Yoga for Hormone Balance: 6 Poses to Support Thyroid Health

Hormones act as crucial messengers, influencing mood, metabolism, and sleep. The thyroid gland, though small, plays a vital role. Dysfunction can lead to fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and irregular periods. Fortunately, gentle, regular yoga can support the thyroid gland and hormonal balance.

This isn't about intense workouts. Here are six simple yoga poses to consider:

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)

This pose calms the nervous system and balances hormone levels. While it doesn't directly stimulate the thyroid, it soothes the adrenal glands, reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Prolonged high cortisol disrupts hormonal balance and impacts the thyroid.

The simplicity is key. Elevating your legs against a wall eases fatigue, slows breath, and promotes relaxation, leading to happier hormones.

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Bridge Pose activates the thyroid gland through gentle neck pressure. It stretches the spine, and the slight compression of the throat area can stimulate thyroid function, especially beneficial for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Practiced slowly with focused breathing, this pose also supports the chest and heart, providing a moment of connection.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Camel Pose boosts thyroid activity by stretching the neck and increasing circulation. This gentle backbend opens the front body, deeply stretching the neck and throat, improving blood flow to nourish the thyroid.

This pose also impacts emotional well-being. Releasing built-up emotions is vital for hormonal health.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Ancient texts call Fish Pose the "destroyer of all diseases," deeply influencing thyroid function. It directly stretches the throat, stimulating the thyroid and parathyroid glands and also improves posture, particularly for those who spend long hours in front of screens.

Proper posture is crucial. With correct neck and spine alignment, nerve signals travel efficiently, optimizing hormonal signals.

Balasana (Child's Pose)

Child's Pose relaxes and resets the pituitary gland, the master hormone regulator. While seemingly a resting pose, it gently massages internal organs, soothes the brain, and shifts the body into a healing state.

Since hormonal balance depends on brain-gland communication, calming poses like Child’s Pose play an important role in restoring inner balance.

Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose)

Known as the "Queen of Asanas," Shoulder Stand directly impacts the thyroid gland. It increases blood flow to the neck and stimulates the thyroid. However, it should only be attempted under guidance, especially for individuals with high blood pressure or neck problems.

This pose reverses gravity's effects, directing fresh blood to the neck and head, nourishing glands, especially the thyroid. This inversion promotes mental clarity and inner calm.