Yoga for the Thyroid: 10 Poses to Improve Thyroid Health

The thyroid is one of the most common diseases all across the world. The thyroid is basically a small gland in throat secreting hormones that are responsible for metabolism, temperature and growth of our body. There are two types of thyroid disorders and these are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the result of low thyroid hormones and hyperthyroidism is the result of high thyroid hormones. People who have thyroid experience symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, puffy face, heavy menstrual bleeding in women, low energy, weight gain or loss, inability to tolerate the cold, slow or very fast heart rate, pale & dry skin, hair loss and constipation or diarrhoea depending on what kind of thyroid it is.

In both types, people experience swelling on the neck which is also known as goitre. One of the best treatments to control the problem of the thyroid is Yoga. There are ultimate benefits that yoga will provide you. A stressful life and unhealthy lifestyle may result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. With the help of yoga, you not only keep your thyroid in control but also get rid of stress and improve your flexibility and energy. If you want to keep your thyroid in control, then read this blog as we are going to share the list of the best Yoga Asanas to improve thyroid health. Each of below Yoga Asanas is easy to try at home.

1. Halasana (Plough Pose)

Halasana is one of the best Yoga Asanas for stimulating the thyroid glands. People with hyperthyroidism will avail more benefits from this Asana as it facilitates secretion of thyroid hormones. By providing the compression to the neck and thyroid gland, it controls your thyroid. Along with relaxing the autonomous nervous systems this Asana also helps in strengthening abdominal and back muscles. This also helps in the reduction of stress and fatigue, stomach problems, high blood pressure, etc. If you have lumbago, neck pain and spondylitis, you should avoid performing Halasana.

2. Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)

One of the basic Yoga Asanas, Sarvangasana is recommended for the treatment of thyroid. When you perform Sarvangasana, it exerts pressure on the thyroid gland and increases blood flow to the relevant parts of your upper body. People who are suffering from Stage 1 and Stage 2 thyroid issues should regularly perform Sarvangasana on a regular basis. This yoga asana helps in building core strength, improving the sense of balance and strengthening the neck, shoulder and back flexibility. From nourishment of your skin to detoxification of your body, it does everything to reverse hypothyroidism.

3. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Matsyasana is the pose in which your back arch in a way that it increases blood circulation in the thyroid gland and relieves a lot of tension in the area. People who are suffering from hypothyroidism should regularly do Matsyasana as it improves blood flow to the thyroid gland and provides gentle healing. It also lowers stress levels and reduces the stiffness of muscles and joints. From relaxing the body to preventing mood swings, it does everything to counter the problems that might cause thyroid.

4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Setubandhasana is also known as Bridge Pose is an effective yoga asana for improving your thyroid health. Setubandhasana is highly recommended to people with hypothyroidism. When you perform this Asana, it stretches the neck muscles and improves blood circulation in your thyroid gland. This yoga asana also helps in calming the brain, strengthening muscles, reducing anxiety, treating asthma, reducing headaches and improving the digestion system. This Asana is a bit difficult, but if you are able to do it, you are more likely to attain its benefits.

5. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Also known as Camel Pose, Ustrasana is an amazing Asana that can stimulate the thyroid gland by stretching the muscles of the neck and increasing blood circulation in the thyroid gland. This yoga asana also helps in relieving issues of the spine. People who are suffering from the problem of Asthma can also get relief by performing Ustrasana on a regular basis. Whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, you can regularly perform Ustrasana to control thyroid.

6. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

One of the easiest yoga asanas to perform is Bhujangasana which is also known as Cobra Pose. By improving the circulation of blood in the neck region, this pose helps in increasing thyroid functioning. It also strengthens the core of the body and decreases stress and fatigue. People who have frequent back and neck pain must do Bhujangasana to tone and strengthen their muscles. This pose helps in improving the flexibility of the upper and middle back and toning the abdomen muscles. If you have undergone abdominal surgery or have hernia or ulcers, then we would recommend you to avoid Bhujangasana.

7. Sirshasana (Headstand Pose)

One of the best yoga asanas is Sirshasana, the Headstand Pose. This yoga asana offers many health benefits and one of them is improving your thyroid functioning.  From managing your metabolic functions to bringing wakefulness and alertness in body, this yoga asana does everything to provide you with a healthy body. Other benefits of Sirshasana are reduced stress, improved brain functions, strong eyesight, improved digestion, toned abdominal and relieved asthma, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis. Sirshasana is one of the most difficult-to-achieve yoga postures, so it should be performed under the supervision of an expert on the first attempt.

8. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Also known as Bow Pose, Dhanurasana is one of the best asanas that you must perform on a regular basis to improve your thyroid functioning. People with hypothyroidism should especially do Dhanurasana to massage the thyroid gland, and improve health. This asana also improves vitality in women. This pose is effective for treating thyroid, strengthening of back, reducing stress and relieving menstrual pain. This pose is a bit difficult to achieve, but with the regular practice, you can easily do it and avail its benefits.

9. Navasana (Boat Pose)

Navasana or Boat Pose is an effective yoga Asana to stimulate the thyroid region. It is a beneficial yoga for people who suffer from hypothyroidism. It is a great Yoga Asana to tone and strengthen your abdominal muscles, improve balance and digestion, stretch your hamstrings, strengthen your spine and hip flexors, stimulate the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines, relieve stress and improve confidence. Pregnant ladies should avoid doing Navasana.

10. Viparita Karani (Inverted Pose)

When you perform Viparita Karani, you keep the legs up the wall pose which helps in increasing blood flow to the thyroid gland and regulating thyroid function. It also revitalizes the mind, reduces fatigue, relieves stress, helps you fight anxiety and helps cure insomnia. This pose has a rejuvenating effect on your mind.

Final Words

In this blog, we only provide general information only. Yoga is extremely effective in restoring health and balance. These yoga asanas should be performed under the guidance of expert yoga instructors. If you are suffering from any severe disorder, then consult your doctor first.