Thyroid issues are hormone-related disorders that influence nearly every system in the body; from your energy and heart health to your mood and reproductive function. While medication remains vital, more people are turning to yoga to support their healing. Studies suggest that yoga not only promotes physical balance but can also soothe the psychological effects of thyroid dysfunctions.
Most thyroid disorders, be it hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, come with more than just fatigue or weight changes. People often experience brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, and irregular sleep. While hormone therapies help stabilise levels, they don’t always address the emotional toll.
However, regular yoga practice has shown promise in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. It engages the parasympathetic nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and gently activates the body’s own repair mechanisms.
Also read | 13 incredible benefits of yoga for a healthier body, happier mind
According to the International Journal of Yoga, a review of 13 studies found that yoga interventions, from asanas to pranayama, may lead to better biochemical markers, emotional stability, and symptom relief in thyroid patients. The studies included participants across age groups and genders, indicating the broad relevance of yoga.
Improvements were reported in anxiety levels, sleep quality, and even concentration. This shows the role of yoga not just as a physical activity, but as an integrative therapy that benefits both body and mind.
Here’s how yoga helps with thyroid conditions:
- Calms the nervous system: Yoga slows down an overactive nervous system, often overstimulated in hyperthyroidism. It encourages a state of rest and repair by lowering cortisol and anxiety.
- Supports hormonal balance: Through poses that gently stimulate the throat and neck, like Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), yoga is believed to support thyroid gland function.
- Reduces inflammation: Regular practice may reduce systemic inflammation, which plays a role in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease.
- Improves energy levels: Fatigue is a common symptom. Gentle yoga flows and pranayama (breathwork) help restore vitality without exhausting the body.
- Aids in better sleep: Practices like Yoga Nidra or meditation calm the mind and improve sleep quality, crucial for hormone repair and immune support.
- Boosts mental clarity: Brain fog and poor concentration often accompany thyroid disorders. Yogic breathing and mindful movement boost oxygen flow to the brain.
- Helps with weight management: Yoga supports metabolism gently, especially important for those with hypothyroidism, and improves digestion, aiding in weight balance.
- Builds emotional resilience: Emotional fluctuations can be intense. Yoga promotes grounding and emotional regulation, reducing stress-related flare-ups.
- Encourages body awareness: Yoga helps you tune in, noticing subtle changes in mood, energy, or symptoms, empowering you to respond early.
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