Hypothyroidism - Prevention, Management of symptoms with Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and Ayurvedic Remedies

Today's blog post is about Hypothyroidism - understanding the condition, working towards management of symptoms using Asanas, Conscious Breathing and Ayurvedic Home remedies.

Asana Practice : 

• Start in a comfortable seated position, drawing the length of the spine upwards, leaning shoulders down and bring the palms into prayer position.
• Chant ‘OM” 6 times, bringing the mind/body to present moment.

• Accupressure Point to balance the Thyroid : Place the right thumb on the corner of the space near the right big toe; press lightly and massage for 1 minute. Repeat on left foot.
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• Practice Bhastrika Pranayama for 2 cycles, 12 breaths each.
• Palming Technique : Rub palms vigorously and place them on throat for 8 breaths.
• Start with Neck Rolls – Inhale, look up, hold for 6 breaths; Exhale, look down, hold for 6 breaths.
• Table / Cat & Cow Movements : Move into Table Pose; Inhale, arch neck up, hold for 6 breaths. Then, move into Cow pose, round the back, pull chin in and hold for 6 breaths.
• Dolphin Pose / Ardha Pincha Mayurasana : From Table, release forearms to ground, interlace fingers and open palms; inhale, lift hips to sky; rest crown of head into interlaced palms and hold for 8 - 10 breaths. Release down into Child's Pose and rest.
• Supported Cobra / Bhujangasana : Lie down on tummy; inhale and slowly rise up with elbows just below rib cage; lengthen into the neck and hold for 6 breaths.
• Lion Pose / Simhasana : Sit into Vajrasana; keep hands on thighs; Inhale deeply; Exhale strongly through the mouth, push tongue out; repeat 6 times.
• Half Camel Pose / Ardha Ustrasana : From Vajrasana, come onto knees. Place hands on lower back for support; Inhale and arch back into a back bend, open though the neck and throat; hold for 6 breaths. Then, release into Child's Pose.
• Half Fish Pose / Ardha Matsyasana : Lie down on back, flex toes inward; pull the elbows close to your body; inhale and lift chest up, open though the neck and rest crown of head into mat; hold for 8 breaths.
• Supported Shoulderstand / Sarvangasana : Lie down close to a wall; keep feet on the wall and walk them towards the sky, slowly lifting hips ; place hands at base of spine; hold for 8 - 10 breaths. Repeat 2nd cycle, if possible.
• Ardha Matsyendrasana Spinal Twist - Keep left knee bent and resting on the floor, pull right foot beside left knee; hold right knee with left hand; place right hand beside right hip; inhale, lengthen spine; exhale and twist to right side; hold for 6 breaths and return to center. Repeat on left side.
• Bhramari Pranayama : End the practice with Bhramari Pranayama for 10 breaths.
• Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose / Viparita Karani Pose : Sit close to a wall, slowly place the hips into the wall and extend both legs on the wall, relax body into ground, close your eyes and rest for 8 - 10 minutes.
• End practice with "Om" chanting.

Ayurvedic Remedies / Diet Modifications :

• Avoid cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli.
• Use spices like ginger, black pepper.
• Eat garlic, quinoa, brown rice, apples, sprouted beans, lentils, dark chocolate :),
• Try walking in early morning sunshine for 10 minutes.
• Try Journaling to cleanse / balance the Throat Chakra / Vishuddha.
• Use Flax Seed powder with food.
• Count your Blessings; Practice Conscious Gratitude :)

Hope this information helps; brings positive modifications to your Life.
Do share this with any family members , friends who need help.
Namaste.
Asha