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Thyroid
Thyroid problems affect the thyroid, a gland in the neck that helps control many of the body’s most important functions. Thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone (T3 T4), which controls many activities in your body, including how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. Diseases of the thyroid cause it to make either too much or too little of the hormone. Depending on how much or how little hormone your thyroid makes, you may often feel restless or tired, or you may lose or gain weight.
Women are more likely than men to have thyroid disease. One in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime. In women, thyroid diseases can cause: Problems with menstrual period, Problems getting pregnant, Problems during pregnancy.
Thyroid disease can be broadly categorised as thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism) and structural disease (goitre, nodules and cancer).
- Hyperthyroidism - this is when your thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, agitation and nervousness, heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat and becoming tired doing ordinary activities.
- Hypothyroidism - this is when your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can go on for years without showing any signs. When symptoms do appear, they can be quite varied and can include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, thinning hair, poor memory, and depression.
- Thyroiditis - this is inflammation of the thyroid. It happens when the body's immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid.
Once diagnosed, however, thyroid problems can usually be treated effectively.
According to Ayurveda the thyroid function is controlled by Pitta dosha. Pitta is responsible for all the metabolic actions carried out by the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism is considered as a Kapha-Vata dominant Dosha imbalance in the body with a diminished agni leading to irrational transformations including Atistoulya (Obesity).
Hyperthyroidism is considered as a Pitta -Vata dominant Dosha imbalance in the body with Unstable agni leading to Dhatukshaya such as emaciation, Increased heart rate, Weight loss.
Ayurveda emphasizes on the prevention in early stage is so vital to avoid the further complications in the disease prognosis
The treatment modality for Hypothyroidism includes Kapha Vatahara and Atisthoulya Chikitsa like Rookshopachara, Swedanam, Virechanam and Vasti for strengthening Agni.
Hyperthyroidism treatment focus on stabilizing the Agni depending on presenting complaints with treatments such as Snehapanam, Swedanam, Virechanam and Vasti.
These treatments are carried out considering the Prakriti, Dosha- Dhatu- Mala status and the risk factors of the individual. Nasya, shirolepa, shirodhara, abhyangam are also helpful with different Ayurveda herbs. Other than Ayurveda therapies and Ayurveda herbs some yoga asana, suryanamskara, head-neck exercises, yoga mudra and pranayama also help.
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