10 Yoga Poses to Improve Thyroid Health

Thyroid diseases have an overall impact on the body's metabolism and health. Whether you suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition caused by deficiency of thyroid hormones, or hyperthyroidism, where thyroid hormones are produced in excess, you can definitely benefit from yoga. Yoga asanas not only help in improving your flexibility and energy, but also help in eliminating stress from your system. Furthermore, some of these yoga asanas can specifically have an impact on circulation around the neck and can strengthen that area.

The benefits of these yoga asanas are availed only when they are practiced correctly and regularly. Hence, you must definitely consult a qualified yoga instructor, who can help you practice these yoga poses in the right manner. Here is our pick of the top 10 yoga poses that can help you with your thyroid condition:

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): One of the basic poses that is recommended for treatment of thyroid, the shoulder stand is simple and effective because it increases blood flow to the relevant parts of your upper body. It is performed by lying on the bed and raising the legs up to 90 degrees and supporting the lower part of the body with your hands. As with all yoga poses, your instructor will help ensure that your breathing is synchronised with your movements while practicing this pose.

Viparita Karani (Inverted Pose): Also called as ‘legs up the wall’ pose, this yoga pose is great for beginners. It does not cause pressure on the neck, but at the same time, it improves circulation to the thyroid gland. This

pose also helps in allaying anxiety and stress, and has an overall calming effect on the body.

Halasana (Plough Pose): This pose begins with lying down flat on your back and bringing your legs over your head, with the result that the body is shaped like a plough. This asana provides compression to the area of the neck and thyroid.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose): The camel pose is practiced by coming onto your knees with your feet extended behind you and letting your head drop back. This helps in stimulating the thyroid gland as well as strengthening the back.

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): Especially recommended for patients with hypothyroidism, this posture is slightly more difficult, but is said to increase circulation to the thyroid gland. However, experts recommend that it should be avoided by women during pregnancy.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose): The fish pose and the shoulder stand are collectively known to be the most effective poses for thyroid gland. This pose not only stimulates circulation in the thyroid and surrounding area, but also decreases stress and helps curb depression.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Especially aimed at patients with hypothyroidism, the bow pose helps massage the thyroid gland, and improves health and vitality in women.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): A gentle pose which increases circulation in the neck region, this involves lying down flat on your stomach and lifting up your head, chest, and shoulders. This also strengthens the core of the body, and decreases stress and fatigue.

Savasana (Corpse Pose): One of the seemingly easy yoga postures, this pose can actually be quite challenging. This asana encourages complete relaxation and helps the body and mind unwind and destress.

Sirshasana (Headstand Pose): One of the most difficult-to-achieve yoga postures, this improves alertness in the body and also directly increases blood flow to the thyroid gland.

Yoga is extremely effective in restoring balance and health as well as improving circulation and stimulation of the thyroid gland. However, these asanas must be performed only in the presence of a qualified yoga instructor and under advisement of your doctor to avoid any further complications.

It’s true that healthy lifestyle is the key to leading a healthy life in the future, but there’s no taking away from the fact that timely monitoring of thyroid health is just as important in ensuring your well-being in the long run. To book your Thyroid Profile, call 9205478479 or visit www.apollodiagnostics.in