thyroid problems v/s ayurveda

According to information gathered by ayurvedic practitioners, thyroid problems are on the rise today. This increase is in part due to the more and more hectic lifestyles people engage in today, and it is also because of a lack of proper nutrients in the soil. Many people are affected by hypothyroidism, which is an under-productive thyroid condition, and do not even realize it.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is overactive. The thyroid itself is a small gland that is located near the base of your throat. While the thyroid is such a small gland, its importance to the body is actually quite enormous because it is the organ that regulates our hormones. When the thyroid is not working properly, our body is not producing, or in some cases, is overproducing, certain hormones.

This imbalance can cause all sorts of problems for us. Ayurvedic medicine seeks to restore balance to our bodies by returning the doshas, or humors as they are called in Western medicine, to their correct levels.

Here are some signs associated with a low-functioning thyroid

* High levels of lethargy
* Coldness in the hands and/or feet
* Frequent constipation, headaches
* Dry skin
* Obesity is also sometimes related to thyroid dysfunction

The thyroid also controls the hormones that determine obesity and your cholesterol level, so it is important to keep your thyroid in check for many reasons.

Some of the recommended remedies for thyroid condition include:

* Coconut oil for hypothyroidism
* Practicing yoga; in particular the position Sarvangasna, or the shoulder stand
* Include guggul in the diet to stimulate the thyroid, if needed

First, a word of caution about adding the guggul extract to your diet. Before making any changes to your diet make sure you first consult with your primary physician or practitioner in case you are currently taking a medication that might have a negative interaction with the supplement.

Other herbs ayurvedic medicine suggests for thyroid condition include shilajita, jatamansi, and punarnava. These can be obtained by visiting your local health food store, herbalist, or a variety of Internet websites.

Other diet suggestions that might help your thyroid condition:

* Drink lots of hot ginger tea
* Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables
* Avoid dairy and wheat products
* Avoid salty foods

Another beneficial yoga position is the hala asana, or plow position. Again, a note of caution must be inserted here. It is recommended that a woman who is menstruating should not perform this position. If you are interested in learning how to do these moves, there are many websites available that can teach you the proper techniques for doing them. Some of the better websites even have pictures to help you out.

Constipation is often a huge problem for people who suffer from thyroids. Triphala is an ayurvedic remedy for constipation. Triphala is made up of three fruits, amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki, which come from India. It is thought to balance the three doshas, or humors, in ayurvedic thought and is used as a remedy for many other things as well.

Ayurveda is based on the doctrine that certain substances of vegetable, animal and mineral origin have curative values. These medicinal values have been well documented by various writers and compilers of Ayurvedic literature who observed and experimented with herbs, minerals, metals, animal parts, cooked food articles, natural foods and fruits. The details of these substances are given according to their nature, effects, and curative properties.
Thyroid disease is mentioned in detail by Charaka, one of the writers of the Ayurvedic materia medica. There is a mention that milk, barley, green grams, Bengal grams, sugarcane juice, cucumber and milk products are good for thyroid health. Sour products, on the other hand, aggravate thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce the level of hormones that are required for the proper functioning of bodily organs. In other thyroid conditions, the gland may produce more hormones or may be inflamed or enlarged. Each of these conditions manifests in a wide variety of symptoms. The thyroid hormones are essential for metabolism, and like all other hormones, thyroid hormones must also be produced and released in definite quantities. Their excess or deficiency has a detrimental affect on various organs and their functioning.
The Ayurvedic cure for specific thyroid problems involves the use of a potent herb, Kaanchanara ( Bauhinia veriegata ). Another herb of the genus of East Indian and African trees that yields balsamic products known as Guggulu ( Commiphora mukul ) is widely used for addressing symptoms of thyroid problems like weight gain. Among other herbs, jatamansi, shilajita ( purified asphaltum ), gokshura and punarnava are also used for their curative properties and the management of symptoms associated with thyroid malfunctioning.
Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary to each other. Yoga relies on dietary advice contained in Ayurvedic literature. Similarly, the yogic postures that aid in restoring thyroid function form an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid disease.
Herbal and dietary advice and massage therapy based on Ayurvedic principles are fast becoming popular in America and Europe. In reality, this ancient Indian therapy can only make a back door entry into this part of the world, as medical practices in America and Europe are governed by strict regulations that are difficult to meet. Alternative medicine like Ayurveda lags behind due to lack of adequate research and an absence of institutional support. However, Ayurvedic medicine has a strong historical background of effective treatment of various diseases, including thyroid disease.


