HOW YOGA HELPS IN CURING THYROID?

1. HOW YOGA HELPS TO TYROIDDEFECTS? Hypothyroidism is medical speak for a low functioning thyroid, the tiny butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. This rather common condition affects around 10 percent of women over 40; and unfortunately, once you reach menopause. Depending on the severity of the problem, your doctor will probably prescribe a daily thyroid hormone replacement pill. However, before you resign yourself to a lifetime of pill swallowing, I think a little research is in order to determine the cause of your sluggish thyroid. 

2. FIRST, PYCHOLOGY Think of this gland as the “metabolism manager.” When it does its job, we have good energy, adequate warmth, and normal bowel function; when it malfunctions, we feel sluggish, cold, and constipated. To understand why hypothyroidism causes so many different problems, it’s important to understand what the thyroid does. Think of this gland as the “metabolism manager.” When it does its job, we have good energy, adequate warmth, and normal bowel function; when it malfunctions, we feel sluggish, cold, and constipated. When it speeds up too fast—a condition called hyperthyroidism—we feel restless, overheated, and prone to diarrhea. But the thyroid does more than regulate energy, temperature, and digestion. It basically affects every function in the body. A healthy thyroid improves your skin, hair, muscles, bones, joints, nerves, heart, mood, and sexual function. So, yes, you can blame your weight gain, muscle and joint pains, and depression on your sluggish thyroid. Hypothyroidism has also been linked to nerve entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), menstrual irregularities, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It can even cause swelling in the face, ankles, and neck.

3. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? In a healthy body, the thyroid makes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in response to the pituitary gland’s thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. Some of the T4 is then converted into the more active T3 hormone, and together they regulate metabolism throughout the body. Any interference with even one of these processes can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism. Here are some common possibilities: Mineral Deficiencies: An adequate supply of iodine and selenium is essential to thyroid hormone production. Hormones: Studies suggest that any disruption in the balance between estrogen and progesterone impedes normal thyroid hormone production or its utilization. Stress: Cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones made by the adrenal glands, rise excessively with unrelenting stress, blocking TSH production in the pituitary andimpeding the body’s ability to convert T4 to the more active T3. Autoimmune Disease: A fairly common cause of hypothyroid problems is thyroiditis, a condition in which the immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland, creating inflammation and scarring. Environmental Toxins and Drugs: Pesticides, exposure to radiation, fluoride, and even cigarette smoke contribute to thyroid problems.

4. WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? Alternatives do exist. Plenty of people have successfully decreased their medication—and many have gone off completely—by making dietary and lifestyle changes. Here’s how to get started:  Get your iodine and selenium levels checked. Make sure you eat well.

5. Manage your stress level Practice specific yoga poses. Here are a few yoga asanas which can help in effectively. These yoga poses can help in strengthening muscles and also reducing effects of hypothyroidism. ViparitaKarani (Inverted Pose) This pose is also known as the legs up the wall pose. It is helpful for various ailments including hypothyroidism. It increases blood flow to the thyroid gland and regulates thyroid function. Besides, this pose has a rejuvenating effect on the mind. It also helps in relieving stress, curing insomnia and fighting anxiety. Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) Sarvangasana or shoulder stand helps in maintaining the governing system of the body - the endocrine system. It exerts pressure on the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland receives the largest supply of blood. Sarvangasana helps in improving blood circulation and squeezing stagnant secretion. It releases blood into the neck and helps nourish the thyroid and reversing hypothyroidism.

6. Ustrasana (Camel Pose) This pose too can stimulate the thyroid gland by stretching the neck and increasing blood circulation in the gland. Practicing this yoga pose for thyroid can also help in relieving issues of the spine. It also helps in bringing relief to people suffering from asthma. However, this pose should be avoided I case you have hernia or ulcers. People with arthritis, vertigo and abdominal injuries should avoid doing the camel pose. SetuBandhasana (Bridge Pose) Setubandhasana or the bridge pose is an effective yoga for thyroid, especially hypothyroidism. It stretches the neck and improves blood circulation in the thyroid gland. The pose is also effective for treating asthma, reducing headaches and strengthening muscles. People in the final stage of their pregnancy should avoid doing the bridge pose.

7. Halasana(Plough Pose)This pose helps in stretching of the neck and stimulates the thyroid glands. However, this pose must not be performed by people with hyperthyrodisim as it facilitates secretion of thyroid hormones. This pose also helps in strengthening abdominal muscles and back muscles along with relaxing the autonomous nervous systems. Matsyasana(Fish Pose) Matsyasana or fish pose makes your back arch in a way that it increased blood circulation in the thyroid gland. This pose stretches the neck and throat and stimulates the thyroid gland. It relieves a lot of tension in the area. The pose is done by inverting the head. This encourages blood flow to the thyroid gland and is thus good for people suffering from hypothyroidism. This pose also helps in maintaining health of abdominal muscles and the spinal column.

8. Dhanurasana(Bow Pose)This yoga pose for thyroid massages the thyroid gland and compels it to produce the required amount of thyroid hormone for controlling metabolism. It is thus an effective pose for treating with hypothyroidism. This pose helps in strengthening of back, reducing stress and relieving menstrual pain. Bhujangasana(Cobra Pose) This pose is a part of the very beneficial suryanamaskar. This pose stretches the neck and throat region, thereby increasing thyroid functioning. It is helpful for people suffering from hypothyroidism. People with back pain or neck pain should also do bhujangasana as it helps in strengthening and toning of muscles. Avoid this pose in case you have recently undergone an abdominal surgery or have hernia or ulcers.