Key Takeaways
- Thyroid Symptoms and Concerns: Sudden weight gain, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, poor appetite, irritability, constant fatigue, etc.
- Importance of Thyroid Health: The thyroid gland, located in the lower part of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the function of every cell in the body.
- Thyroid dysfunction signals the need for lifestyle changes, including incorporating specific yoga poses (asanas) into your daily routine to activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
- Yoga for Thyroid Support: Yoga is effective in reducing stress, a major trigger for thyroid issues.
Here are 7 yoga poses for thyroid
Have you noticed that you are suddenly gaining weight, your heart is beating fast, you are sweating too much, you have a bad appetite, you are irritable, constantly tired, and you often wake up at night? These symptoms may indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or slow or rapid thyroid function. This small but extremely important gland in the lower part of the neck, which looks like a butterfly, is responsible for the function of every cell in your body, so the health of your entire body depends on its health. Thyroid dysfunction is a clear signal that it is time for lifestyle changes. Incorporate a few carefully chosen asanas into your everyday routine to see how yoga activates your self-healing mechanism from within.
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Relax with thyroid-supporting yoga routines.
Yoga’s ability to reduce stress, which is the most common problem in modern life, is well known. Since stress is the main trigger for thyroid disease, it is generally recommended to perform asanas that have a relaxing effect. These are extremely useful exercises that include stretching and relaxing the neck and shoulders, as well as various push-ups and pressure asanas that massage this gland and stimulate the secretion of thyroxine, the hormone that controls your metabolism. When you are under stress, your breath is very shallow. From now on, introduce a new practice: breathing with full lungs and stomach to minimize stress. With each breath, first fill your chest well and then your abdomen. During the exhale, first “empty” the abdomen, then the chest and relax the shoulders.
Strengthen your thyroid with visualization
This meditative exercise will easily help you connect with your thyroid. How is it performed? Sit on the rug and close your eyes. Place one hand on your chest and follow your breathing. Deepen your breath and consciously direct it towards your thyroid—visualize it as a beautiful, shimmering butterfly gently placed in the lower part of your neck. With each of your breaths, he spreads his shining wings, and with each exhalation, he gathers them. You can also add ujjayi breathing to this visualization-gently squeeze the vocal cords and breathe into the back of the throat producing a sound reminiscent of the sound of the sea.
Kapalbhati pranayama
Kapalabhati stimulates the thyroid gland, strengthens it, regulates its work with hormones, and cleanses the entire respiratory system. How is it performed? Take a comfortable sitting position with your legs crossed and your spine upright. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and exhale completely. Then begin to exhale abruptly through your nose (repeat at least 15 times) so that your exhalations alternate with passive, short breaths.
Bhramari pranayama
The benefits of this asana are as follows: it relaxes, accelerates healing, strengthens the vocal cords, and protects against throat diseases. How is it performed? In a sitting position, close your eyes and take a deep breath with your vocal cords slightly clenched. Then exhale slowly through your nose so that you make a sound similar to a bee buzzing in your throat. Repeat 10 times. Then remain silent for a few minutes with your eyes closed.
Can yoga help your thyroid?
Yoga brings many benefits to your overall health and well-being. It can balance your energy, increase flexibility, and relieve stress. There is a link between stress and hypothyroidism, but it is thought that certain yoga poses balance the thyroid gland, which is either inactive or overactive. Several studies have shown that yoga has a positive effect on improving thyroid function. Keep in mind that these poses cannot cure a thyroid imbalance. Yoga is considered a complementary therapy. It should not be used as a substitute for the therapies or medications you are currently taking. Look for a qualified yoga teacher to help you put together a custom series that will benefit your condition. Check with your doctor before beginning any yoga program.
Yoga poses for thyroid
Most of these poses are considered “throat stimulations.” They are thought to improve circulation and energy flow around the thyroid gland and stretch and strengthen the neck. Be sure to respect the limitations of your body. Be gentle and easy with yourself. You can adjust or modify the poses according to your needs. You don’t have to do all the poses in one session. You can try a yoga poses or two during the day.
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1. Shoulder Stand Yoga Pose
Because it is an inversion, it stimulates blood flow to the glands in the upper body. This is believed to positively affect the efficiency of the thyroid gland. In addition, the way your chin is pulled into your chest in this position is believed to benefit thyroid function.
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- You can use a folded towel or a blanket under your shoulders for support.
- Bring your shoulders to the edge of the blanket and let your head rest on the mats.
- Lie flat on your back with your arms close to your body and palms facing down.
- Press your arms and back into the floor for support.
- On the inhale, raise your legs to ninety degrees.
- Exhale slowly and switch your legs over your head.
- Your feet can balance in the air.
- Bring your arms to your lower back to support your body.
- Keep your toes facing your hips with pink toes on either side of your spine.
- Raise your legs straight toward the ceiling.
- The goal is to keep the shoulders, spine and hips in line if possible.
- You can also keep your hips away from your body.
- Keep your chin tucked into your chest while keeping your neck in one position. Release the pose by slowly releasing your legs back above your head.
- Put your hands back next to your body.
- On the inhale, slowly move your spine toward your spine and raise your legs to ninety degrees.
- Exhale as you lower your feet to the floor.
- Watch your neck during this pose and stop practicing if you feel any discomfort.
