How to Choose Yoga Poses for Thyroid Health
While yoga is not a cure for thyroid disease it can help those who do suffer from thyroid disease. Yoga workouts can be changed for people who have physical limitations but will still be able to help with the thyroid condition.
- Talk to your doctor before you begin a yoga routine. Since thyroid can cause fatigue your doctor may suggest you start doing your workouts for less time than you had originally intended.
- Find out whether you have an overactive or underactive thyroid. Those with an overactive thyroid can suffer from anxiety, muscle weakness and overactive heartbeat. If you have an overactive heartbeat, the poses should be restorative and meditative. Those with an underactive thyroid can suffer from fatigue and weight gain. Poses that put pressure on the neck are believed to help those with an underactive thyroid. The pressure put on the neck should be able to help stimulate the thyroid which should help to increase metabolism.
- Schedule a class or private session with a trainer who has experience teaching yoga for those with thyroid disease. Not only can this instructor help you do the right poses, but they can also help you with form and posture so that you don’t put too much strain on your body.
- Learn proper breathing techniques. The ujjayi breath is the best breathing technique for those with thyroid disease. You can practice this breathing technique along with your yoga poses or alone as a meditative pose.
- Learn more advanced poses once you have mastered beginner's poses. Have a yoga instructor help you when learning to perform advanced poses.