Yoga for Hypothyroidism ….. Preparing for Weight Loss

Weight gain is a common side effect of Hypothyroidism.  It is an unending task until thyroid function is boosted to cooperate with your body.  Yoga, with its amazing therapeutic application, can bring incredible results. With Yoga, we approach this condition, in a diversified manner, wherein, we will touch upon the wellness of a hypothyroidism struck victim, using various tools of Natural Living and Yoga.

In this section, we have yoga in the form of:

• Dynamic Movement
• Static Movement
• Bandh

(1) Dynamic Movement – Suryanamaskar

Traditional Suryanamasakar is a set of 7 independent postures which are combined to form 12 postures that constitute one Suryanamaskar. In the 12 postures, the last five are a repetition of the first five postures in reverse order. This traditional practice can be performed in different ways to intensify different kinds of training benefits – isotonic, isometric, isokinetic and plyometric exercises to imbibe optimal benefits.

As per one research…

“I was allowed one hour on the portable Cortex machine, of which I would run five Kms in 25 minutes, take a break of 10 minutes and then do 108 Soorya Namaskars in 25 minutes. The portable Cortex machine was strapped to my chest and there was a mandatory condition of giving a presentation to a group of visiting athletes of the SEA games, immediately after one hour. The final results astounded everyone including me. The caloric expenditure for running of 5 Kms at a rate of 10 Kms/hour was 254 kilo calories (Kcal). The expense of doing 108 Soorya Namaskars was 248 Kcal. This was a huge improvement to the so called lethargic or slow reputation of YOG.”

http://creative.sulekha.com/surya-namaskar-a-sports-science-analysis_225876_blog

This is an immense boost for yoga and contradicts the ‘so called’ lethargic and slow repetition of Suryanamaskar. Don’t miss the fact that ‘Running’ is just one activity whereas ‘Suryanamaskar’ is a combination of various activities which works on your body and mind, in a multiple way. When performed at a fast pace, it does the job of endurance and helps burn maximum calories.

Task for You

You have to perform Suryanamaskar using Suryanamaskar Count & the Suryanamaskar Video for:

1. 10 minutes for someone who is very sedentary and has not done any physical activity in a while
2. 12-18 minutes for people who are off and on with their physical activity
3. 20-25 minutes for people who are used to some form of physical activity

The count provided will help you complete one Suryanamaskar in 24 seconds. If the count seems too fast, you can go as per your comfort or if you want to increase the speed, you can check faster count on my youtube channel ‘shammisyogalaya’. Irrespective of what you choose to do, you should record your number of Suryanamaskars, on a daily basis.

(2) Static Movement

In this segment, we have Sulabh Bhujangasana as well as Dynamic Bhujanasana (from Shashankasana to Bhujangasana and back). These two need to be performed 5 times each. Hold the first posture for 20-30 seconds with normal breathing and the second movement 5-10 seconds. Apart from many other benefits, the extension and flexion of the throat region during this posture, gives a very good massage to the Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland and thereby, helps balance secretion.

(3) Bandh – Jalandhar Bandh

Jalandhar Bandh which is loosely termed as ‘Chin Lock’ works directly on the Thyroid Gland by squeezing that area and thereby stimulating it to perform at an optimal level. At the same time, it also activates ‘Vishudhi Chakra’, the charka which is the medial chakra, between the Physical body and the Brain nerves.

“Contracting the throat by bringing the chin to the chest in the bandha called jalandhara”….. Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Start with 2-3 minutes of Jalandhar Bandh or simply with 5 rounds of practice. This practice should be gentle, enjoyable and without any stress.

The aim is to build up slowly in terms of stamina, strength, flexibility and overall awareness so that the practice is sustainable and can be carried on for a longer period of time, to see a plausible result.

Stick to the given plan. Next blog will have a few more additions to the above. Your regular practice will help you advance to the next level.  So, do not miss practice and keep us updated on your progress via the blog link or facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1634989233407076/?ref=bookmarks

Discover Yoga Discover Yourself

For any query, write to “Contact” on www.shammisyogalaya.com 

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Shammi Gupta, founder of Shammi’s Yogalaya holds an MA in Yoga Shastra, is a certified Yogic Therapist and Naturopath, has completed an Advanced Yoga Course and holds a Diploma in Yoga Education from Mumbai University. She is a certified trainer from American College of Sports Medicine and holds an MBA in HR & MBA in Finance from The University of Akron, Ohio, USA. She conducts Health Awareness Workshops for Corporate, Yogasana Workshops for Athletes and Yoga Therapy Workshops on different medical issues for patients. Among the celebrities Shammi trains are eminent personalities from the film and television industry and corporate world.