Thyroid is a big and common problem now-a-days. Any medical condition that affects the thyroid gland, located in the neck and plays a important role in regulating the metabolism of the body causes disease like thyroid. Two primary hormones, Thyroxine(T4) and Triiodothyronine(T3) are produced by the thyroid gland. These hormones are essential for many functions in the body such as regulating energy level, heart rate and body temperature.

Thyroid gland can be associated with several conditions such as –

1.Hypothyroidism – In this condition, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Some symptoms may include weight gain, cold intolerance and dry skin.

2. Hyperthyroidism – In this condition, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Some symptoms may include weight loss, heat intolerance and nervousness.

3. Thyroiditis – In this condition, the inflammation of the thyroid gland occurs. Some symptoms may include fever, weight changes and also pain in the neck.

4. Thyroid cancer – In this condition, the cancer develops in the thyroid gland and may require surgical removal of the gland.

Here are some yoga poses that can help you in maintaining your health during thyroid :-

1. Supported Headstand pose (Salamba sirsasana)

This asana/pose helps in increasing the blood flow to the head and neck which can stimulates the thyroid gland.

How to do :-

1. Start the pose by kneeling on the floor and crossing your fingers with your forearms on the floor in front of you.
2. Place the top of your head on the floor, and support the back of your head with your hands.
3. Tuck your toes down and lift your knees off the floor, and straighten your legs so that your body forms an invertedd V-shape.
4. Bring your feet towards your head as close as possible while maintaining balance and stability.
5. Slowly lift one leg off the ground, then the other, coming into a supported headstand.
6. Keep your core engaged, legs straight and toes pointing towards the ceiling.
7. Take a deep breath and hold the pose for some breaths and slowly lower your legs to the floor and release your arms.

2. Half Shoulder Stand (Ardha Sarvangasana)

This asana/pose also increases the blood flow to the head and neck which nourishes the thyroid gland.

How to do :-

1. To start the pose, lie flat on your back with your at your sides, palms down.
2. Bend your knees and bring your fits as close as to your hips as possible.
3. Lift your hips and legs off the floor, supporting your back with your hands and elbows.
4. Straighten your legs together, with your toes pointing towards the ceiling.
5. Keep your shoulders relaxed and extend your neck, avoiding any strain and pressure on your neck.
6. Hold the pose for some deep breaths, then release your back slowly to the ground, lowering your hips and legs to the floor.

3. Standing Half Forward Bend (Ardha Uttanasana)

This asana/pose helps in stimulating and balancing the thyroid gland. This also improves circulation to the gland, which helps in regulating thyroid function.

How to do :-

1. Start the pose by standing on the mat with your feet hit-width apart and parallel.
2. Bring your hands on your hips and inhale to lengthen your spine.
3. Exhale and bend forward from the hips, keeping the spine straight as you fold halfway down.
4. Put your hands on your hips or reach them towards the floor, with your fingertips in line with your toes.
5. Hold the pose for some deep breaths, focusing on relaxing your neck and shoulders.
6. Inhale to stand up, keeping the spine straight as you stand up.

4. Inverted Lake pose (Viparita Karani)

This asana/pose helps in stimulating the blood flow to the thyroid glands and also regulates the thyroid functioning.

How to do :-

1. To start the pose, find out an open space near a wall and site sideways next to the wall.
2. Lie slowly on your back with your legs up along the wall. Your hips should be as close to the wall as you feel comfortable.
3. Adjust your position so that your tailbone is close to the wall and your legs are straight against the wall.
4. Hold your arms to rest at your sides, palms facing up.
5. Relax and take a deep breath in this position to fully relax the body.

5. One-Legged Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana)

This asana/pose has beneficial benefits on endocrine system which includes the thyroid gland.

How to do :-

1. Start the pose by sitting on the floor with your legs straight in front of you.
2. Bend one knee and put the sole of the inner thigh of the other leg, with the heel close to your groin.
3. Lengthen your spine and raise your arms overhead.
4. As your exhale, bend your hips forward and fold your torso over your extended legs.
5. Stretch forward with your arms and try to touch your toes or ankle, or put your hands on your shin or knee if you are feeling more comfortable in that.
6. Hold the pose for some deep breaths, then inhale while lifting torso back up to the seated position.
7. Repeat the pose on the other side, switching the position of your legs.