5 Yoga Asanas That Will Help Improve Your Thyroid Health

As per a survey carried out by SRL diagnostics, almost every third Indian as suffering from some form of Thyroid disorder. Issues related to the thyroid have been known to cause weight gain and hormonal imbalances. Commonly, conditions like PCOS and PCOD are known to be more prevalent in women rather than in men.

Types Of Thyroid Disorders

One of the main reasons for thyroid disorders is believed to be excessive stress in our daily lives. There are 2 types of thyroid disorders:

• Hypothyroidism is caused by not having sufficient thyroid hormones
• Hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive thyroid hormones.

Yoga Therapy For Thyroid Health

Yoga asanas and other practices in yoga are known to be useful in controlling and managing thyroid imbalances. The different stretching, twisting and compressing yoga postures help in stimulating the thyroid gland and initiate the body to release thyroxine. This is what helps in developing a healthy metabolism.

Himalayan Siddha Grand Master Akshar, a Yoga expert shares 5 yoga asanas that will help you improve your thyroid health. Practice the following asanas for at least 30-40 minutes, thrice a week to see and experience the desired results.

Siddha Walk

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You can begin with the Siddha walk. Also known as the Infinity walk, yoga walk, and mind walk, the Siddha walk is an ancient yogic practice that gives you innumerable benefits for the mind, body, and soul.

You need to walk in the figure of 8 or the infinity symbol.

Move from south to north direction and then change the direction for the next round.

Do it for 21 minutes in both directions.

Benefits

• It acts as a stress reliever.
• It improves posture.
• It increases your immunity.
• Opens the chest and lungs.

Ustrasana

• Kneel down on the yoga mat. Now, place your hands on the hips.
• Simultaneously, arch your back and slide your palms over your feet till the arms are straight.
• Do not strain or flex your neck but keep it in a neutral position.
• Stay in this posture for a couple of breaths.
• Breathe out and slowly come back to the initial pose.

Benefits

• Stretches your back and hips.
• Improves circulation of blood.
• Useful for asthma patients as it helps to open the front of your body, pectoral muscles and hip flexors.

Sirsasana (Headstand)

• Begin in the Vajrasana pose.
• Place your elbows down.
• Your interlocked palms and elbows must form an imaginary equilateral triangle.
• Place the crown of your head on the floor in front of your palms.
• Your palms should support the back of your head.
• Lift up your pelvis and start walking towards your head.
• Do this until your back straightens.
• First, lift your right leg up and align it with your upper body.
• Use your core strength, balance, and lift your left leg up.
• Join your legs and keep your toed pointed.
• Remain in this position for as long as you are comfortable.

Benefits of Sirsasana

• Builds core muscle strength.
• Improves balance.

Word of Advice

• Avoid practicing this asana if you have hypertension, hypotension, vertigo, heart palpitations and/or thrombosis.

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Halasana

• Lie down on your back.
• Use your abdominal muscles and lift your legs up to 90 degrees.
• Press your palms firmly onto the floor. Allow your legs to fall back behind your head.
• Allow your middle and lower back to lift off the floor to enable your toes to touch the floor behind.
• Try to bring your chest as close to your chin as possible.
• The palms can support the back.
• Hold the asana for a while.

Benefits of Halasana

• It clears constipation and stomach disorders.
• Halasana helps reduce body fat.
• Organs like the thyroid, kidney, spleen, and pancreas are stimulated.
• It normalizes high blood pressure.

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Sarvangasana

• Begin by lying down on your back.
• Place your arms beside your body.
• Gently lift your legs off the floor and position them perpendicular to the floor with feet facing the sky.
• Slowly lift your pelvis and back off the floor.
• Put your palms on your back for support.
• You should try to achieve a straight line between your shoulder, torso, pelvis, legs, and feet.
• Try to touch your chin with your chest and focus your gaze on your feet.

Benefits of Sarvangasana

• Sarvangasana provides many of the benefits of Sirsasana and is easier to perform.
• It is recommended for people suffering from Stage 1 and Stage 2 - Thyroid issues.
• It helps in building core strength.
• It helps in improving one’s sense of balance.

Please note that practitioners with wrist, neck or shoulder issues should refrain from performing asanas like Sarvangasana and Halasana. It is advisable for women to refrain from performing inversions during menstruation or pregnancy.

Yoga practitioners believe that a pranayama technique such as Ujjayi pranayama is also effective to prevent thyroid issues. Pranayama and gentle yoga asanas lower the risk of a heart attack. Please consult a physician before you start practicing yoga to check which kind of thyroid disorder you are suffering from.

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