A survey carried out by SRL Diagnostics states that nearly every third Indian suffers from a thyroid disorder. Based on in-house data collected from over 33 lakh adults across India, the study shows that about 32% of the Indian population suffers from thyroid disorders of several types.
The thyroid gland is a small organ in front of the neck which wraps around the windpipe. It’s a butterfly, smaller in the middle and wide wings around the neck. Unlike other glands, thyroid glands are different. Thyroid glands produce hormones that aid in the regulation of many vital functions.
This includes:
- Keeping your body temperature in check.
- Keeping your heart rate in check.
- Maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Even though thyroid disorders are a common phenomenon today, patients have a wide range of treatment options.
Before we look at those, let’s look at the types of thyroid disorders. Thyroid can be of varied types, but the two most common are:
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition that restricts glands from generating enough hormones. Individuals with hypothyroidism may experience no symptoms in the early stages of hypothyroidism. However, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to various health issues, including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.
Its symptoms include:
- Tiredness
- Gaining weight.
- Poor memory.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than the body requires. It can cause your body’s metabolism to speed up, resulting in unexpected weight loss and a quick or irregular heartbeat.
Some of its symptoms include:
- Muscle fatigue.
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Facing difficulty in sleeping
- Weight loss for no reason
One of the major ways individuals can treat thyroid is through yoga and meditation. Adding a few minutes of yoga practice to your regular treatment can help reduce stress and make your daily life easier. Of course, yoga treatments take time to show results, but they are much more effective in both thyroid and overall physical health.
Yoga poses help to improve blood circulation. They strengthen the neck and concentrate on stimulating the gland in the throat. Yoga is a slower process, and the benefits take time to emerge. Asanas will keep your glands healthy and regulate metabolism. Thyroid medications may be less needed if you make lifestyle changes.
Here are a few asanas that can be practised to keep the disorder under control:
- Recommended For Hypothyroidism:
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana): Shoulder standing pose is another term used for Sarvangasana due to its pressure effect. The pressure stimulates the thyroid gland to function properly. It further stimulates other glands in the head region, such as the pituitary and pineal glands, which indirectly control the thyroid gland’s functioning.
- Plough Pose (Halasana): The plough pose is another name for Halasana. This asana promotes thyroid hormone secretion. It also helps strengthen abdominal muscles while also relaxing the nervous system.
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana): The fish pose is another name for Matsyasana. The back arch increases blood flow to the thyroid gland, which stimulates the neck and thyroid gland, relieving tension. Moreover, it also improves posture and helps ease stress.
B. Recommended For Hyperthyroidism:
- Bridge Pose (Setubandhasana): Setubandhasana is also identified as the bridge pose.
This asana indirectly benefits people with hyperthyroidism by regulating their thyroid hormones. It improves blood circulation in the brain, which increases blood flow and soothes it.
- Corpse Pose (Shavasana): Shavasana is also called the corpse pose. It’s a pose that encourages profound relaxation while also raising inner awareness. Even though this pose necessitates lying flat on your back, it can be incredibly challenging.
Conclusion
Yoga for thyroid health attempts to restore energy, balance hormones, flexibility, and relieve stress. They are one of the most natural therapies for maintaining the health of your glands. It protects individuals against serious thyroid problems, including heart disease, mental health problems, etc.
