Yoga for thyroid gland

Yoga is a proven technique in stimulating and massaging various organs that help bring the body to an optimal condition. One of the most vital organs in our body is the thyroid gland. This hormone gland plays a major role in the growth and development of the human body. They help in the regulation of your weight, energy levels, skin, the internal temperature of the body, nail and hair growth, etc.

Yoga for thyroid gland includes simple yoga poses like Setu Bandhasana, Matsyasana, Halasana and more to ensure the optimum health of your thyroid gland. These poses positively affect other parts of the body too. During your practice of yoga for thyroid gland, you are helping the entire body to regulate the functions of various organs.

The asanas you can practise are:

1. Bridge Pose (Setu bandhasana)

This pose is also known as setu bandhasana in which setu means bridge, bandha means bound, and asana means posture. It works well and prevents an imbalance of hormones. The pressure around the throat and its organs help with the flow of fresh blood. Thus helping one manage thyroid gland related problems.

Steps:

1. Lie down on your back place your arms on he side.
2. Bring back of your heels closer to sit bones, knees should be in line with the ankles.
3. The feet should be hip-distance apart and press them on to the floor.
4. Inhale and engage the core muscles, lift the hips up towards the sky.
5. Stay in the pose for 30 seconds.
6. Exhale and lower the hip and release the posture. Release the hips back down to the mat slowly.

Benefits:

• Helps in thyroid gland imbalances like hyperthyroid, hypothyroid.
• Relieves backache and neck strain.
• Helps increase blood circulation to the arteries.
• Contraindications: Anyone with neck or back injury should avoid this pose as it creates pressure on the neck and back. Pregnant women and migraine patients are also advised to avoid practising this pose.

2. Fish Pose(Matsyasana)

One of the poses in the yoga for thyroid gland sequence is the fish pose which is also known as matsyasana. ‘Matsya’ means ‘fish’. It is the fourth of the 12 basic postures of Hatha Yoga. This pose helps stimulate the thyroid gland’s functions by helping the fresh blood flow to the organ.

Steps:

1. Lay down on your back.
2. Bring your big toes and thighs together.
3. Put your hands under the buttocks.
4. Inhale and press through the elbows to lift and open the chest.
5. Exhale, inhale and raise the chest off the ground.
6. Gently place the crown of the head down.
7. Keep the legs strong and point the toes.
8. Hold the posture for 30 seconds.

Benefits:

• Opens and stretches the neck muscles and shoulders.
• Helps in opening the chest and corrects round shoulders.
• Increases supply of blood to the thoracic regions of the back that helps tone the parathyroid, pituitary and pineal glands.
• Helps to reduce anxiety and stress.

Contraindications: Anyone with a serious neck or back injury should avoid this pose as it creates pressure on the neck and back.

3. Plough Pose (Halasana)

Another pose in the yoga for thyroid gland sequence includes halasana also known as plough pose.

Steps:

1. Lay down on your back and maintain a neutral position for the neck.
2. Bring elbows towards the body.
3. Inhale, press your shoulders and elbows down to base the body.
4. Exhale, engage the core to lift up and turn the hips up to the ceiling, maintain a neutral spine, extend the legs back and down.
5. Hold the posture for 20 seconds.
6. Inhale, bring the leg on the mat and release the posture.

Benefits:

• Stimulates the thyroid gland and abdominal organs.
• Activates digestion and helps with constipation.
• Therapeutic for asthma, cough and cold, menopause, headaches, sinusitis, insomnia and stress.

Contraindications: Anyone with neck or back injury should avoid this pose as it creates pressure on the neck and back. Pregnant women and migraine patients are also advised to avoid practising this pose.

Yoga for Thyroid: Most Effective Yoga Poses for Thyroid Problems

4. Shoulder Stand Pose with the help of wall (Sarvangasana)

Here’s another excellent pose in yoga for thyroid gland flow. Sarvangasana has three words in it: 'Sarva' which means 'entire', 'anga' which means 'body part' and 'asana' which means 'pose'. This translates to 'All Body Parts Pose'. Sarvangasana is also known as shoulder stand pose is called the "mother of all Yoga poses" because it benefits the entire body and the mind.

Steps:

1. Lie on your back with your chin towards your chest.
2. Inhale, walk your legs up against the wall, bend the knees and place the feet on the wall. Push against the wall with your feet. Place your hands against your lower back, fingers should point inwards and thumbs outwards around the waist. There shouldn't be much weight on your shoulders or neck, keep the weight on your elbows
3. Hold the posture for 20 seconds
4. Exhale, release the posture by walking down the wall.

Benefits:

• Stimulates the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands that in turn balances hormones in both males and females.
• Increases blood flow to the brain.
• The reversed blood flow helps manage tight varicose veins.
• Helps improve eyesight.

Contraindications: Anyone with neck or back injury should avoid this pose as it creates pressure on the neck and back. Pregnant women and migraine patients are also advised to avoid practising this pose.

Oceanic Breathing(Ujjayi Pranayama)

“Ujjayi Pranayama is a balancing and calming diaphragmatic breathing, which increases oxygenation and builds internal body heat.” – Krishnamacharya This technique is one of the most effective ones in yoga for thyroid gland sequence as it stimulates the functioning of all the organs of the throat.

Steps:

1. Sit erect, relax your abdomen, and observe the flow of your breath.
2. Slowly deepen the breath and repeat the same multiple times.
3. While breathing, gently contract the top of your throat so that you are making a soft, continuous hissing sound. Do this on both inhalation and exhalation, keeping your mouth closed the whole time
4. Continue deep breathing and explore how loud you can make the sound without straining. Focus all attention on the sound.
5. Practise for 12 breaths, you can stop making the sound and feel the stillness that comes after practising ujjayi pranayama.

Benefits:

• Encourages awareness.
• Helps in activation of visudha chakra, associated to the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands.
• Helps in improving the capacity of your lungs.
• Helps to reduce infections or allergies in the lungs.

Contraindications: People with blood pressure issues should avoid practising this technique.