6 Yoga Asanas To Cure Thyroid Problem

Affecting over 12 percent of the US population at some point in their lifetime, thyroid disorders are common around the world. Any dysfunction in the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck results in thyroid disorders. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and goiter are some of the most prevalent forms of thyroid disease.

While yoga may not be able to instantly cure the condition, it can keep the glands healthy, regulate metabolism, and prevent further complications. In a study, 6 months of intense yoga practice helped women with hypothyroidism and reduced their need for thyroxine medication.

Here’s a list of yoga asanas that effectively reduce hypothyroidism. These exercises also strengthen the musclesand reduce the effects of hypothyroidism on them.However, if you are affected by hyperthyroidism, avoid these neck-stretching asanas and opt for simpler breathing exercises like the pranayama.

# Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana helps in maintaining the governing system of our body, the endocrine system. This pose is believed to help individuals with hypothyroidismowing to the pressure it exerts on the gland. The thyroid receives the largest supply of blood in the body, and practicing this posture can improve its function by improving circulation and squeezing out stagnant secretions. The shoulder-stand releases blood into the neck and helps nourish the thyroid, thus alleviating hypothyroidism.

How To Do Sarvangasana

- Lie still on a mat.

- Slowly raise your legs toward the ceiling.

- Press the ground with your palms and lift your legs so that they are perpendicular to the ground.

- Keep your elbow on the floor and support your waist with your palms.

- The weight of your body should rest on your shoulder blades.

- Hold the position for a minute.

- Slowly bring back your legs to the ground.

# Matsyasana

Matsyasana translates to the “fish pose.” This yoga asana arches your back such thatthere is increased blood circulation at the thyroid gland. The pose stretches the neck and throat, stimulates the thyroid gland, and relieves tension in the area. The inverted position of the head encourages blood flow to the thyroid and helps people with hypothyroidism.

How To Do Matsyasana

- Sit cross-legged on the floor, and assume the lotus position.

- Without removing your legs or knees from the ground, slowly arch your upper body backward.

- The weight of your upper body is carried by your elbows and the hands, which should be kept flat against the ground.

- Observe the stretch in your throat and neck.

- Hold the pose as long as you can, breathing evenly.

# Halasana

The pose resembles the Indian plow and is hence called halasana. This yoga exercise stretches the neck and stimulates the thyroid glands. Halasana should be performed by people with hypothyroidism, but not by those suffering from hyperthyroidism, as the pose facilitates the secretion of thyroid hormones.

How To Do Halsana

- Sleep on the mat, keeping your legs, elbows, palms, and head firmly against the floor.

- Slowly raise your legs and keep them perpendicular to the ground.

- Gently, push the legs toward the floor so that your feettouch the ground.

- Breathe deeply, and maintain the position for 1minute.

- If required, you can support your waist with your hands and carry your upper body weight on your elbows.

# Viparita Karani

The meaning of viparita is “reverse” and karani translates to “by which.” This pose is also called legs up the wall pose. Viparita karani is a panacea for various ailments. The asana treats hypothyroidism by increasing the blood flow to the thyroid gland and regulating the thyroid function.

How To Do Viparita Karani

- Lie still on your back, with your elbow rested firmly against the ground.

- Using your hands to support your hips, slowly lift your legs upward.

- Pull yourshoulder blades toward each other.

- Keep your head straight against the floor and feel the stretch in your neck.

- As an alternative, rest your legs against a wall.

- Hold the position for 5 minutes.

# Ustrasana

Ustrasana, or the camel pose, stimulates the thyroid activity by stretching the neck and allowing blood circulation to the gland.

How To Do Ustrasana

- Kneel down with your heels facing the ceiling and your ankles touching the ground.

- Keep your upper body straight.

- Slowly arch backwardtoward your toes, trying to keep your chest parallel to your legs.

- Place your hands on your heels and bend your neck backward.

- Feel the stretch in your neck and throat.

- Hold the position for 5 minutes.

# Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana stretches the neck and the throat region, which helps increasethe thyroid function. So it is helpful for individuals with hypothyroidism.

How To Do Bhujangasana

- Lie on your stomach, with your palms rested on the ground.

- Slowly raise your upper body to a cobra-like stance.

- Bend your head backward and feel the pull in your neck.

- Hold the pose for a few minutes.