Can
yoga be helpful for thyroid treatment?
The
body's metabolism is regulated by the endocrine system, particularly the
thyroid gland. Yoga for hypothyroidism is considered to be effective as it has
a positive effect on the organs of the endocrine system, especially by
stimulating the parathyroid and thyroid glands.
Thyroid Disease:
The
thyroid or endocrine glands consist of two connected lobes. The thyroid gland is found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage(which forms the Adam's
apple). The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes
proteins, and controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones. It
participates in these processes by producing thyroid hormones, the principal
ones being triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (sometimes referred to as
tetraiodothyronine (T4)). These hormones regulate the growth and rate of
function of many other systems in the body. T3 and T4 are synthesized from
iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which plays a role
in calcium homeostasis.
HYPERTHYROIDISM:
People
can suffer from hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid is defined as an
overproduction of the thyroid hormones T3and T4.
This
condition is most commonly caused by the development of Graves' disease, an
autoimmune disease in which anomalous antibodies stimulate the thyroid to
secrete excessive quantities of thyroid hormones.
The disease can progress to the formation of a toxic goiter as a result of thyroid
growth in response to a lack of negative feedback mechanisms.
It
presents with symptoms such as a thyroid goiter, protruding eyes (exophthalmos),
palpitations, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle weakness, and
unusual sensitivity to heat. The appetite is often increased.
HYPOTHYROIDISM:
People can
also, suffer hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of the
thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Hypothyroid disorders may occur as a result of
#Congenital thyroid abnormalities
# Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
# Iodine deficiency
# The removal of the thyroid following surgery to treat severe hyperthyroidism
and/or thyroid cancer.
Typical symptoms are abnormal weight gain, tiredness, baldness, cold
intolerance, and bradycardia. Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone
replacement therapy, such as levothyroxine, which is typically required for the
rest of the patient's life.
Yoga for Thyroid
Problems
Practicing
Yoga for thyroid problems is a natural way to get rid of this medical
condition. By practicing yoga regularly, you see normalcy in the production and
release of the thyroid hormone. This ensures you reduce the dependency of
thyroid medication. However, before starting any physical activity or exercise,
always consult a physician.
Here
is a list of 5 thyroid exercises you can follow to get rid of
hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism:
1. Sharvangasana (Shoulder
Stand Pose) –
Method: Lying on the back with the hands
under the mid-back, the legs and lower body are lifted so that the weight of
the body is supported on the head, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. The gaze is
towards the toes and the sagittal and transverse line of the head is perpendicular with the midsagittal and mid-frontal
line of the body.
Caution: The asana is contraindicated for high blood pressure, whiplash, menstruation, angina, and spinal weakness caused by
conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. The weight placed on the
cervical spine may
mean a risk of a neck injury, particularly if the asana is not done properly.
2. Matsyasana (Fish Pose) –
Matsyasana (Fish Pose) is a back-bending yoga posture that opens
the chest, throat, and abdomen. It is usually used as the counter-pose to
Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) because it neutralizes pressure on the neck and
spine, but it is also a deep stretch with many benefits in its own. The name of
the posture derives from the fact that if you adopt the position in the water, you
will float quite easily. Try to hold the pose for half of the time that you
spent in the Shoulderstand, in order to equalize the stretching effects on your
spine and muscles.
Method: Lie down flat on your back. Bring the feet together. Place
your hands with palms turned down beneath the thighs close to the buttocks.
Then lift the chest up by pushing the elbows into the ground. Once your chest
has been lifted above the ground as high as possible, gently drop the head back
so as to touch the floor. Try to remain in the position for one minute or so.
Benefits: The Matsya bandha causes
a stretching on the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Matsyasana is all about stretching your lower
body. It helps in burning extra fat on the thighs, hips, and lower abdominal area.
3. Halasana (Plough Pose)
–
Method: For doing this asana,
lies on the floor, lift the legs, and then place them behind the head.
Experienced practitioners may enter Halasana from a standing position by
tucking the chin to chest, placing hands on the floor, walking the feet towards the
hands and bending at the elbows to lower shoulders to the floor.
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) –
Method: Lie on the stomach with feet together and toes flat. Place the
hands downwards below the shoulders on the mat, lift your waist, and raise the
head while inhaling in. Pull the torso back with the support of hands. Keep
elbows straight and make sure to put equal pressure on both palms. Tilt the head back and make sure the shoulders are away from the ears. Exhale while coming back
to the ground.
Benefits: This pose causes a stretching on the thyroid and parathyroid
glands. It brings a uniform arch in the spine, increases blood
circulation to the thyroid gland, boosts muscle quality, and flexibility around
the gland.
5. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) –
Method: First lie prone and grasp the feet to
lift the leg and chest to form a bow. Remain in this position for some time and
then return to the previous position.
6. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
–
Method: To get into the position, begin in a
high kneeling position with your palms pressing into your low back to support
the spine. Tuck the toes under, or press the tops of the feet into the floor as
you press your pelvis forward and lift your belly. As you move farther into the
backbend, lift the chest, and allow the head to follow, without letting the
head fall all the way back. To move into the full variation of the pose, reach
your arms back to touch your heels. When you are ready to release the pose, draw
your palms back to your low back and lead with the chest as you rise back up.
Caution: Don't collapse in your neck area, so
that the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the brain are not
compressed, otherwise you may feel dizzy, get unstable and the overall posture
becomes unsafe. Practicing Ustrasana can make many beginners new to yoga feel
distinctly ill, with lightheadedness or nausea being quite common
after-effects. However, this does usually improve with practice.
7. Setu Bandh (Bridge Pose) –
Method: For doing this asana, lie
down on your back and bend your knees so that your feet rest on the floor.
Keep the same distance between your feet and buttocks as your hands. Now, try
to lift your body in an upward direction. Do this 5-10 times & then
release. This works wonders on
your hips, thighs, stomach as well as back.
Benefits:
This asana
increases blood supply to the thyroid gland and thereby supplying essential
nutrients to the gland.
These
asanas have been performed by a trained yoga instructor.
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