Your overall health and wellbeing can enjoy a ton of benefits, thanks to yoga. It can relieve stress, increase your flexibility and balance your energy. Hypothyroidism and stress have a connection, but there are certain yoga poses that can balance out thyroids that are over, or underactive. However, you should bear in mind that it is not possible to cure thyroid imbalance through yoga poses. It is complementary therapy and should not be used as a replacement for medications, or any other therapies.
Most of the yoga poses for thyroid are considered throat-stimulating. They can improve energy flow and circulation around the thyroid and also strengthen and stretch the neck. Some of the top yoga poses that can help improve thyroid health are outlined below.
Supported shoulderstand
The first pose that is often suggested for treating the thyroid is shoulderstand. This pose is an inversion, which means that it stimulates blood flow to the glands that are located in the upper body. It can have a positive impact on the efficiency of the thyroid gland. Moreover, the position also involves your chin tucked into your chest and this can also benefit thyroid function.
However, you should be mindful of your neck when you are performing this pose and if there is any discomfort, it is suggested that you discontinue it right away. It is best to do this under the supervision of an expert to ensure you are doing it correctly.
Plow pose
This particular pose can provide the same stimulation to your thyroid that it gets in the shoulderstand. The only difference is that people find it easier to do this pose.
Fish pose
The yoga pose that perfectly counters the shoulderstand is the fish pose. You can do this pose on your own and it is also a lot more accessible. It is considered to be one of the most effective yoga poses for improving thyroid function. When your head hangs back in the fish pose, your thyroid is stimulated because it exposes the throat area.
Legs-up-the-wall pose
Also known as Viparita Karani, this pose is a restorative inversion. Most people can do this pose easily because it does not put the neck under pressure. Since it is a passive pose, it is an excellent option and it can also be helpful in restoring your balance. Thanks to this pose, you can release stress that often contributes to thyroid imbalance. It is recommended that you try holding this particular pose for at least 5 minutes.
Cat-cow pose
Your thyroid is also stimulated through the fluid motion that is part of the cat-cow pose. There is improved blood flow when you draw your chest into your chest and expose your throat chakra. It helps improve the circulation of spinal fluid, which can enhance energy and increase mental clarity. Your awareness should be focused on the throat area when you are performing this pose.
Boat pose
The position of your neck in this pose can impact the thyroid positively. You should breathe steadily and keep your chin tucked in. Do not lean back too much and stay upright.
