How to Choose Yoga Poses for Thyroid Health
Thyroid problems can disrupt sleep patterns, alter your moods, fluctuate your weight and cause muscle and joint pain. Yoga is a healthy alternative for managing these difficult symptoms. Because it stimulates the thyroid gland, yoga can balance your metabolism.
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Instructions
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Hold the Shoulder Stand Pose, which directly targets the thyroid. Since it's an inverted pose, it pushes oxygen-rich blood into the neck area, reinforcing the thyroid.
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Strengthen your neck and shoulders with the Boat Posture and the Fish Pose.
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Invigorate your metabolism and strengthen your torso with the Leg Raising Pose, or Uttanpadasana. Besides revitalizing your body, it also aids your gastric system.
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Relieve muscle and joint stiffness and soreness. Yoga eases taut muscles and increases flexibility. Employ the Lotus Pose, Tree Pose, Cobra Pose, Cat Pose and the Sage Twist Pose.
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Tips & Warnings
Use yoga blocks, pillows, balls or other aids for additional support.
If you suspect you have a thyroid problem perform a visual inspection. With a mirror focused on your neck in the area below the Adam's apple and right above the collar bone, tip your head back. Take a drink of water and as you swallow look for any bulges or protrusions. If you see something suspicious, contact your doctor.
Do not perform the Leg Posture or Fish Pose if you have heart, back or hip problems.
Talk to your doctor before performing these poses, especially if you have back and neck problems. Though most yoga stances are excellent for people with thyroid problems twisting poses can exacerbate spinal pain.
