Article content
Yoga may sometimes seem like an overly esoteric discipline focused mainly on the spine or spiritual development. In reality, however, it can do much more for your body.
Moreover, yoga is not intended only for yogis or various gurus who practice it their whole lives. You can perform the individual exercises at home on your own based only on a description or by watching a video.
Yoga and scientific findings
Scientists have found that yoga exercises help with a number of different illnesses and even provide relief for many psychological problems.
Among the conditions that yoga can help with, but which is little known, is decreased thyroid function.
A properly functioning thyroid is important not only for regulating hormones in the body, but also for strong immunity, coping with stress, removing toxins from the body, and many other bodily functions.
The thyroid can fairly easily fall out of balance. However, that is no excuse to immediately reach for chemical drugs, which often do more harm than good.
In today’s article we will show two simple 5-minute yoga exercises that will help you relatively quickly restart your thyroid.
1. Sarvanga Asana
Asana means “to stand still”. Sarvanga means “the whole body”. Sarvanga ASANA is a pose similar to the “shoulder stand” (called “candle” in Czech), that is, standing on the elbows with the legs up.
By having the body upside down, gravity pulls more blood into the neck and head and, in addition to the thyroid, affects other glands in the brain that are functionally connected with the thyroid.
How to perform the exercise?
First lie down on the ground. Inhale and lift both legs up. Then lift your back as well and support your hips with your hands. Breathe deeply.
Hold this position for about 10 to 15 seconds and then return to the starting position. Relax and turn your head to both sides to release any accumulated pressure.
Rest for a moment and repeat the entire exercise 2 to 3 more times.
2. Matsya Asana
Matsya ASANA means “to swim like a fish in wild water”.
It is a somewhat more demanding exercise than the previous one, but quite effective. By performing it you strengthen your thyroid gland and also the nervous system.
How to perform it?
Sit on the floor and put your legs into the lotus position. If you cannot do it, you will need some time to practice crossing your legs to increase their flexibility.
Then lean your body backwards until you rest the crown of your head on the ground and your torso forms something like a bridge. Grab your toes with your hands.
Stay in this position for about 10 to 15 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. You can use your hands to assist.
Rest for a moment and repeat the exercise 2 to 3 more times.
If you are a beginner, perform this exercise with the help of another person who can assist you if you have trouble getting into or out of the position.
You do not have to practice both of these exercises; it’s enough to choose one that suits you better.
Conclusion
Of course, if these exercises cause you excessive discomfort or pain, stop doing them to be safe. Rather choose other methods to support the thyroid gland, which we write about on our site.
As with any exercise, these should be done within your strength and capabilities. If you are not sure whether you can manage them or whether they are safe for you, consult your doctor first.
