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Keywords: Hypothyroid (October 2002)

ORIGINAL QUESTION:

From Ellen Ruszkowski, Roseburg, OR, AYTT 4/02

I am currently teaching yoga at the YMCA in Roseburg, OR. My question is this: I have a student that has hypo-thyroid (under active) she would like to know if yoga can help, and if so how, and what poses are most beneficial. Along with that she'd like to know if yoga or any particular poses are good for losing weight.


ANSWERS:

From Le'ema Kathleen Graham, AYTT 2000

Dear Ellen:

I have been a yoga practitioner and teacher for many years. I have a thyroid condition and find that the inverted pose Viparita Karani to be one of the very best for moving energy in the throat chakra. Bridge pose and Shoulder Stand are also excellent poses as is Sasamgasana, Rabbit pose.

Weight gain often accompanies hypothyroidism but when the thyroid becomes more balanced the weight evens out. Forget radical dieting as thyroid needs a healthy balanced diet with good supplements.  I recommend going to the site www.thyroidpower.com and learning more about this condition.

Hope this helps.

Namaste
Le'ema


From Bliss Wood, RYT  1999

There are some postures your student may work with regarding her hypothyroidism.  The thyroid is located in the neck area, so stimulating that area is good.  Shoulder stand, Plough, Bridge are all good, however it is important for your student to know how to do these poses correctly and possibly with props, so as not to injure herself.  I don't know for sure, but I would think neck exercises, such as dropping the chin to chest and turning the chin to each shoulder might help as well.

As far as losing weight, any posture that induces heat (the release of energy) would be beneficial.  Also, pranayama.....deep yogic breaths, Ujjayi and Breath of Fire would be beneficial due to the fact that breath respirates the cells of the body and turns the oxygen into energy which will then help to burn fat.  It is important to realize that weight loss does not happen overnight, but a dedicated practice is what will show results.

Good luck
Namasté
Bliss Wood


From Jude Francis, Klamath Falls, OR, AYTT, August

Dear Ellen, I don't have any direct experience with this condition but in the manual it is reported that the inverted poses and particularly the shoulder stand are stimulating to the thyroid and efficient metabolism. Seems logical that this would benefit weight loss also.  I am an August graduate, and also missing everyone-but loving teaching yoga.

Blessings to you.  Jude Francis in Klamath Falls


From Donna O'Neil, Eugene, OR, AYTT''95
yogawithdonna@rio.com

An under active thyroid would certainly relate to gaining weight. The thyroid gland is involved in regulating the metabolism.  If the thyroid is under functioning, a sluggish metabolism results, with the accompanying weight gain.  She should see a doctor about this, in my opinion.  However, it is said that the simple inverted, shoulder stand, and plough poses stimulate the function of the thyroid and help us find our optimal metabolic rate.