What is Bikram Yoga?

 
               Bikram Yoga is suitable for all levels as each pose is a challenge based on one's own personal abilities. The specially heated room creates a safe environment so that deep penetration can be achieved, relieving the body's resistance without risking injury.
                 As you increase strength, flexibility, and balance in your body, you will be energized, you will revitalize your mind, and you will be working on eliminating conditions of stress produced by fast-paced lifestyles.
                 By the end of each class, you will have worked every muscle, tendon, joint, ligament, internal organ, and gland while systematically moving fresh, oxygenated blood to 100% of the body. The result is restoration of health to all of your body's systems.

                 Listed below are the different bikram yoga benefits:
-   Detoxifies the body and removes harmful toxins. Bikram yoga causes profuse sweating which converts the toxins in to water soluble products. This ensures the easy removal of the toxins in the form of sweat.
-   The heat increases the metabolism and speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids. It also helps to increase the heart rate and burn calories effectively thereby promoting weight loss.
-   The heat helps to loosen up the muscles producing less strain on them. This reduces the chances of injury.
-   Stretching your muscles in heated conditions encourages the effective flow of blood to different parts of the body, hence increasing the blood circulation and improving the functioning of the circulatory system. Improved blood circulation helps to increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the several parts of the body.
-     Improves the functioning of the lymphatic system that is responsible for flushing out the toxins from the body.
-    Helps to reshape your body by the lengthening, strengthening and toning of the muscles which also helps to reduce the risk of sport-related injuries.
-    Strengthens the body’s immune system and reduces the risks of infection.
-     Helps the mind to be calm and relaxed thereby offering great relief from stress, anxiety and tension.
-     Increases the flexibility and lubrication of the joints, tendons and ligaments.
-      Improves focus, concentration and discipline.
-      Cleanses the body.
-     Regulates the level of blood cholesterol.
-     Strengthens the bones and muscles.
-     Increases the flexibility of the muscles.
-     Boosts the energy level of the body.
-     Increases the strength and stamina of the body.
-     Expands the capacity of the lungs thus helping to breathe deeply and effectively.
-     Improves the functioning of the heart and lungs.
-     Stimulates the functioning of the nervous system and endocrine system.
-     Helps to sleep better.
-     Improves the balance and coordination of the body.
-     Improves the healing powers of the body.
-     Strengthens the spine and provides relief from back pain.
                        Bikram yoga works on all parts of the body and is believed to offer a wide variety of benefits that is normally not provided by other types of yoga. These benefits focus not only on the physical and mental aspects of the body but it also helps to stimulate the efficient functioning of various organs within the body. Thus bikram yoga benefits go a long way in improving the overall health of an individual. Although bikram yoga is considered to be safe and effective for most people, it is still important that you talk to your doctor before starting practicing this Yoga Therapy.

Pranayama

Pranayama can be described as the yogic art or the science of breath control. This practice manipulates your breath in several different ways. There are various types of breathing exercises included in Pranayama; these are –
• Nadi Suddhi or Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
• Kapalbhati (The Breath of Fire)
• Brahmari (The Bumblebee Breath)
• Ujjayi (The Victorious Breath)
Ujjayi or the Victorious Breath is widely recommended for treating thyroid problems, as this breathing technique clears out the toxins from the body. This practice also enables you to take in enough oxygen to build vital energy.
To practice Ujjayi Pranayama for thyroid problems, you need to breathe from your mouth, rather than your nose. Given below are the steps you need to follow for this breathing technique –
• Sit in a comfortable yoga meditative pose, like the Sukhasana (The Easy Pose) or the Padmasana (The Lotus Pose)
• Draw in a long, deep breath, using both your nostrils.
• Exhale thoroughly through your mouth, producing a “HHAAA” sound from your throat
• Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times, in one go. Start off by practicing it 3 times a day and gradually build it up to 10. Ujjayi Pranayama should be practiced no more than 11 times a day.
It is absolutely essential for you to learn yoga poses for thyroid problems from a certified yoga retreats instructor, who is aware of the problems you are experiencing. It is also important for you to inform your doctor before you practice any yoga pose. In case your symptoms continue, or worsen after yoga, you need to stop the practice immediately and speak with your health care provider.

Asanas For Thyroid

Many of the thyroid disorders occur due to excessive stress. Yoga can help alleviate stress and anxiety to a great extent. This practice is also useful in maintaining the right balance between the mind and the body. Some of the other benefits of yoga include –

• Massaging and stimulating the thyroid gland

• Improving circulation all over the body

• Reducing stiffness

• Strengthening the neck, torso and shoulders

There are a few poses in yoga that improve the functioning of the thyroid gland as well as regulate your metabolism. A few of the poses in yoga for thyroid disorders include –

• Pranayama (The Yogic Breathing Technique)

• Cat Pose (Bidalasana)

• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

• Head To Toe Kneeling Pose (Janu Shirasana)

• Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

• Boat Pose (Navasana)

• Lotus Pose (Padmasana)

• Seated Forward Bending Pose (Paschimmotanasana)

• Wind Relieving Pose (Pavan Mukhtasana)

• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

• Lion Pose (Simhasana)

• Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

• Raised Foot Pose (Uttanpadasana)

• Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

• Stick Pose (Yashtikasana)

The Surya Namaskaar or The Sun Salutation is a commonly practiced yoga sequences. This sequence comprises of 8 different yoga poses and has a positive effect on your overall health in many different ways. The regular practice of this sequence may help alleviate thyroid problems to a great extent. .

However, before practicing these poses, or any other Yoga Therapy, it is important for you to check with your doctor.