Therapy is a process by which treatment is done for certain chronic diseases that we face in our life. The person who does such treatment is called a therapist. Yoga Therapy is useful in curing several chronic diseases. In this article I would like to take you through the effects of Yoga for treatment of Thyroid.

Thyroid, as we all know is a small gland located at the lower part of our neck. It has a shape similar to a butterfly. The thyroid gland secretes hormones. There are two hormones (main ones) secreted by the Thyroid gland – the “Triiodothyronine” called T3 and the “Thyroxine” which is known as T4. The basic function of these hormones is to give energy to the body. The hormones released by the thyroid gland are controlled by the pituitary gland. Different organs in our body are responsible for the proper working of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid diseases are of different types and have different effects on our body, like Goitre, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroiditis, Thyroid Nodules, Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. In patients who have goitre, we can find an enlarged thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer is due to malignant thyroid tissues. Thyroiditis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the thyroid. Lump in the thyroid glands is called thyroid nodules. When the thyroid is underactive it is known as hypothyroidism and when it is overactive, it is referred to as hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are commonly found in many which can be cured by practicing Yoga. A thyroid gland which is underactive cannot produce sufficient thyroid hormone and when the gland is overactive it produces surplus of thyroid hormone.

With hypothyroidism the body metabolism slows down, the patient will always feel tired and he/she may gain weight even when under a proper diet. They may also have chances of showing depression.

In patients having hyperthyroidism weight loss is one symptom. They will feel an increased appetite. Gastrointestinal problems like frequent bowel movements, loose motion, frequent urination etc.

In both the cases, there are chances of hormones affecting the monthly periods in girls as well as grown up women whereby they may have irregular periods, excessive flow and they will be anaemic due to this.

Constant and regular practice of yoga will make a big difference for the patients suffering from hypo and hyperthyroidism. But they have to consult a very good yoga therapist and the exercises should be done only under the supervision of the yoga therapist. Otherwise adverse side effects can happen which may lead to other problems in life. Once you are familiar with the exercises, you may do them at home at your own.

We have looked at Yoga in my last article titled "Yoga Therapy". Yoga postures are called Asanas and thus we have different yoga postures for the cure of thyroid diseases. All postures or exercises may not be suitable for everyone and therefore as mentioned before, select the correct exercises in consultation with a yoga therapist.

A yoga therapist may advise you to practice Asanas like "Halasana", "Paschimothanasana", "Matsyasana", "Sethubandhanasana", "Sarvangasana", "Marjarasana" and "Balasana" for the treatment of thyroid. If you are already taking medication for thyroid related diseases, never stop it immediately and that too without consulting your doctor.

Yoga must be performed regularly and possibly at a fixed time to get maximum benefit out of it. You must not attempt to do yoga when your stomach is full. You may do yoga either in the morning or in the evening preferably at sunrise or sunset.

A word of caution:

It is important to note here that you may come across various books and publications. Never try to do yoga by referring to such books and publications. Also, it is dangerous to watch a video and do yoga as shown in it.

Why I am stressing this is due to the fact that initially when you start doing yoga, your muscles may not be flexible and can therefore give you some muscle cramp. With the help of a proper guide or yoga therapist who knows very well about the exercises and postures you do, it is easy to correct when you end up in a difficult situation.