Yoga can help manage thyroid disorders, but not cure them. Certain poses can stimulate an underactive thyroid gland, while others can help cope with symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Consult a doctor and professional yoga instructor before attempting poses.
Although it cannot cure a thyroid disorder, practicing yoga for thyroid health can help manage it. It is recommended for people with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Some yoga poses can be used to stimulate an underactive thyroid gland, while others can be used to help cope with the symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
The thyroid consists of two glands that are located next to the throat, between the larynx and the trachea. It secretes the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine which are involved in the body’s metabolism. An overactive or underactive thyroid can lead to problems such as weight loss or gain, lethargy, anxiety, or high or low body temperature.
There is some evidence that practicing yoga may be helpful for those who experience thyroid problems. Certain yoga positions, especially those that include chin locks, in which the chin is pressed to the chest, put pressure on the neck, pushing blood out of the thyroid. When the chin lock is released, fresh, oxygenated blood refills the thyroid and circulates through the gland. Positions that involve chin locks can help stimulate an underactive thyroid gland, a condition called hypothyroidism.
Inversion poses are also helpful, especially for people with an underactive thyroid. These poses include back bends, shoulder stands, and handstands. They lift the heart above the head and also bring the head into the chin lock position.
A suggested pose for yoga for thyroid health is the bridge pose. The bridge involves a shoulder stand that lifts your hips off the ground and places your head in the chin lock while lifting your heart off the ground. A more advanced pose that requires a chin lock is Plow Pose, in which the legs and hips are placed overhead.
Some believe that chanting or certain types of breathing involved in yoga can help the thyroid. For example, making the sound “om” vibrate the vocal cords, stimulating the thyroid. Ujjayi, also known as oceanic breath or victorious breath, is a type of breath recommended for people with thyroid problems. It involves long, deep breaths in through the nose while the throat contracts, creating a long, thin breath. The friction created by the air passing through the tight throat should create an audible hiss, after which the air is exhaled very slowly.
People who experience an overactive thyroid may have increased stress and anxiety issues. Practicing yoga for thyroid health can reduce stress levels. In the case of hyperthyroidism, positions that stimulate the thyroid should be avoided, while postures that rest the mind and body should be practiced. Mild restorative poses, such as Goddess Pose or Legs Up the Wall Pose, can help manage stress and anxiety associated with hyperthyroidism.
Although practicing yoga for thyroid health can be beneficial for many, a doctor should be consulted before beginning any yoga routine. For those experiencing severe thyroid conditions, some believe that practicing more advanced poses, such as Plow Pose, may cause more harm than good. Additionally, it is important to consult a professional yoga instructor before attempting poses independently, as performing the poses incorrectly can cause physical harm.
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