- It is advisable to learn this pose under the guidance of a teacher who has a strong knowledge of alignment. Please note that this pose is not recommended for everyone due to the possibility of injury.
2. Plow Yoga Pose
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- Lie flat on your back with your hands next to your body and palms facing down.
- Press your arms and back into the floor for support.
- On the exhale, raise your legs to ninety degrees.
- Exhale slowly and switch your legs over your head.
- Bring your arms to your lower back to support your body.
- Keep your toes facing your hips, with pink toes on either side of your spine.
- You can place a support or block under your feet if they do not reach the floor.
- Keep your hands on your hips if your feet do not touch the floor or support.
- If you are comfortable and your feet are supported, you can put your hands next to your body or cut your toes in front of your hips.
- You can also bring your hands above your head.
- Release the pose by placing your hands on the floor next to your body.
- Inhale and slowly lift your legs up and straighten your spine along the floor.
- Exhale to lower your feet to the floor.
- You can use pillows to support your legs if they do not reach all the way to the floor.
3. Fish Yoga Pose
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- The fish pose is a great way to balance out the shoulder rest.
- It is less affordable and can be completed on your own.
- Sit on your buttocks with your legs outstretched in front of you.
- Move to one side so you can place your hands under your buttocks.
- With your palms facing down and your fingers facing down, pull your elbows into each other and open your chest.
- Slowly lean on your forearms and elbows.
- Again, open your chest as much as possible and press them into your arms to stay lifted.
- Throw your head back if you feel comfortable.
- Relax by raising your head, releasing your arms, and lying on your back.
- Most fish and shoulder pads are thought to be effective for improving thyroid function. As you let your head hang in the fish position, you stimulate your thyroid by exposing the throat area.
4. Feet on The Wall Yoga Pose
Viparita Karani, or feet on the wall, is a restorative inversion. It does not put pressure on the neck and is suitable for most people. It is a great choice because it is passive and helps you regain your balance.
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- Use a folded blanket or a firm pillow under your hips for support.
- Add more height to the bracket if you are more flexible.
- Sit with your right side against the wall.
- Raise your legs against the wall at the same time as you lie down.
- Your buttocks can be close to the wall or a few inches.
- Experiment to find the height and distance that suits you.
- Soothe your throat while relaxing your neck and chin.
- You can keep your hands close to your body, above your head or in any comfortable position.
- Stay in that position for up to 20 minutes.
- You can perform the variation by allowing your legs to open wide on either side or join your feet and bend your knees.
- Release the pose by pushing yourself away from the wall.
- This pose is thought to relieve stress that can contribute to thyroid imbalance. Try to hold this pose for at least 5 minutes.
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5. Cat Cow Yoga Pose
Fluid movement in the cat and cow positions is believed to stimulate your thyroid. Pulling the chin into the chest and then revealing the chakra in the throat brings blood flow to this area.
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- Come to the quadriceps below the shoulders and knees below the hips.
- Move your weight forward, forward and to the side.
- Then go back to the center and make sure you have equal weight on all four points.
- Inhale and let your stomach fill with air and descend towards the mat.
- Look towards the ceiling and extend your neck and neck.
- Exhale and pull the navel into the spine.
- Tuck your chin into your chest as you lift and round your spine toward the ceiling.
- Allow the breath to direct movement.
- Continue this fluid movement for a few minutes.
- Immerse yourself in the baby pose for a few moments.
- This pose is thought to benefit the circulation of spinal fluid. It is believed to increase mental clarity and boost energy. Focus your consciousness on the throat area as you move through this pose.
6. Boat Yoga Pose
It is said that the position of your neck in the boat position has a positive effect on the thyroid gland.
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- Sit on the floor with your legs outstretched in front of you.
- Put your hands on the floor next to you.
- Slowly tilt your upper body back.
- Do not straighten your spine and point your chin towards your chest.
- Balance your two sitting bones and lower leg.
- Bend your knees before lifting your legs into the air.
- Straighten your knees if possible.
- Bring your toes a little higher than eye level.
- Raise your arms so that they are parallel to the floor with your palms facing each other.
- You can hold the back of your thighs or keep your hands on the floor if it is more comfortable.
- Engage your core as you breathe deeply and relaxed.
- Stay in this position for up to one minute.
- Release the pose by bending your knees at the chest.
- Continue to balance on sitting bones.
- Hug your legs and lower your head down for a few moments.
- Keep your chin slightly tucked in while breathing in this position. Hold yourself upright and refrain from leaning too far. You can change the pose by bending your knees.
7. Camel Yoga Pose
A strong neck extension in the camellia position is said to stimulate the thyroid gland and increase circulation to this area.
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- Come to your knees with your legs outstretched behind you.
- Keep your knees, hips and shoulders in line.
- Place your hands on the base of your spine with your fingers facing down.
- Hold the pink fingers on both sides of the spine.
- Extend your elbows toward each other and open your chest.
- Continue to press your thighs and hips forward as you slowly bend backwards.
- Relax your head if you feel comfortable.
- If you feel supported, you can pull back and hold your ankles.
- You can move your toes to make it easier to reach.
- If you are very flexible, you can walk your arms further towards your feet.
- Put your hands back on your lower back before lifting to release the pose.
- Relax in the child’s position or the dog facing down.
Reference: Yoga for Thyroid by theyogainstitute.org