Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Namaskar everyone,

As what Yogananda has prescribed the 3 poses below it ds improve even my docs were surprised.

"Practicing Sarvangasna improves circulation and squeezes out stagnant fluids.

After sarvangasana, we should perform matsyasana (Fish Pose), and from sarvangasana we can practice Halasana (Plow Pose).

Practicing these 3 asanas result in better health of the thyroid gland."

The routine which I did for an hour 15 min as prescribed below :-

Warm up (10mins)

Dog pose into cobra and dog pose (probably repeated 5 times with variation of leg lifts)

Sun salutation (6-12 times)

Full arm balance

Elbow balance (the scorpion)

Standing pose variations (Balancing and twist)

Relaxation pose (Iyenger style we use the belt placed hips to ankle by pushing the thigh towards floor & slowly lying down the head and arms & hands apart 45 degrees - when you swim the frog style but your abdomen facing the ceiling)

The kneeling pose (we use the aid of a small brick to lift the chest, if pregnant use a bolster & blanket)

Strecthing pose for the womb (the brick is place under ur hips and legs strectched out & hands to side)

Backbend variation 1 & 2 (Alternative Bow )

Forward Bends

Head stand (variations)

Shoulder stand (with variation)

Fish pose

Sitting poses (twist or forward strectches)

Shavasana

Breathing - Alternate nostril is one to name (few variation depending on weather)

Meditation

This was my general routine in a normal condition. If anyone has a medical condition or pregnant the poses are altered to requirement. However the breathing meditation session in my class was short probably about 7 mins or so. So i practiced the meditation part at home.

For hypothyroid condition which i tried the above routine 3 times a week & On my own i usually concentrated on the 3 poses which Yogananda suggested for the glands. It worked, as u dont feel lethargic or tired or moody for the matter and the medication dosage is reduced. I forgot to mention in between i do brisk walking for an hour or swimming on the other days.

rgds,

Shanthi

Namaste everyone,

I just read Dr Rita Khanna's article on thyroid and i did not know lady's finger was one of the food to be avoided if we have hypothyroid condition. Recently i grew that in my garden and we have been having that daily and quite enjoy eating it. I thought they helped.

I have read that abstaining from cabbage family, turnip & peanuts were few things for hypothyroidism.

I learned something new today.

Kind Rgds,

Shanthi

Namaste,

I hope this is useful information.

Natural Thyroid MedicinesBy Michael Novack What are natural thyroid medicines? Exactly what the term implies; medication from natural substances as opposed to those synthetically engineered. Natural medicines are derived from plant leaves, stems, roots, and sometimes the entire plant. The benefit of natural remedies is the fact that plants draw their unique medicinal properties from natural sunlight, untreated rain water, and the fertile soil of the earth we inhabit.

It stands to reason that as humans, since we also draw energy from the sun and eat the fruits of the earth, our bodies will respond better to a treatment that includes these elements rather than man-made substances manufactured in a laboratory.The two prominent types of natural thyroid therapies comes from plants and diet.

There is a third called glandular or 'protomorphogen' therapy. The process uses desiccated thyroid tissue from cattle to provide the human host with the needed iodine and necessary nutrients to promote healthy thyroid action.Natural thyroid medicines such as herbal remedies include the use of Bugleweed which is steeped into a tea, and decreases excessive activity of the thyroid.

Motherwort, a member of the mint family, has been tried successfully for reducing hyperactivity and easing abnormal heart rhythms. Other remedies include the use sea plants. A type of alga known as Bladderwrack is a superior remedy for an under active thyroid. This seaweed is mildly antibacterial and has been known to reduce an enlarged thyroid or goiter. Nori is another seaweed that has been consumed in Chinese and Japanese diets for centuries and is touted for its abundant nutritional qualities.

Nori contains high concentrations of iodine which is vital for proper thyroid function. Since nori is so nutritious, it is often referred to as "sea vegetables".Diet plays an important role in managing thyroid conditions. When dealing with hyperthyroidism you should avoid foods rich in iodine and stimulating beverages like coffee and cola. For hypothyroidism, where iodine intake is crucial, vegetables from the cabbage family should be eaten regularly and in good quantities.

These include turnips, kale, broccoli, and limited amounts of brussels sprout.There are many kinds of natural thyroid medicines mostly in the form of herbs and plants as well as natural thyroid medications which are superb alternatives in the form of dietary supplements. A thyroid supplement rich in nori seaweed is ideal for hypothyroidism because it is abundant with iodine which is essential for treating hypothyroidism.

Has anyone out there had the radioactive pill and body scan to destroy thyroid?I have been diagnosed with graves disease related to my thyroid. My endocrynologist wants me to take a radioactive pill and body scan to destroy my thyroid next week. He will then have me on thyroid medicine the rest of my life with periodic blood tests. Has anyone out there experienced this procedure? If so, please discuss it with me.

Can Yoga Help the Thyroid Gland?

Tucked inside the neck, the thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, controlling the body's use of energy, making proteins, and the body's sensitivity to other hormones. When the thyroid is over- or under- active, the body does not perform as it should and metabolism is affected.

Hyperthyroidism, in particular, can have serious cardiac complications, including congestive heart failure, sustained elevation of heart rate, and, most dangerous, a rapid and irregular heart rhythm. If thyroid problems are in their early stages, restorative Yoga may help the body recover as a complimentary practice. Once the thyroid activity is under control through medication or other means, asanas that balance the heart and throat can be beneficial.

There are several poses recommended for support and maintenance of the thyroid gland:

Halasana or Plow Pose

Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana or Upward Facing Two-Foot Staff Pose

Salamba Sarvangasana or Supported Shoulderstand, which improves blood flow to the neck area and stimulates the thyroid gland

Kapotasana or King Pigeon Pose

Paripurna Navasana or Full Boat Pose

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or Bridge Pose- this position helps to strengthen thyroid glands and lungs

The throat and thyroid are located in the fifth chakra; a blocked or unbalanced fifth chakra contributes to thyroid imbalances. Practice speaking from the heart and living openness, to balance this center. Those with thyroid problems should also try Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breath. This breathing technique balances and calms the mind, regulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

Attention should be paid to diet, if thyroid gland problems are diagnosed. Soybeans contain isoflavones which in some studies have been shown to interfere with enzymes that synthesize thyroid hormones. Millet, cruciferous vegetables and cassava also contain compounds potentially capable of interfering with thyroid hormone production. Anecdotally, homeopathic remedies have been found effective, with some longtime Yoga practitioners able to dispense with thyroid medication entirely with the help of homeopathy and supportive Yoga asanas.

In general, there is no doubt that Yoga can provide helpful support to an over- or under- active thyroid gland. Since these conditions can be life-threatening, those suffering from thyroid problems should be under the care of a doctor prior to supplementing treatment with supportive poses.