10 Yoga Asanas For Thyroid Problems

What’s Inside?

• About Thyroid gland and its functioning
• Yoga poses good for thyroid gland stimulation
• How to perform these yoga poses?

A small, butterfly-shaped gland in our necks, known as the thyroid gland, plays a vital role in our bodily functioning. Through the production of the thyroid hormone, this gland ensures the effective functioning of metabolism, while also looking after the growth and development of the human body. Needless to say, improper thyroid production in adults can lead to a number of problems, including fatigue and weight gain. Thyroid disorders often require lifelong medications, which may carry their own set of side effects. To prevent thyroid problems from developing in the first place or to mitigate its negative effects, you can practice a number of effective yogic asanas, all of which provide a free, effective way with no side effects. Here are some asanas you can start off with –

• Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) – By improving blood circulation to the upper half of the body, including the brain, this asana helps calm the mind and body. This increased blood flow also reaches the thyroid gland, and the blood flow to the brain also helps in stimulating the gland as the brain is a controller of the thyroid gland.

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) – This asana helps in stretching and stimulating the neck and the thyroid gland, and gives a great stretch to the back simultaneously. Though simple-looking, the asana does require arm strength and should be avoided in case of wrist injuries.

• Navasana (Boat Pose) – A challenging asana that requires both core strength and good balance, this is an ideal asana to work towards, as it not only empowers the body but also helps in stimulating the thyroid gland. Assuming the pose directly may be difficult for beginners and even intermediaries, so you can always start off by using appropriate supports.

• Ustrasana (Camel Pose) – This inversion exercise stretches the neck, and improves blood circulation, thus improving thyroid production. It also provides a great workout of balance, and its impact on the lungs also makes it a great exercise for those who suffer from respiratory issues.

• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) – This inversion pose not only challenges balance and shoulder strength but also encourages blood flow towards the neck, thus helping in stimulating the thyroid gland. It may again require practice and successive approximations for you to reach the complete pose, but the benefits it provides makes it worth the efforts.

• Matyasana (Fish Pose) – Yet another great stretch for the neck that stimulates the thyroid gland, this asana can also be down with flat legs if crossing your legs and then assuming the pose is difficult for you. A counter asana to the shoulder stand, it can be done before and after the Sarvangasana to make the transition easy.

• Chakra Asana (Wheel Pose) – A full inversion of the body requiring considerable strength of both the upper and lower parts of the body, this asana stimulates the heart and is considered to be a ‘heart opener’. The increased blood circulation, and the stretching of the neck, has a positive influence on the thyroid gland.

• Halasana (Plough Pose) – Another inversion exercise, this asana may again require supervision and practice to achieve the ideal pose. Nevertheless, the asana should definitely be on your list, as it not only stimulates the thyroid gland, but also builds shoulder strength and balance, and stretches out the back too.

• Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath/Oceans Breath) – It is not a posture but a breathing technique that would work on your thyroid gland and would also bring in a state of deeper relaxation. It also cleanses nadis, boosts immune system. Do not do the practice if you have sore throat also people who are too introverted should avoid.

• Corpse Pose (Savasana) – A good asana to end your session on, this deceptively simple asana involves laying still in a proper position – but that is where the challenge lies. It helps the relaxing the body completely and helps in bringing all the organs into normal, optimal functioning.

When practised regularly and properly, these asanas, along with the correct diet, can help you keep thyroid-related problems at bay, and also help you deal with the negative consequences of thyroid problems. So integrate these asanas into your daily routine, and see the results yourself.

^[1] “Yoga for the Thyroid: 10 Poses to Improve Thyroid Health.” 11 Jul. 2017, https://www.healthline.com/health/yoga-for-thyroid. Accessed 16 Dec. 2019.