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Your Hormones on Yoga
This is the first in a series of Your Hormones on Yoga. The thyroid is located at the front of the neck where the collarbones meet. It is most known for controlling your metabolism. It also governs how the body will use energy, produces heat and consumes oxygen. Yoga may help regulate the thyroid when it is out of balance.
Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, nodules and hyperthyroidism occur when the gland secretes too many or too few of the T3 and T4 hormones. These hormones influence practically every organ in the body and regulate body functions such as heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, body temperature and much more.
The parathyroid is made up of four small glands situated behind the thyroid that control calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Yoga can help balance the thyroid and parathyroid. The following throat-stimulating poses may assist in keeping the thyroid a well-tuned machine by bringing circulation and energy flow to the area:
Poses to Balance the Thyroid
Setu Bandhasana or Bridge Pose
Ustrasana or Camel Pose
Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose
Matsyasana or Fish Pose
Halasana or Plough Pose
Salamba Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand
Dhanurasana or Wheel Pose
When practising the above poses, remember to be gentle and mindful of the thyroid. You can do these poses as a sequence or choose one or two of your favourites and incorporate them into your Yoga practice or workout.
Research on the function of the thyroid and parathyroid was found at the Hormone Health Network website.