The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in our throat region. In Ayurveda, the thyroid is located near Vishuddi Chakra (in the throat area) and is made up of Pitta and Kapha Dosha. The thyroid is the center of fire energy (Agni) and its functions are to stimulate psychic and somatic growth, secrete hormones, balance metabolism, and control bodily functions. The thyroid produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones for normal functioning. The thyroid responds rapidly to stimuli and to stress and is a very sensitive gland.

Due to stressful lifestyles and unhealthy food choices, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with thyroid problems these days.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the 2 main disorders associated with the thyroid.

The main cause of these disorders can be stress, genetics, poor nutrition leading to an iodine deficiency, and disturbances in the immune system.

1. Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland becomes overactive, it starts producing too much thyroxine. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism. It can cause Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s Disease), Multi Nodular Goitre, and Graves’ disease (Diffuse Toxic Goitre). The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are anxiety, sleeplessness, irritation, fear, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, lack of energy, rapid heart rate, heat intolerance, and diarrhoea.
2. Hypothyroidism : When the thyroid gland is underactive, it is known as hypothyroidism. In this case, the thyroid is not able to produce the required amount of thyroxine hormone. Hypothyroidism is divided into three types:

• Primary(originating from the thyroid gland),
• Secondary(originating from the pituitary gland,
• Tertiary (origination from the hypothalamus).

The symptoms of Hypothyroidism include unusual weight gain, edema, tiredness, loss of appetite, constipation, anemia, muscle stiffness, difficulty in smelling and tasting, and cold and clammy skin. When Agni becomes too low, the metabolic rate slows due to the reduced secretion of hormones. The above symptoms are typical of aggravated Kapha dosha.

The conventional approach is to use chemical-based medicines to treat thyroid problems, but these often have side effects and may not be able to provide long-term relief. This is why many people are choosing Ayurvedic treatment to get long-term relief from thyroid problems.

Ayurveda is very effective in the treatment of thyroid problems, as it works to eliminate the root cause of the disease. Imbalances in the body and toxin build up cause the thyroid gland to malfunction. Ayurvedic treatment is very effective in treating thyroid problems, as it helps restore the balance between the body’s bio energies – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurvedic treatment also removes toxins from the body, which helps the thyroid gland to regain normal functioning.

Ayurvedic treatment include use herbal treatments, management of diet and lifestyle. These Ayurvedic treatments assist with the proper secretion of hormones, at the same time encouraging the proper absorption of nutrients. The practice of Pranayama and Yoga create calm and relaxation, while the herbal treatments relieve and control stress, which appears to be a major contributor to thyroid dysfunction. The Ayurvedic treatments will boost the immune system and open the body channels that control healthy metabolism.

Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid problems has to be provided by a qualified and experienced Ayurveda doctor. Every patient has a different health profile, which has to be assessed to determine the exact course of Ayurvedic treatment. An expert Ayurveda doctor will be the best judge of a patient’s condition and they will be able to prescribe the most appropriate Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid problems. It would help the patient to achieve long-term relief and possibly a complete cure from their thyroid problem.

Dr. Manoj Kocheta is expert ayurvedic thyroid specialist in Mumbai.