Thyroid Disease
It has come to my attention that a good number of individuals suffer from Thyroid Disease, of some sort or another, and it appears as though women are more likely to have difficulties than men. Weather it is an underactive thyroid, or an overactive thyroid the imbalance in the endocrine system is simply devistating to ones health. This ailment faces my mother and one of my co-workers as well, so it really hits home for me.
As I work through my studies of Kundalini Yoga I am researching the human endocrine system, and outlining some thoughts for chakra-neuroendocrinology, (a science that the yogis have understood for some time, but requires additional Western study.)
My study now takes me to the Thyroid. I seek to gain an understanding of its function and make the case for Kundalini Yoga as a Preventative Maintenance program to keep thyroid disease and disorders away. (Yoga is a maintenance program for the body, mental, emotional and spiritual, as well, but let’s stay focused on this aspect for the time.)
In my previous post on chakra-neuroendocrinology I referenced a resource book that is helping me understand the system. My high level overviews of the tyroid, based on the book, and other insights are as follows:
The thyroid is related to the 5th chakra, or center of communication located around the throat. It is good to keep in mind that the element associated with the 5th chakra is ether. Technically speaking all of our chakras are rooted on the subtle plane of the ethers and bridge the vital gap into physical manifestation. But the 5th chakra is of much interest to etheric relations. It makes one ponder upon the etheric implications of under active and over active 5th chakras.
The human thyroid is the gland that is very closely associated with metabolism. “A primary role of the thyroid is to increase energy expenditure and thermo-genesis.”
That being said the pituitary gland, (or Master Gland,) is responsible for stimulating the thyroid hormone secretion. An imbalance in the thyroid or pituitary gland can lead to challenges in the system.
Hypothyroidism- Underactive thyroid
This implies an individual has thyroid hormone levels that are too low for proper flow in the endocrine system. A common cause of this is the presence of antithyroid antibodies. A common symptom of this is sluggishness, (yoga helps make the body move.)
Hyperthyrodism- Overactive thyroid
This implies that an individual has thyroid levels that are higher than appropriate for the proper flow of energy. There are technically 2 types of this disorder, the type that is caused from within the body and the type that is caused from outside of the body. A common symptom of this is weight loss. This dis-ease can also lead to increased speed in mental processes, but with the propensity to create errors within the thinking. Again, one cause of this is a mis-aligned anti body within the system.
Preventative Thyroid Maintenance
It is my thinking that Yoga, (I am partial to Kundalini but all forms of Yoga are appropriate,) is the optimal means of preventing thyroid disease and disorders. It’s kind of like a car, one takes in their car on a regular basis so that maintenance work can be done. The result of this maintenance is a car that runs smoother, lasts longer and is less likely to die on you. The same is true of the human body and they thyroid.
Kundalini Yoga provides lovely specific means to maintain proper balance within the thyroid. The best way to cure thyroid disease is to never allow the root cause to develop in the first place, thus I stress maintenance.
Food that nurtures the Thyroid
Eating the right foods is also important for proper flow through the thyroid. Mark Hyman M.D. has noticed that thyroid disorders are on the rise, and he brings an interesting and valid perspective as to the cause. He focuses more on the environmental and dietary factors that enter into the thyroid system:
“For example, food allergies, like sensitivities to gluten and other foods, also negatively affect thyroid function-and are frequently undiagnosed. Likewise, deficiencies in nutrients important to good thyroid function-like selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids. and iodine and tyrosine-can trigger thyroid problems.”
Fight Thyroid Disease
Mark Hyman has very sound tips for fighting thyroid disease. I would suggest that we focus on preventing them in the first place.
But if you find yourself in a situation where you need to fight the dis-ease review his suggestions and might I suggest integrating a strong Kundalini Yoga practice into your life cycle.
I have another future proposed test for testing the validity of healing via chakra-neuroendocrinology. There are a couple tests that can be done to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in ones system. I propose a controlled test with 3 groups:
1. Group of people with over active thyroid (n=60)
2. Group of peoplw with under active thyroid (n=60)
3. Control group (n=60)
Measure the levels of thyroid hormone prior to testing. One half of each group will live out their lives normally, or under go the typical Western treatment. The second half will practice Kundalini Yoga on a Daily basis with a strong focus on 5th chakra exercizes and a little 6th chakra work here and ther. (We could add thyroid specific eating into the equation at a future date perhaps.)
I find it interesting that one of my first major energetic blockages in this life time, that I was consciously aware of, was in my throat center. (Sarah, thanks again for the release.)
The timing of this post is also rather interesting, as I am 18 days into a 40 Kundalini Yoga kriya that focuses on the 5th chakra.

