Thyroid Disease & Yogic Management
The onset of this disease is gradual. There are two forms of thyroid Disease: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the gland secretes excess hormones and is common in Women and Men 30-50 years of age.
Hypothyroidism is a condition with insufficient hormone excretion or it's complete absence.
Here are some thought with the Yogic view on these imbalances and how I could assist through Yoga, Thai Yoga Therapy, and herbalism.
The thyroid is related to the throat chakra, the psychic centre which purifies the poisons of the body and turns them into nectar of immortality. Before it can function as a purifier, it must have harmony. What derangements occur from an imbalanced thyroid?
Obesity, irritability, anxiety, lethargy....to name a few.
If we can get to the root of the derangements, then we can understand how a Holistic approach can address.
Sarvanghasana( shoulderstand), used in tailored Yoga practice and Thai Yoga Therapy, is a well
recognized Asana for the thyroid gland. The pressure placed here on the thyroid in sarvanghasana, has one of the largest blood supplies of any organ. Stimulation of this area draws awareness, attention, increased pranic( life energy) life force to heal. As we concentrate, our sensory nerves are stimulated, and the brain readjusts it's regulatory centres.
Matsyasana is practiced as a counter pose after Sarvanghasana. This can once again be received in Thai Yoga therapy as well as tailored to your Sadhana. Halasana, is another pose practiced to stimulate the thyroid. It is vital to work with your breath in these poses and honor rechaka, puraka, and khumbaka breath. Nadhi Shodhana is useful to learn for rebalancing the metabolism through its effects on ittha and pingala sen. Sheetali, cooling breathing, is valuable for hyperthyroidism. Bhastrika is useful in hypothyroidism because of its heating effects to speed up metabolism.
Finally, jalandhara bandha when learned properly applies pressure to the thyroid gland. When accompanied with for example deergaswasm pranayama, this can become a powerful tool with rebalancing your thyroid gland.
Take note, if you are new to any of this and need to know more, please set up an herbal consult & Yoga consult to receive more aide. The roots of Thai Yoga Therapy and Yogic practice is very personal. Sometimes sitting and having tea with someone who is rooted in their practice is needed.
Namaste
Lotus Anwen Wachiwi Sagebrush
