6 Yoga Poses to Naturally Balance Hormones and Support Thyroid Health

Hormones act as messengers, influencing moods, metabolism, and sleep. The thyroid gland, though small, significantly impacts these functions. Dysfunction can lead to fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and irregular periods. Certain yoga poses can support the thyroid and balance the hormonal system.

These gentle, regular practices can promote hormonal well-being:

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

This pose calms the nervous system and balances hormone levels. It doesn't directly stimulate the thyroid but soothes the adrenal glands, reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol disrupts hormonal balance.

Viparita Karani is simple: lie down with legs elevated against a wall. It eases tired legs, slows breath, and promotes relaxation, leading to happier hormones.

2. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

This pose stimulates the thyroid gland through gentle neck pressure. It stretches the spine, and the throat compression may aid thyroid function, especially for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

When performed slowly with focused breathing, it supports the chest and heart, fostering a sense of connection.

3. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Ustrasana boosts thyroid activity by stretching the neck and increasing circulation. This gentle backbend opens the front body, deeply stretching the neck and throat, potentially nourishing the thyroid.

Furthermore, it affects emotional well-being. Chest opening releases built-up emotions, crucial for often-overlooked hormonal health.

4. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Ancient texts call Matsyasana the "destroyer of all diseases," deeply influencing thyroid function. It stretches the throat, stimulating the thyroid and parathyroid glands and improving posture, beneficial for those who spend hours hunched over screens.

Proper posture is essential. With aligned neck and spine, nerve signals travel efficiently, facilitating hormonal signals.

5. Balasana (Child's Pose)

Balasana aids the pituitary gland, the master of all hormones, promoting relaxation. Though seemingly a resting pose, it gently massages internal organs, soothes the brain, and shifts the body into a healing state.

Since hormone balance relies on brain-gland communication, poses like Balasana, calming the brain, indirectly restore inner rhythm.

6. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

Known as the "Queen of Asanas," Sarvangasana directly impacts the thyroid gland. It increases blood flow to the neck and stimulates the thyroid, but should be practiced under guidance, especially for those with high blood pressure or neck issues.

This pose reverses gravity's effect on the body, nourishing the glands, especially the thyroid, with fresh blood. The inversion is also believed to promote mental clarity and inner peace.