7 Yoga Poses (Asanas) for Hypothyroidism

Yoga originated in India, it comprises a group of physical postures, and it helps in improving mental, spiritual and physical well being. It helps in increasing flexibility and strength. Always listen to your body, take it slowly and never force yourself into any asana. Following is a list of few asanas which helps in hypothyroidism.

1. Sarvangasana (The Shoulder Stand Pose)For Hypothyroidism

Sarva =all/every; anga = limb, body parts; asana = posture or position
It is nicknamed as the “queen” or “mother “of all asanas, it is the most ideal and effective asana for stimulating the thyroid gland in neck. This posture puts pressure on the thyroid gland and stimulates secretion of the thyroid hormone. It soothes the nervous system; alleviate hypertension, anger, insomnia and stress.

Sarvangasana (The Shoulder Stand Pose)For Hypothyroidism

Sarvangasana (The Shoulder Stand Pose)For Hypothyroidism

Steps

• Lie on your back, with arms alongside the body and palms facing ground
• Inhale, and lift your legs to 90 degrees and hold in this position for few seconds
• Slowly exhale and bring your legs over the head
• Move your hands to support your lower back
• Lift your legs up
• Press your chin, into your chest while being in the inverted position

Contraindications

• High blood pressure
• Menstruation
• Angina
• Spinal weakness because of osteoporosis, arthritis

Sequentially Related Asana

• Sarvangasana is a counter asana for backbends such asmatsayasana and chakrasana,
• halasana can be used to enter and exit sarvangasana

2. Halasana (The Plough or Plow Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Hala = plow, asana = posture

This asana stimulates the thyroid gland by providing compression to the region, it also helps in calms the brain, strengthens calves and thigh muscles, therapeutic for leg cramps, promotes digestion,and reduces stress and fatigue.

Halasana (The Plough or Plow Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Halasana (The Plough or Plow Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Steps

• Lie on your back, with arms alongside the body and palms facing ground
• Inhale and lift legs to 90 degrees and slowly exhale to bring legs behind your head
• Move your hands to support your lower back
• Try to touch the floor with your feet
• Bring your arms to the floor and alongside the body to release the pose.

Contraindications

• May cause significant strain on the cervical spine, it is advised to perform this asana with proper care

3. Matsyasana (The Fish Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Matsya = fish, asana = posture

This asana stimulates the thyroid gland by stretching the neck. This asana also helps in alleviating stiffness of muscles and joints in the neck region

Matsyasana (The Fish Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Matsyasana (The Fish Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Steps

• Lie on the back, with your legs extended
• Fingers of hands facing the toes, press your arms and lift your body up
• Open up your chest region as much as possible and comfortable for you
• While you are in this position, hang your head back as much as possible.
• Release your hands and lie on your back

4. Setubandhasana (The Bridge Pose) For Hypothyroidism

This asana facilitates the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. This asana activates thyroid gland, reduce depression, mood swings and anxiety.

Setubandhasana (The Bridge Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Setubandhasana (The Bridge Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Steps

• Lie on your back, pull your feet towards your hips
• Feet should remain parallel to each other
• Inhale and lift your body, so that stomach faces the ceiling
• Your chest and chin should be locked
• Exhale and come down

5. Naukasana (The Boat Pose)

Steps

• Sit with your legs extended on the floor
• Slightly lean the upper body back, keeping the spine erect and chin towards chest
• Balance your body
• Lift your legs while keeping your knees straight
• Lift your arms to make them parallel to the floor
• Release the pose

Naukasana (The Boat Pose)

Naukasana (The Boat Pose)

6. Bhujangasana ( The Cobra Pose) For Hypothyroidism

This asana helps in increasing the activity of thyroid gland; it also stimulates the abdomen improving digestion and increases the flexibility of the spine

Bhujangasana ( The Cobra Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Bhujangasana ( The Cobra Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Steps

• Lie on your stomach with hands placed next to the chest and under your shoulders
• Inhale and lift your head, shoulders, chest and your head slightly towards your back
• Exhale, lower your body and relax your arms

7. Ustrasana (The Camel Pose) For Hypothyroidism

This asana involves the strong extension of the neck region; it stimulates the gland by increasing the blood circulation

Ustrasana (The Camel Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Ustrasana (The Camel Pose) For Hypothyroidism

Steps

• Be on your knees; feet extended behind
• Support the lower back with your hands and lift the neck and chest upwards
• Press hips and thighs forward, while simultaneously bending your head slowly backwards
• Release the pose and relax

Dr. Reena Prajapat
Dr Reena Prajapat is a dentist, she post graduated in hospital management from Apollo Institute of hospital Administration, Hyderabad. Her strong belief in natural and home remedies lead her to Pursue bachelor in naturopathy.