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By Hanne
In this post, I will share three ways how to combat thyroid imbalances with yoga. Remember that yoga is not an option for medication. However, it is good to know that it can help you balance the function of the thyroid.
How to combat thyroid
imbalance with yoga? (3 ways)
What is a thyroid gland? The thyroid gland is a gland weighing about 20-25 grams. The location of the thyroid is in the neck, just below the larynx. It manufactures stored and released thyroid hormones into the circulation. The function of thyroid hormones is to regulate the metabolism and vital functions of the whole body.
The most common thyroid-related diseases are dysfunction, more commonly known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. I’m not going to go through the symptoms of the imbalances in more detail here. You’ve probably found your way to this post just because you have been diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, and therefore you may be more interested in the role of yoga in providing balance. (However, you may want to read more about thyroid and thyroid diseases here.)
The holistic wellbeing
The benefits of yoga practice can reach far, and yoga affects the holistic wellbeing of the body. There is a link between yoga and stress, and by practicing yoga, the stress symptoms can be relieved. Stress and thyroid imbalance can be linked together. And the practice of certain types of yoga asanas can balance the thyroid function, whether it’s hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The positive effects of yoga are related explicitly to thyroid function and balancing the function of the thyroid. It is good to keep in mind that yoga practice alone cannot cure thyroid imbalance, but yoga can be considered as complementary and supportive for balancing the thyroid. By no means is yoga intended to replace medication.
Perfect asanas for the thyroid are commonly asanas that stimulate the throat area. As a result, they improve blood circulation in the throat area and stretch and strengthen the neck area, the exact spot where the thyroid gland is.
Exercise should always take into account the limitations of the body and always remember to respect those limits. Always remember to be gentle with yourself and your body.
You can find a short asana exercise that supports thyroid function here.
Breathe toward balance
Breathing exercises are part of yoga practice and are also a way to balance thyroid function. In terms of the thyroid, the most effective breathing exercise is Ujjayi pranayama (pranayama means breathing exercise). It stimulates the throat area, and therefore it has a positive effect on both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Here is how the Ujjayi breathing exercise progresses:
1. Sit in a comfortable position so that you can keep your shoulders relaxed, your back straight, and your chest open. You can close your eyes during the exercise. Become aware of your breathing without changing anything about it.
2. Inhale through your nose in and out and notice how little by little your breathing becomes calmer.
3. Bring your consciousness to the area of your throat. Consider directing you in for breathing directly toward your throat, letting your exhalation “circulate” through your throat as if your breathing were going in and out directly through an imaginary small hole in your throat.
4. Notice how your breathing slows and deepens. You will hear your breath sound like light snoring. Allow the inhalation and exhalation to remain long, deep, and controlled.
Start the practice by doing a maximum of 10 breathing cycles, and slowly you can increase the length of the practice up to 5 minutes.
Other balancing practices
The third way to balance the Thyroid function is by practicing meditation. It also helps with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In this context, I will also mention Yoga Nidra practice, which is one kind of meditation technique. I’ll talk more about Yoga Nidra in one of the future posts.
I hope you’ll enjoy your yoga moments.
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Hanne Nousiainen
Yoga teacher • Personal Trainer
Hanne Nousiainen
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