Thyroid cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the thyroid gland. the thyroid gland is at the base of the throat. It has two lobes, one on the right side and one on the left. The thyroid gland makes important hormones and helps the body function normally.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer
1. papillary
2. follicular
3. medullary
4. anaplastic
Some types of thyroid cancer grow faster than others. The prognosis is better for patients younger than 40 years who have cancer that has not spread beyond the thyroid.
The genes in our cells carry the hereditary information from our parents. An abnormal gene has been found in patients with some forms of thyroid cancer. If medullary thyroid cancer is found, the patient may have been born with a certain abnormal gene which may have led to the cancer. Family members may have also inherited this abnormal gene. Tests have been developed to determine who has the genetic defect long before any cancer appears. It is important that the patient and his or her family members see a doctor about tests that will show if the abnormal gene is present.

(2) Risk factors: -
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
a. Thyroid cancer occurs more often in people between the ages of 25 and 65 years.
b. People who have been exposed to radiation or received radiation treatments to the head and neck during infancy or childhood have a greater chance of developing thyroid cancer. The cancer may occur as early as 5 years after exposure or may occur 20 or more years later.
c. People who have had goiter (enlarged thyroid) or a family history of thyroid disease have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
d. Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
e. Asian people have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.

(3) Signs & Symptoms: -
1. A lump in the front of the neck, near the Adam's apple
2. Hoarseness
3. Swollen glands in the neck
4. Difficulty swallowing
5. Difficulty breathing
6. Pain in the throat or neck
7. A cough that persists and is not caused by a cold
(These symptoms may be caused by thyroid cancer, or they may indicate another less serious condition, such as an infection, benign goiter, or other problem.)

(4) Diagnosis as per modern science: -
a) Fine needle aspiration biopsy
b) Thyroid scan
c) Ultrasound
d) Computed tomography
e) MRI
f) Blood tests

(5) Staging: -
(i) Stage I: - The cancer is less than 2 cm and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
(ii) Stage II: - The cancer is 2 to 4 cm. and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
(iii) Stage III: - The cancer is larger than 4 cm or has grown slightly outside the thyroid and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites; or it is any size and has spread to local neck nodes but not to distant sites.
(iv) Stage IV: - Tumor of any size and has grown beyond the thyroid gland to invade nearby tissues of the neck and has spread to lymph nodes in the upper chest, tumor has grown either back to the spine or into nearby large blood vessels, it has spread to distant sites.

(6) Treatment as per Ayurveda: -
Results of 770 patients of various types of cancer treated at DARF during Jan.2004 to Dec.2004.
(1) Total no. of Primary cancer 504. In all 504 patients with primary cancer of various types were treated at DARF.
• 13% patients were rendered disease free
• 20.63% patients were markedly improved
• 65.27% patients were improved
• 0.9% patients were uncured
(2) Total no. of Secondary (metastases) cancer 266. In all 266 patients with metastases of different types were treated at DARF.
• 12.03% patients were rendered disease free
• 18.04% patients were markedly improved
• 68.79% patients were improved
• 1.12% patients were uncured
The above results show the high effectiveness of DARF anti cancer therapy.