Yoga for Thyroid: 15 Yoga Asanas for Improved Thyroid Health

Each gland in our body produces a different hormone, which is responsible for various functions in the body. The thyroid gland is situated in the neck, producing thyroid hormones that play an essential role in metabolism.

Thyroid hormone in excess or deficient levels lead to complications. Changing your diet, exercising, and living a healthy lifestyle can help keep this hormone balanced. Apart from these remedies, simple yoga for thyroid can also help.

You read that right! Several yoga poses or asanas stimulate blood flow to the thyroid glands.

It reverses hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Would you like to learn more about yoga for thyroid? Learn 15 yoga poses for thyroid health by reading the entire article!

How Effective Is Yoga for Thyroid Patients?

Regular yoga practice can help correct thyroid problems effectively. A Study shows that yoga can reduce stress hormone levels, which also benefits thyroid health. Yoga cannot, however, replace medication completely. Consistently practicing it for more extended periods can reduce your medication dependency. 

Yoga Exercises That Can Improve Thyroid Health

1. Shavasana or Corpse Pose

Known also as the corpse pose, Shavasana is a yoga pose for deep relaxation. Despite its seemingly simple nature, Shavasana can be challenging as it involves lying in stillness for longer. 

Practicing Shavasana helps reduce thyroid symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. It also reduces blood pressure, calms the nervous system, and promotes a higher level of consciousness. This is a great yoga pose for hyperthyroidism patients.

2. Upward Bow (Wheel) Pose or Urdhva Dhanurasana

Known as Upward Bow or Wheel Pose, Urdhva Dhanurasana stimulates energy flow to the thyroid glands. Moreover, it helps relieve asthma by increasing oxygen flow to the lungs.

3. Shoulder Stand or Sarvangasana

This pose stimulates blood flow to the upper body glands and regulates metabolism. Additionally, tucking the chin into the chest benefits thyroid function in the body. Therefore, this yoga asana improves thyroid health.

4. Plow Pose or Halasana

The Plow Pose, called Halasana, is a strengthening, stretching, and relaxing yoga pose. The neck is extended in this asana, stimulating the pituitary and thyroid glands. However, people with hyperthyroidism should not practice this pose because thyroid hormones are secreted when this pose is performed.

5. Fish Pose or Matsyasana

Yoga poses such as Matsyasana are effective for counteracting hypothyroidism in thyroid health. The neck and throat are stretched during this exercise, thereby stimulating the thyroid glands. Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism can benefit from this pose because it increases blood flow to the thyroid glands.

6.Inverted Lake Pose or Viparita Karani

The Inverted Lake Pose, or Viparita Karani, promotes blood circulation to the thyroid organs and regulates their activity. It protects the neck from pressure and is suitable for most people. It also reduces anxiety, relieves stress, and cures insomnia.

7. One-legged Forward Bend or Janu Shirasana

The One-legged Forward Bend, or Janu Shirasana, stretches the spine to its maximum potential. This exercise will tone your shoulders, massage your abdominal organs, and reduce anxiety and fatigue. The pose is also beneficial to the health of the thyroid gland.

8. Cat-cow Pose or Marjaryasana

Marjaryasana stimulates thyroid function in the body because of its fluid motion. A simple technique that encourages blood flow in this pose is bringing your chin to the chest and exposing the throat chakra.

9. Boat Pose or Navasana

Those suffering from hypothyroidism can benefit from the Navasana or boat pose, which stimulates the thyroid region. This exercise is excellent for strengthening one's core and improving spinal strength.

10. Camel Pose or Ustrasana

Camel pose, also called Ustrasana, stimulates thyroid function and improves blood flow to the thyroid gland. Keeping your thyroid gland active and healthy is easy with this yoga posture. This yoga pose also provides a sense of calm and relaxation.

11.  Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana

A back-bending asana, bhujangasana, is also known as the cobra pose. It stretches the neck and throat region. As a result, it increases the blood flow to the thyroid, which has the effect of increasing thyroid function. Additionally, Bhujangasana also improves thyroid function by reducing stress and pressure. People with hypothyroidism may therefore benefit from it.

12. Bridge Pose or Setubandhasana

The bridge pose, Sethubandasana, is a basic backbend pose that prepares the body for more advanced yoga poses. Sethu, bandha, and asana mean bridge, to lock, and pose, respectively. The thoracic muscles are excellently toned with this exercise. The posture also calms the brain and reduces depression, anxiety, and stress.

13. Child Pose or Shishu Asana

Practicing this gentle forward fold will help you relax and relieve neck and back tension. There is a lengthening and stretching of your spine. The yoga pose helps treat hyperthyroidism.

The Child's Pose also stretches your thighs, hips, and ankles. By practicing this pose, you can relieve fatigue and stress. 

14. Sun Salutation or Surya Namashkar

Sun Salutation, or Surya Namashkar, is a form of salutation to the sun, which is considered the ultimate energy source. This pose includes twelve asanas. Practicing these asanas can help cure weight gain, a troubling symptom of hypothyroidism.

15. Supported Headstand Pose or Salamba Sirshasana

Supported Headstand Pose is a highly advanced yoga position that directly affects the thyroid gland. It stimulates the brain's pituitary and pineal glands, which help relieve stress by increasing blood flow to the heart.

Note: You should perform this pose under the supervision of a yoga teacher unless you have prior experience.

When Should Thyroid Patients Avoid Doing Yoga?

Few reasons to refrain from doing yoga:

• When the doctor advises against it.

• Patients with severe hyperthyroidism symptoms.

• Patients with extreme joint pain.

Concluding Remarks

Yoga for the thyroid can be practiced at home for as little as 10 minutes daily. A book, an article, or an online course can guide your practice. After you've learned the basics, you can intuitively create your sessions.

Lifestyle-related diseases like thyroid are on the rise. Thus, eating right, exercising, and ensuring quality sleep become necessary to stay fit.

However, a comprehensive health insurance policy will provide much-needed financial assistance and offer timely professional medical assistance if there's a health scare. Check out ACKO’s health plans for a hassle-free insurance experience.

Also read: Best Family Health Insurance Plans in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers related to Yoga asanas for thyroid health

Is It Possible to Cure Thyroid Issues Permanently With Yoga?

Yoga cannot permanently cure thyroid problems. However, regular yoga practice usually improves the quality of life for those who suffer from thyroid symptoms. Performing it regularly can lower stress, a common thyroid cause. 

If You Do Not Treat Your Thyroid, What Will Happen?

Thyroid problems can lead to further health complications if left untreated. It has many dangerous health effects, including heart disease, infertility, joint pain, nerve damage, and obesity. It can even be fatal in severe cases.

Does Thyroid Cause Stomach Pain?

The thyroid can cause abnormal bacterial growth in the small intestine, leading to stomach pain.

Can Pranayama Cure Thyroid?

Pranayama helps to balance blood sugar levels and aid metabolism. As a result, thyroid hormones are kept in balance.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.

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