In today's fast-paced world, thyroid imbalances have become a common concern for many individuals. From fatigue and weight gain to mood swings and anxiety, the symptoms can significantly impact one's quality of life. While medical intervention is crucial for managing thyroid conditions, incorporating yoga into your daily routine can provide additional support in restoring hormonal balance. In this article, Yogacharya Ashik Shamsudeen, an international yoga trainer helped us understand how yoga helps with hormonal imbalance and beginner-friendly yoga asanas that can be beneficial for thyroid health and overall well-being.
How Does Yoga Help With Hormonal Imbalance?
Yoga is a centuries-old practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing methods (pranayama), and meditation to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When it comes to hormonal imbalances, yoga offers several benefits:
1) Stress Reduction
Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, including those related to thyroid function. Yoga helps reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, and lowering cortisol levels.
2) Improved Blood Circulation
Certain yoga asanas stimulate blood flow to the thyroid gland, which can enhance its function. Increased blood circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the thyroid, helping to regulate hormone production and support overall thyroid health.
Also Read: Thyroid Disorder Can Affect Men Too: Signs To Watch Out For
3) Balancing The Endocrine System
The endocrine system, which includes the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating hormones. Yoga poses that target the neck and throat region stimulates the endocrine glands, promoting balance and optimising their function.
4) Enhanced Metabolism
Some yoga asanas can boost metabolism, which is often affected by thyroid imbalances. By improving metabolic function, yoga supports weight management and overall energy levels.
Beginner Yoga Asanas For Thyroid Health
1) Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)
This pose involves raising your legs and torso, with your weight resting on your shoulders. Sarvangasana stimulates blood circulation to the thyroid gland, improving its function. Lie on your back, lift your legs and hips upward, and support your lower back with your hands. Hold the pose for a few breaths and gradually increase the duration as you gain strength and flexibility.
2) Halasana (Plow Pose)
Halasana is often practised immediately after Sarvangasana. From the shoulder stand position, lower your legs overhead until your toes touch the ground behind you. This asana enhances blood flow to the thyroid gland, helping to regulate its function. Beginners can use props such as a folded blanket to support their backs and shoulders.
3) Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Begin by resting on your back, legs bent, and feet flat on the ground. Lift your hips slowly off the floor while keeping your thighs parallel to the ground. Setu Bandhasana stimulates the thyroid gland by activating the neck region. Hold the pose for a few breaths at a time, gradually increasing the duration as you get more comfortable.
4) Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
The fish pose involves lying on your back and arching your upper back, lifting your chest upward. This pose stretches the neck, throat, and chest area, stimulating the thyroid gland and improving its function. Support your lower back with your hands and relax your head and neck on the floor.
Also Read: Yoga For Thyroid: Asanas To Improve Your Thyroid Health
5) Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Kneel on the ground with your knees spaced hip-width apart. Slowly lean backwards, reaching your hands toward your heels, and arch your back. Ustrasana stretches the neck and throat region, promoting thyroid health.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.]
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