10 Best Yoga Poses for Thyroid ( Yoga for Hypothyroid )

Hypothyroidism is the most common type of thyroid disorder. It means that your thyroid gland is underactive and it may not make enough thyroid hormone. This tiny gland is found in the front of your neck and it functions to make thyroid hormone. When your thyroid doesn’t make enough of these hormones, parts of your body slow down. Thyroid hormones control how your body uses energy and that’s why they affect almost every organ in your body. Read on to know about 10 Best Yoga Poses for Thyroid ( Yoga for Hypothyroid ).

Causes of Hypothyroidism:

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder. This means your immune system starts to attack itself, making antibodies against the thyroid gland.

A condition called secondary hypothyroidism can also sometimes happen when your pituitary gland stops working. The pituitary gland no longer tells the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones and therefore causes hypothyroidism subsequently.

Risk factors for hypothyroidism:

• If you are a woman.
• Age is older than 60 years.
• Thyroid problems or thyroid surgery in the past.
• Family history of thyroid problems.
• Conditions like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women.
• Pregnancy or just delivered 6 months ago.
• Iodine deficiency.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Dull facial expressions.
• Tiredness.
• Hoarse voice.
• Slow speech.
• Droopy eyelids.
• Puffy and swollen face.
• Weight gain.
• Constipation.
• Sparse, coarse, and dry hair.
• Coarse, dry, and thickened skin.
• Hand tingling or pain.
• Slow pulse.
• Muscle cramps.
• Confusion.
• Increased or irregular menstrual flow in women.

Not only do the symptoms present differently in each person, but they are usually hard to notice. These symptoms start slowly as well as they may also look like other health problems.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests of the level of TSH and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to return your level of thyroid hormone back to normal. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism is prescribing a daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Here is an Indian diet plan for hypothyroid in Hindi.

 Yoga for Hypothyroid 

YOGA offers a range of natural solutions in effectively managing and preventing thyroid disorders. Several studies  ( R1, R2 ) have shown the positive effect of yoga on improving thyroid function and improved secretion of TSH. However, these yoga poses for thyroid ( yoga for Hypothyroid ) cannot cure thyroid imbalance and are considered a complementary therapy. These yoga techniques work on coping with the symptoms better. It shouldn’t be used as a replacement for any medications you’re currently undergoing for hypothyroidism. The twisting, stretching, and compressing yoga poses help to massage the thyroid gland, and thereby release of the thyroid hormone is regulated. Pranayama also has many beneficial effects.

Take the help of a qualified yoga teacher who can help you with yoga poses that will be beneficial for your condition. Also, check with your doctor before beginning any yoga program.  Here are the Top 10 yoga poses for thyroid ( yoga for Hypothyroid).

10 Best Yoga Poses for Thyroid

• Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

Just like the hood of an alert cobra, this yoga pose helps backward bending of the spine and thus massages the neck region, helping to regulate the thyroid function.

This backward bending yoga asana again gives a gentle massage to the neck region and regulates the thyroid gland secretion.

• Viparita Karani asana (Inverted pose)

Viparita Karani asana doesn’t put pressure on the neck and is suitable for most people. It’s an excellent choice since it’s passive and helps to restore your balance of the thyroid gland and relieves stress by improving blood flow to the gland.

This pose helps in stretching the neck as well as stimulates the thyroid glands. However, this pose must not be performed by people with hyperthyroidism as it increases the secretion of thyroid hormones. Halasana also relaxes the autonomous nervous systems.

This is one of the promising yoga poses for the thyroid. When you let your head hang back in Matsyasana, the thyroid is stimulated by exposing the throat area. The neck and throat are stretched, therefore regulating hypothyroidism.

This yoga massages the thyroid gland. Hence the thyroid produces enough thyroid hormone for controlling metabolism. It is therefore an effective pose for treating hypothyroidism.

• Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand)

Sarvangasana helps in maintaining the endocrine system. It puts pressure on the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland receives the largest supply of blood. Sarvangasana helps in improving blood circulation and squeezing stagnant secretion. The inversion performed in this asana increases the blood flow to the neck. This in turn helps in nourishing the thyroid. Hence it brings a positive effect on the efficiency of the thyroid gland.

• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)

Setu bandhasana is an effective yoga pose for the thyroid, especially hypothyroidism. It stretches the neck and improves blood circulation in the thyroid gland.

• Bitilasana Marjaryasana (Cat cow pose)

This pose is a combination of the cat stretch as well as the cow pose. It is an invigorating asana that stimulates the thyroid gland. The steps involve stretching the chin into your chest and then stretching it out to expose the throat chakra. Bitiliasana marjaryasana not only massages the thyroid gland but also helps in relieving backaches.

• Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

It is one of the most effective yoga poses for the thyroid. It gently improves thyroid gland function.

These are the top 10 yoga poses for the thyroid. These poses not only improve the secretion of the TSH  hormone but also massage the thyroid gland internally.

Pranayam for Thyroid

Besides these yoga postures, the practice of Pranayama (breathing techniques) also works well in reducing hypothyroidism symptoms. Pranayama is an effective way to stimulate the reflex pathways of the throat, therefore, regulate the hormone production in the thyroid glands.

• Bhastrika,
• Ujjayi pranayama,
• Kapal Bhati pranayama (Skull Shining Breathing Technique), as well as

• Nadi Shuddhi pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing technique).

EndNote:

Yoga can support the healing process of the thyroid and help the person experience symptoms with less distress. Yoga and pranayam in combination help in the regulation of hypothyroidism. Hope these 10 Best Yoga Poses for Thyroid ( Yoga for Hypothyroid ) as well as Pranayam for thyroid help you in your healing process. To avail of a personalized diet plan, you can write to us at care@dietburrp.com Or you can check our consultation page.