You can’t see it but there’s a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your throat with a lot of influence over your health! It’s your thyroid, a crucial part of the endocrine system. Your thyroid produces two hormones that impact your metabolism (how you break down what you eat and create energy from it). Breath, Weight, Temperature, Cholesterol levels and Heart rate are all affected by the thyroid and the hormones it produces.
Traditionally, those hormones slow down as we reach middle age – particularly for women. And there are diseases of the thyroid that can have greater impact on our health. It is recommended that you avoid certain foods including heavy starches and over processed foods, because they can trigger inflammation and immune disorders affecting the thyroid.
There are also yoga poses that may encourage a healthy thyroid:
Cat Cow (Chakravakasana) is easily one of the most popular and easiest poses in yoga. You alternate between a rounded spine to an upward curved one, extending the neck and activating the thyroid.
Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana) begins on your back on the ground. Bend your knees up and bring your feet as close to your spine as you can. Then lift your hips and legs, extending your legs upward. Bring your bent knees toward your face, lifting your hips further. When you feel ready, lift your feet toward the ceiling, perpendicular to the ground. This rolls each vertebrae and engages the back of the thyroid.
Fish Pose (Matsyasana) has you lying on the floor upon your back. With your feet on the floor, lift your hips slightly and place your hands on your low back. Press your elbows into the floor and while keeping your shoulder blades on your mat, lift your upper torso, incline your head back and stretch your neck.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) is a great antidote to slouching, as well as support to your thyroid. Begin on your knees, your feet hip-distance apart. Lift your chest up and arch your back, opening your shoulders. Let your arms fall back and reach for your feet. Press your shoulders together to raise your chest even more while letting your head gently drop back.
And don’t forget about Cobra Pose!
Your thyroid is deeply connected to your throat chakra, so it may help imagining a vivid blue butterfly at your throat, helping you to communicate and producing those beautiful hormones you need to keep your metabolism strong.