The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ situated in the base of the neck. It releases hormones which keep the metabolism in check, which is basically how the body utilizes energy. Thyroid`s hormones regulate many vital functions, such as:
- Body weight
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Muscle strength
- Menstrual cycles
- Body temperature
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Cholesterol levels
The Role Of The Thyroid
The thyroid is in charge of making, storing, and releasing hormones in the bloodstream. These hormones are known as T3 (liothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine), both of which deal with every cell in the body and work in synergy to control body`s functions.
Lack of these hormones causes hypothyroidism, while too much of these hormones accelerates the heart rate and is known as hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of too little T3 and T4 in your body (hypothyroidism):
- Dry skin and hair
- Depression
- Sensitivity to cold temperature
- Trouble sleeping
- Frequent, heavy periods
- Joint and muscle pain
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
Symptoms of too much T3 and T4 in your body (hyperthyroidism):
- Sweating or sensitivity to high temperatures
- Hand trembling (shaking)
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Missed or light menstrual periods
- Irritability or moodiness
- Nervousness, hyperactivity
There are various reasons why one might be experiencing a thyroid malfunction. They might be lacking iodine or any other essential nutrient. Graves is an autoimmune disease which can also affect hormone production. Plummer`s is another condition which impacts hormone production by forming benign lumps on the thyroid gland.
Other conditions which are associated with thyroid issues include inflammation, mental stress, pregnancy, environmental toxins, and physical and emotional stress.
Healing Your Thyroid
While many foods are known to positive or negatively affect thyroid health, there is an ancient and very simple Tibetan practice which works wonders for any thyroid condition and improves its health in an all-natural way. This 5-step process can bring your thyroid to its healthy state and regulate the hormone levels naturally.
The process is based on bring the energy of the thyroid back in balance. Opening the energy flow through this gland helps balance both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions as this flow controls homeostasis. But, it takes regular practice to maintain this state.
Step 1: Rub the palms together to heat them. Then, place them to the spot where the thyroid is situated and hold for about ten minutes.
Step 2: Swallow the saliva in your mouth and sip water three times in a row.
Step 3: Exhale, and tilt your head in the meantime. Place the chin on the chest, holding it for a couple of seconds without inhaling. When you start inhaling, take a deep breath and lift the head and tighten the neck muscles. Place the lower lip over the upper lip, and follow through it while lifting the head. Hold the head at this position for a couple of seconds, and then exhale.
Step 4: With the head of the chest, tilt the head first to the left and then to the right, without raising the chin from the chest. This works as a great massage for the thyroid gland.
Step 5: Lift the head while inhaling and repeat this process from step 3, ten times.
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