Caring For Thyroid Health Through Yoga
The thyroid has a gland that plays a critical role in the body’s metabolic processes. This gland. aptly named the thyroid gland, produces different hormones that affect the metabolic rate, control the heart, even support brain and bone health and maintenance. That's the reason why suffering from any thyroid disorder is so devastating to the body. The consequences could range from an enlarged gland (goiter) to certain forms of cancer.
Abnormal production of thyroid hormones could also lead to hyperthyroidism (excess hormone production) or hypothyroidism (insufficient hormone production).
Taking care of your thyroid will definitely improve your health and well-being. And there’s no better way of taking care of the thyroid naturally than through yoga! Some yoga asanas - Sarvangasana, Ustrasana, Halasana, Matsyasana, Bhujangasana - are known to decrease the risk of common thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism!
The Benefits of Yoga in
Thyroid Health
Rebalances the Hormones
Although yoga won’t cure hormonal imbalance, it can harmonize the many processes that the body goes through, including the production of hormones. Studies suggest that normal thyroid function is affected by estrogen and progesterone imbalance. Some yoga poses affect the entire endocrine system, the system that regulates the hormones in the body.
Practicing yoga regularly prevents the thyroid gland from tipping the delicate balance of hormones in the body.
Stress is one of the most common triggers of thyroid disorders. It’s not the direct cause of thyroid problems but stress could make the symptoms so much worse. When you’re stressed out, the body is flooded with stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is one of the two hormones (the other is adrenaline) that trigger the body’s fight or flight response.
Alleviates Stress
Uncontrolled stress often leads to a range of health problems including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, and obesity.
Living mindfully and practicing yoga on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways of managing stress. Yoga alleviates stress with its calming poses. The practice also instills mindfulness, which gives the mind and body a deeper sense of peace and well-being.
Eases Anxiety
Practicing yoga along with breathing exercises, meditation, visualizations, and positive affirmations help ease anxiety. Numerous studies confirmed the link between anxiety and thyroid disorders. By easing anxiety with yoga, you can avoid the many health risks that are associated with this prevalent mental problem.
5 Yoga Poses for Better
Thyroid Health
The best yoga poses for thyroid health are those that stretch and flex the neck muscles and shoulders. In the anatomy of Yoga, the throat is the 5th chakra, the body’s center for creativity and self-expression. Stimulate the 5th chakra with these yoga poses:
Shoulder Stand
The Sarvangasana is the best pose for treating hypothyroidism. The pose stimulates proper thyroid gland function while also promoting better hormonal function in all glands located in the head region.
The Ustrasana promotes better thyroid function by directing the blood flow to the neck and shoulder regions. It also stretches the neck and shoulders, which promotes deeper breathing for relaxing results.
Camel Pose
Plow Pose
Better known as the Halasana, the plow pose stretches the neck muscles, stimulating the thyroid glands and promoting proper hormonal function. This pose also stimulates the autonomous nervous systems while soothing tension.
Dhanurasana is said to open the heart and stimulate the flow of positive energy to the neck and shoulder areas. This pose is often done to control the metabolic rate while relieving the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Bow Pose
While yoga isn’t a cure for thyroid problems, it has positive effects on the body that promotes better thyroid function. When combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, yoga could prevent the onset of thyroid problems. Trying out any of the yoga poses we’ve outlined above helps minimize the effects of a problematic thyroid. Better yet, sign up for my online yoga class to care for your thyroid health in the comfort of your own home!