5 Yoga Poses That Can Improve Your Thyroid Health

Can Yoga Help Your Thyroid?

There are many benefits of yoga to your overall health and well-being. It can help balance your energy, increase flexibility, and relieve stress. There is a link between hypothyroidism and stress, but certain yoga poses are thought to balance thyroids which are either underactive or overactive.
Studies have shown the positive effect of yoga on improving thyroid function. These poses cannot cure your thyroid imbalance. Yoga is considered a complementary therapy. It should not be used as a replacement for any therapy or medication you are currently taking.
Look for a qualified yoga teacher who can help you create a personalized sequence that will benefit your condition. Check with your doctor before starting any yoga program.

Yoga poses for your thyroid

Most of these poses are considered stimulating for the throat. They are used to improve circulation and energy flow around the thyroid, and stretch the neck and strengthen it.
Make sure you honor your body’s limits. Be gentle and easy on yourself. You can adjust or change the poses to suit your needs. You don’t have to do all the poses in one sitting. You can try one or two poses throughout the day.

1. Shoulderstand

The crutch is often the first pose suggested to treat the thyroid. Since it is an inversion, it stimulates blood flow to the glands in the upper body. It has a positive effect on the efficiency of the thyroid. Additionally, the way your chin tucked into your chest in this position is believed to be beneficial for thyroid function.

1. You can use a towel or blanket folded under your shoulders for support.
2. To the edge of the blanket, bring your shoulders and let your head rest on the mat.
3. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and palms down.
4. Press your arms down and back into the ground for support.
5. On an inhale, lift your legs up to 90 degrees.
6. Slowly exhale and bring your legs above your head.
7. Your feet can balance in the air.
8. Bring your hands to the lower back to support your body.
9. Keep your fingers pointing towards your hips with your little fingers on either side of your spine.
10. Lift your legs towards the ceiling.
11. Try to keep your shoulders, spine, and hips in one line if possible.
12. You can also keep your hips away at an angle from your body.
13. Keep your chin tucked into your chest while keeping your neck in one position.
14. Release the pose by slowly releasing your legs above your head.
15. Bring your arms back to your sides.
16. When inhaling, slowly roll your spine down through the vertebrae through the vertebrae and lift your legs up to 90 degrees.
17. Exhale while lowering your legs to the floor.

Pay attention to your neck during this pose and stop the practice if you experience any discomfort. It is advisable to learn this pose under the tutelage of a teacher who has a solid knowledge of alignment. Keep in mind that this pose is not recommended for everyone due to the risk of injury.

2. Laying the plow

In plow pose, it is believed that your thyroid receives the same stimulation as that of the shoulder. You may find it easier to lay a plow.

1. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and palms down.
2. Press your arms down and back into the ground for support.
3. On an inhale, lift your legs up to 90 degrees.
4. Slowly exhale and bring your legs above your head.
5. Bring your hands to the lower back to support your body.
6. Keep your fingers pointing towards your hips with your little fingers on either side of your spine.
7. You can place a bolster or block under your feet if they don’t reach the floor.
8. Keep your hands on your hips if your feet are not touching the floor or the prop.
9. If it is comfortable and your feet are supported, you can bring your arms up to your sides or interlace your fingers in front of your hips. You can also bring your arms above your head.
10. Release the pose by bringing your arms down to the floor alongside your body.
11. Inhale slowly to lift your legs and realign your spine along the floor.
12. Exhale to lower your legs to the floor.

You can use pillows to support your feet if they don’t reach the floor.

3. Laying the fish

The fish pose is the perfect counter pose to understand. It is more accessible and can also be done alone.

1. Sit on your buttocks with your legs extended out in front of you.
2. Move one side at a time so you can place your hands under your buttocks.
3. Place your palms down and your fingers facing your toes.
4. Bring your elbows together and open your chest.
5. Slowly lean towards your forearms and elbows.
6. Again, open your chest as much as possible and press your arms to stay up.
7. Lower your head back if you feel comfortable.
8. Release by lifting your head, releasing your hands, and lying on your back.

Pose and grasp of fish is believed to be the most effective in improving thyroid function. When you let your head hang down in fish pose, you stimulate your thyroid by exposing the throat area.

4. Laying the legs against the wall

Laying Legs Against the Wall, or Viparita Karani, is a restorative inversion. It does not put pressure on the neck and is suitable for most people. This is a great choice because it is passive and helps you restore your balance.

1. Use a folded blanket or firm pillow under your hips for support.
2. Add more height to the stand if you are more flexible.
3. Sit with your right side against the wall.
4. Lift your legs up against the wall as you lie down.
5. Your butt may be against the wall or a few inches away.
6. Experiment to find the distance and height that works for you.
7. Soften your throat by relaxing your neck and chin.
8. You can keep your arms at your side, above your head, or in any comfortable position.
9. For up to 20 minutes, stay in this position.
10. You can vary by allowing your legs to open wide on either side or by bringing the soles of your feet together and bending your knees.
11. Release the pose by moving away from the wall.

This pose is believed to relieve stress which can contribute to thyroid imbalance. Try to maintain this pose for at least 5 minutes at a time.

5. Cat-cow pose

The fluid movement in the cat-cow pose is also believed to stimulate your thyroid. Drawing your chin across your chest then exposing your throat chakra brings blood flow to that area.

1. With your wrists directly under your shoulders get on all fours and your knees under your hips.
2. Back and forth shift your weight and also side to side.
3. Then come back to the center and make sure you have the same weight on all four points.
4. Inhale and allow your stomach to fill with air and fall to the mat.
5. Look up at the ceiling and lengthen your neck and throat.
6. Exhale and pull your belly button into your spine.
7. As you lift tuck your chin into your chest and round your spine toward the ceiling.
8. Let your breath guide the movement.
9. Continue this fluid movement for a few minutes.
10. Release yourself by falling back into the child’s pose for a few moments.

This pose is believed to benefit the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. It is believed to increase mental clarity and improve energy. Focus your attention on your throat area as you move around in this pose.