Yoga Poses for Thyroid Health: Boost Metabolism & Hormonal Balance

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• How Yoga Poses for Thyroid Support Thyroid Health
• Best Yoga Poses for Thyroid Health
• Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand Pose)
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)
• Additional Lifestyle Tips for Thyroid Health
• Conclusion

For the treatment of thyroid conditions, medications and hormone replacement therapies have been the conventional choices and are still popular with most people, but an increasing number of people are resorting to natural ways like Yoga. As a traditional practice, yoga brings a mix of bodily postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Yoga has the property to produce anti-stress hormone which also aids in relaxation and circulation, hence improving the functionality of thyroid.

This article digs deep into how yoga works as one of the home remedies, presents the best yoga poses for thyroid to boost and sustain the thyroid function.

How Yoga Poses for Thyroid Support Thyroid Health

More than physical exercise, Yoga is a complete system for the body and mind to reach its highest potential. Yoga helps keep the thyroid gland in the right state by balancing the body, mainly by activating the endocrine system that the thyroid gland is a part of. Some yoga asanas like Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose) put pressure on the neck and throat, they direct the blood circulation around the thyroid gland and help the release of thyroid hormones.

Yoga assists the body to remain calm and teaches us to take deep breaths steadily and move to a state of peace and tranquillity. Stress is a common cause of hormonal imbalance. Relaxation and breathing techniques should be integrated into yoga practice to reduce the negative effect stress has on the thyroid gland. Yoga also corrects body posture and makes the muscles strong which normally leads to a better physical health and helps the body to be in alignment.

Best Yoga Poses for Thyroid Health:

Yoga poses are a great way to improve the health of the thyroid gland. Yoga asanas stimulate and tones the neck and throat muscles which increases the amount of blood flowing through, and the improvement of lymphatic drainage. Not only do these asanas improve the health of the thyroid gland but they also help a person to maintain great health. Below are some of the best yoga asanas for thyroid health:

1. Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand Pose)

Steps:

1. Take a yoga chair, bolster & blanket for support.
2. Fold a Mat and place it on the seat of the yoga chair and above that place a folded blanket for extra support to the lower back.
3. Sit on the edge of the chair and lower yourself down onto the mat, ensuring your head is close to the bolster.
4. Lie down on your back with holding the chair seat and your shoulders supported by the Bolster.
5. Engage your core muscles and use your abdominal strength to lift your legs up toward the ceiling.
6. With your legs lifted, slide your torso closer to the chair so that your hips are supported by the chair.
7. The bolster should rest just below your shoulders and chair providing support for your lower back.
8. Straighten your legs upward toward the ceiling, keeping them active and engaged.
9. Use your hands to support your lower back and adjust the position as necessary for comfort.
10. Keep your neck long and relaxed, with your gaze directed toward your chest.
11. Hold the pose for few seconds, breathing deeply and evenly.
12. Gently release the pose by lowering your legs and carefully lifting yourself upward to sit on the chair. Gradually come out of the chair.

Benefits: Stimulates thyroid function. The inverted position increases blood circulation to the thyroid gland, promoting optimal hormone secretion. It also helps to improve posture and strengthen the upper body. This pose is particularly helpful for people with hypothyroidism, as it encourages the thyroid gland to work more efficiently.

2. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Steps:

1. Position the bolster horizontally and folded yoga blanket on the mat. These will be used to support your back and shoulders.
2. Gently lie down on the bolster by resting your head on the Blanket.
3. Ensure that your arms are resting on the mat with your palms facing up.
4. Keep your knees aligned with your ankles and parallel to each other.
5. Roll your shoulders back and down to broaden your chest and open your heart.
6. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply and evenly.

Benefits:

1. Stimulates the adrenal glands.
2. Strengthens the back and core muscles.
3. Activates the thyroid gland by stimulating the throat area.
4. It helps improve blood circulation, especially to the neck and thyroid
5. Reduces stress and anxiety.

3. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Steps:

1. Lie on your stomach with legs extended and palms placed under your shoulders.
2. Press into your hands on the yoga blocks and lift your chest off the ground, keeping elbows slightly bent.
3. Keep a folded yoga blanket under your pelvic region for additional support.
4. Hold for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
5. Lower back down and repeat twice.

Benefits:

1. Activates the thyroid gland
2. Stretches the abdomen.
3. Opens the chest and increase flexibility in spine.
4. Stimulates intestinal movement.

4. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)

Steps:

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes facing inwards.
2. Inhale and lengthen your spine.
3. Exhale, hinge at your hips, and fold forward, bringing your head toward your knees, placing it on the yoga chair for added support.
4. Keep a slight bend in your knees if needed to avoid strain.
5. Place your hands on the floor, shins, or ankles (depending on flexibility).
6. Hold for a few breaths, then slowly rise back up, rolling your spine up.

Benefits:

1. Calms the nervous system and reduces stress, which can directly impact thyroid health.
2. The position of the head and neck encourages blood flow to the thyroid gland, promoting better circulation.
3. Stretches the hamstrings and back while improving posture and flexibility.

Additional Lifestyle Tips for Thyroid Health:

In addition to practicing yoga, there are other lifestyle habits that can enhance thyroid health:

1. Eating A Balanced Diet: Eating foods that are high in iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D is essential for the health of the thyroid gland. Getting foods like seaweed, fish, eggs, nuts, and leafy greens into your diet is the best way to help the thyroid gland to function properly.
2. Stress Management: Thyroid gland can be damaged by stress which is consistent and frequent and may affect the production of hormones. Apart from yoga, mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation are other techniques that can help manage your mental state.
3. Be Active: Exercise regularly to regulate your thyroid gland and boost your metabolism will be your ideal goal. Both aerobic exercise and strength training can provide extensive health benefits.
4. Sleep Well: Make sure to have enough time to sleep every night. Sleep is an important time for the regulation of hormones, including thyroid hormones, and the body necessary to repair and rejuvenate itself.

Conclusion

Throat and neck are the major area which gets stimulated when performing yoga poses for thyroid resulting in better hormone production and performance of the organ. Besides this, the relaxation and mindfulness practices in yoga help reduce stress, which is a known disruptor of thyroid balance. By including yoga in your schedule, along with other healthy lifestyle choices such as nutrient-rich diet, better stress management and rest, you can promote a better functioning of thyroid gland.