Hormones are produced by the thyroid, a tiny gland in the neck. The metabolism, core temperature, and development of an organism are all influenced by these hormones. They also have an effect on a child's cognitive growth.
Thyroid problems can have far-reaching consequences for a person's well-being, impacting both their physical and mental wellbeing. In this piece, we take a look at how yoga can be used as a supplemental treatment for thyroid issues.
A person's stress levels can be lowered by yoga. An examination of the effects of yoga on stress and general health revealed positive results in 2017.
Tension may wreak havoc on your thyroid, and vice versa. That's why it's plausible that practising yoga could improve thyroid function.
The thyroid gland can be impacted by a number of different medical issues. These are the two most frequent ailments:
When the thyroid generates an abundance of thyroid hormones, a condition known as hyperthyroidism results. Overactive thyroid glands or Graves' disease may be the root cause of hyperthyroidism.
Underactive thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism. This is usually the result of thyroid impairment brought on by an autoimmune disorder.
Some studies have found a direct correlation between yoga and better thyroid function.
In 2014, a small study indicated that practising yoga had positive effects on thyroid function. However, the study did caution that more people were needed for definitive results.
According to research conducted in 2016, Six months of yoga practise has been shown to reduce cholesterol and increase thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, according to a reputable source (TSH). This resulted in fewer hypothyroid women requiring thyroid replacement treatment.
Yoga for thyroid
Throat-opening positions make up a large portion of this collection. They are said to strengthen the neck and increase blood flow to the thyroid.
Respect your body's capabilities and don't push it past them. Try to take it easy on yourself. The positions can be altered to meet the requirements of the individual. You need not complete the sequence of positions in a single practise session. Throughout the day, you might experiment with various yoga postures.
Supported shoulderstand
The yoga position of supported shoulder stand is an inversion because of the body's position in the air.
By inverting the body, blood flow is boosted to the throat. According to yoga specialists, this action stimulates the thyroid.
This position is called Sarvangasana in Sanskrit.
How to perform:
-
A folded towel or blanket can be used to cushion your shoulders while you read.
-
Put your head down on the mat and pull your shoulders to the edge of the blanket.
-
Relax on your back with your arms at your sides and palms facing down.
-
In order to stabilise yourself, press your arms and back against the ground.
-
Raise your legs up to a 90-degree angle as you inhale.
-
Gently let your breath out as you cross your legs over your head.
-
You have the ability to keep your equilibrium while floating on your feet.
-
Put your hands where your lower back meets the floor to brace yourself.
-
Make sure your pinkies are touching your spine and your fingers are pointed up toward your hips.
-
Stretch your legs skyward in a straight line.
-
If at all feasible, stand with a straight back and hips.
-
You can also maintain a 90-degree angle between your hips and the rest of your body.
-
Maintain a straight posture with your head and neck, tucking your chin into your chest.
-
Slowly bring your legs back over your head to end the posture.
-
Suggested Action: Bring your arms back to rest alongside your body.
-
When you inhale, roll your spine down, vertebra by vertebra, and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle.
-
Taking a deep breath out, put your feet on the floor.
If you feel any pain or discomfort in your neck while in this pose, please release it and try another. Unless you already have a solid grasp on alignment, it's probably best to study this posture with a teacher who does. Keep in mind that the risk of harm makes this position inappropriate for some people.
Plow pose
It has been hypothesised that the plough stance provides the same stimulation to the thyroid as the shoulderstand. You might try plough posture to see if that helps.
How to perform:
-
Put your palms flat on the floor next to your body as you lie flat on your back.
-
Using the floor as support, press your arms and back down.
-
Inhale and straighten your legs to a ninety-degree angle.
-
Take a deep breath out, and cross your legs behind your head.
-
Support your body weight by bringing your hands to your lower back.
-
You should keep your pinkies on either side of your spine and your fingers pointed up toward your hips.
-
If your feet don't touch the ground, you can prop them up on a bolster or a block.
-
If your feet cannot touch either the floor or the object, keep your hands on your hips.
-
When your feet are on a firm surface, you can bring your arms alongside your body or interlace your fingers in front of your hips for support. In addition, you are free to raise your arms above your head.
-
You can get out of the stance by placing your arms at your sides on the floor.
-
Inhale deeply and slowly raise your legs off the floor so that your spine is parallel to the ground.
-
Lie down and let your legs dangle while you exhale.
-
If your feet don't reach the floor, prop them up with pillows.
Fish pose
The Fish Pose is a great follow-up to the shoulder stand or Plow because it stretches the body in the opposite way. This is called a "counter posture" in yoga. Matsyasana is the correct Sanskrit term for this position. Because of its ease of execution, the Fish Pose is highly recommended for those new to yoga.
How to perform:
-
Remain seated on your posterior while stretching your legs out in front of you.
-
In order to get your hands under your buttocks, you'll need to shift your body weight from side to side.
-
Turn your palms around so that your fingers point toward your toes.
-
Open your chest by drawing your elbows in toward each other.
-
You should slowly lean back into your arms and elbows.
-
Keep your arms outstretched and your chest as open as possible.
-
Feel free to lean back your head if that's how you'd like to relax.
-
When you're ready to unwind, roll over onto your back, elevate your head, and drop your hands.
Thyroid health can be enhanced through a variety of yoga poses, but fish pose and shoulderstand stand out as two of the best. During fish pose, the thyroid is stimulated since the throat is exposed.
Cat-Cow Pose
Thyroid function may also be improved by striking the cat-cow stance. By tucking your chin and opening your throat, you stimulate the flow of blood to this chakra.
How to perform:
-
Position your hands under your shoulders, your knees under your hips, and your elbows in line with your shins.
-
Shift your centre of gravity forward, back, and to either side.
-
When you've checked that your weight is distributed evenly over all four spots, come back to centre.
-
With an inhalation, the practitioner sinks down to the mat while the abdomen expands.
-
Stretch your neck and throat as you stare upwards.
-
Relax your abdominal muscles and tuck your tummy in as you let out your breath.
-
Roll your shoulders back and up, and tuck your chin into your chest.
-
Follow your breath while you do the exercises.
-
Just keep moving like this for a while.
-
Unwind by taking a few deep breaths while reclined in child's posture.
It is believed that the spinal fluid circulation is improved in this position. The belief is that doing so improves one's ability to concentrate and gives one more stamina. Pay special attention to the area around the throat as you practise this pose.
Bridge Pose
Practicing Bridge Pose regularly might help you build a strong back. In addition, it may be beneficial for the thyroid. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is the Sanskrit term for this position.
How to perform:
-
Lay face down on the mat, bringing the soles of the feet in toward the hips.
-
Keep your feet and knees in line with your hips and your arms by your sides;
-
Press your palms into the floor and lift your hips to the sky as if a string were pulling them there; if this is too challenging, place your palms on your lower back for support;
-
Tuck your chin into your chest
-
Breathe deeply three times before slowly releasing the pose.