on your heels. Look back, keeping your chest lifted.
Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
Restorative pose invokes relaxation, which in turn promotes thyroid health.
Benefits
- Enhances blood circulation toward the neck and thyroid.
- Calms the nervous system.
- Reduces stress factors and fatigue.
How to Do
Lie on your back and place your legs against the wall. Allow the arms to lie relaxed on either side of the body.
Simhasana (Lion Pose)
Stimulates the throat and benefits the thyroid and vocal cords.
Benefits
- Stimulates the thyroid gland.
- Releases tension from the face and neck.
- Improves vocal clarity and self-confidence.
How to Do
Kneel on the floor, place your palms on your knees, mouth wide open, and tongue out with a roar like a lion.
Naukasana (Boat Pose)
A core-strengthening pose and the thyroid gland benefit too.
Benefits
- Stimulates the thyroid and adrenal glands.
- Improves digestion and metabolism.
- Strengthens the abdominal muscles.
How to Do
Lie on your back, lift your legs and upper body off the floor, and balance on your buttocks while keeping your arms parallel to the floor.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
A final relaxation pose that quiets the body and mind.
Benefits
- De-stresses the body, which is a vital factor in thyroid imbalance.
- Relaxes the nervous system.
- Encourages the healing process from within.
How to Do
Lie straight on your back, your arms lying alongside your body with palms facing up, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.
Additional Yoga for Thyroid Health Tips
Continuity is the key: Practice once daily for best results.
Add pranayama techniques such as Ujjayi and Bhramari to the mix to further enhance thyroid regulation.
If you do suffer from a serious thyroid condition or any other medical condition, consult your doctor before commencing any yoga sequence.
Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) for Thyroid Health
Apart from the yoga asanas, the purification and breathing exercises have their benefits to help heal the thyroid. yoga asanas to control thyroid acts reduce stress and create increased oxygen flow to the endocrine glands.
Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath): This breathing method stimulates the throat, massaging the thyroid gland, and enhances metabolic functioning. Through the nose, making the throat slightly constrict, causing a soft noise similar to ocean wave sounds.
Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath): This helps calm the nervous system and alleviate anxiety that could negatively affect thyroid health. Close your eyes, plug your ears with your fingers, and softly hum on your out-breath.
When practiced consistently for 5-10 minutes a day, these pranayamas greatly amplify the benefit of yoga asanas.
Lifestyle Tips & Precautions
- Eat a diet rich in iodine-containing foods for thyroid health, like seaweed, eggs, and dairy.
- Do not push your limits- This is particularly crucial during yoga poses if a hyperactive thyroid or a cardiovascular condition is present.
- In case of being new to yoga or if there are pre-existing health conditions, always practice under guidance.
With the help of yoga, pranayama, and a proper lifestyle, you can support thyroid health in a natural way, thus decreasing your medication dependency and increasing your quality of life over the years.
Wrapping It Up
Undertaking these 10 simple yet effective yoga asanas for thyroid problems can aid in the natural stimulation of the thyroid gland. Though yoga cannot replace treatment with medication, it provides a supportive practice for enhancing one's well-being. Spend a few minutes a day moving, stretching, and breathing. Your thyroid will forever be grateful to you.
