10 years ago, I only got information about thyroid from school books. For me, this was just a medical condition that could only happen to people from outside world. I had a thyroid disease suddenly one day 4 years ago. Then I realized that thyroid disorder can happen to anyone – me too! Initially I was a little scared, until I came to know about safe treatment through Yoga and Ayurveda. Now I do not even think much about it. Life is as normal as it always was and has become better with the daily practice of yoga; And yoga also helps in combating her symptoms. ”- Vimal Kumar, suffering from hypothyroid since 2007.

Nowadays, the occurrence of thyroid disorder is very common in life like hypertension and diabetes. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), about 20 million people in the United States suffer from some type of thyroid disorder, of which 40% are not aware of it. This condition is more common in women than men. One of the reasons for this is our stressed lifestyle.

Despite the increasing number, however, there are many types of treatments available today for thyroid sufferers. Of course, any treatment takes time. But the joy is that yoga and meditation help in treating the thyroid naturally. Also include a few minutes of yoga which helps in making your life stress-free and makes your daily life simple and enjoyable.

2 major forms of thyroid disorder

1. Hypo thyroid | Hypothyroidism
2. Hyper thyroid | Hyperthyroidism

You can know from your experience how you have symptoms of the disease, but you must consult your doctor or specialist.

Symptoms of hypo thyroid: Hypothyroidism

1. You feel lack of enthusiasm to do anything in daily routine, lethargy and negative attitude in every work.
2. Although you do your daily work as before, you still feel more tired.
3. You absolutely fail to understand why you are complaining of constipation.
4. Your friends suddenly start paying attention to your increasing weight and you cannot explain what is the reason because the quantity of your food has not increased.
5. When you look at yourself in the mirror, you see your face bloated.
6. You get upset to see that your long thick hair is suddenly thinning and hair bunches appear scattered all over the house.
7. Your menstrual cycle may be irregular (there may be other reasons as well; get checked with your doctor)
8. The hair on your face suddenly grows, making you feel ashamed.
9. Swelling appears in your throat. It is definitely time to see a doctor.

How Yoga Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Thyroid Disorder

Before starting yoga for thyroid disorder, consult your physician. Yoga helps in coping with the symptoms better but they cannot replace therapy; However, in some cases continuous practice may reduce the need for medication.

Note: Mostly Yogasana is considered good for both hypo and hyper thyroid patients, yet use some of the following beneficial asanas in particular. Do not limit yourself to these asanas only. According to your situation and to learn about the asanas, contact the Art of Living Yoga teacher.

7 Yoga Asanas for Hypothyroidism

1. Sarvangasana – This asana is considered most useful in this situation. The pressure exerted by this asana encourages the thyroid glands to function smoothly and also helps the glands found in the brain to function properly, such as the pituitary and pineal glands. The effects of which are in control of thyroid glands. Others are easy to use.
2. Viparitakarani
3. Janu Shikasana
4. Matsyasan
5. Halasan
6. Marjariasana
7. By doing Surya Namaskar at high speed, weight can be controlled.

In addition to these asanas, pranayama exercises (breathing techniques), such as Kapal Bhati, pulse refinement, Bhastrika Aivam Ujjayi Breath (Ujjayi Breath) also help to keep the symptoms of hypo thyroid under control.

Symptoms of Hyper Thyroid: Hyperthyroidism

When you eat more than you need or less than normal. A sudden change in appetite. Regardless of the amount of food you consume, you remain slim (if you are trying to gain weight).
Difficulty sleeping at night.
You sweat abnormally.
You live in tension, panic and haste with small things.

5 Yoga Asanas for Hyperthyroidism:

1. Setubandhasana
2. Marjariasana
3. Shishuasan
4. Shavasana
5. Surya Namaskar performed at a slow pace with chanting of mantra is calm and effective.

Ujjayi, Brahmari (B Breath), vascular purification and tranquilizing pranayama such as Sheetali and Cold are highly helpful in combating the symptoms of hyper thyroid.

Regular meditation of a few minutes is also beneficial for both hypo and hyperthyroidism. Hypo thyroid patients become lethargic due to their condition, they will need to be alert to remain physically active. And really meditation here can help strengthen your will power.

Diet tips for people with thyroid disorder

1. Include high fiber food in your diet.
2. Reduce the amount of fat and carbohydrates in food.
3. Eat fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, minimize the consumption of cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli in hypo thyroid.
4. Limit the use of non-vegetarian food, milk and milk products (fat-free milk is recommended), rice, spicy foods, refined, fast food (preserved foods).

Stress is considered to be the major cause of thyroid disorders, meditation, which keeps the mind calm and relaxed and reduces daily stress, is very useful. It is also beneficial to chant ‘Om’ for a few moments. Practice a small action after chanting the mantra. Place your hand on your thyroid and feel that it is healing. Try to stimulate your thyroid by positive energy of mantra utterance.

Yoga Nidra is helpful in reducing stress and keeping calm in both types of thyroid. People suffering from hyper thyroid may find it difficult to sleep at night. Yoga sleep helps them in the form of a refreshing nap during the day so that the body can get the necessary rest.