The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck. It releases hormones that control metabolism—the way your body uses energy. The thyroid's hormones regulate vital body functions, including

The thyroid gland is about 2-inches long and lies in front of your throat below the prominence of thyroid cartilage sometimes called the Adam's apple. The thyroid has two sides called lobes that lie on either side of your windpipe, and is usually connected by a strip of thyroid tissue known as an isthmus. Some people do not have an isthmus, and instead have two separate thyroid lobes.

How the Thyroid Gland Works

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body's cells. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods you eat to make two main hormones:

•  Triiodothyronine (T3)
•  Thyroxine (T4)

The hypothalamus produces TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) that signals the pituitary to tell the thyroid gland to produce more or less of T3 and T4 by either increasing or decreasing the release of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

•  When T3 and T4 levels are low in the blood, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to tell the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
•  If T3 and T4 levels are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH to the thyroid gland to slow production of these hormones.

Why You Need a Thyroid Gland

T3 and T4 travel in your bloodstream to reach almost every cell in the body. The hormones regulate the speed with which the cells/metabolism work. For example, T3 and T4 regulate your heart rate and how fast your intestines process food. So if T3 and T4 levels are low, your heart rate may be slower than normal, and you may have constipation/weight gain. If T3 and T4 levels are high, you may have a rapid heart rate and diarrhea/weight loss.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the thyroid that occurs when it makes too much T4, T3, or both. The problem leads to several other problems as well, such as rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hand tremors. Early diagnosis of the thyroid disorder can help to get an early treatment and thereby helps in preventing several complications.

What Are The Causes Of Hyperthyroidism?

The most common cause of this thyroid disorder is Grave's disease. It is actually an autoimmune disorder that causes the antibodies to release the hormone in excess. The disorder is more common in women than men.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism?

•  Increased appetite
•  Weakness and nervousness
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Irregular heartbeat
•  Elevated blood pressure
•  Restlessness and inability to concentrate
•  Hair loss
•  Itching
•  Weight loss

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is under production of the thyroid hormones i.e. T3 and T4. The synthesis of thyroid hormones requires sufficient iodine in the presence of thyroid stimulating hormone. The iodine is taken up into the thyroid gland and incorporated in thyroglobulin molecules. But Insufficient iodine, or insufficient TSH, can result in decreased production of thyroid hormones.

Causes Of Hypothyroidism

•  Congenital thyroid deficiency
•  Autoimmune disorders
•  Iodine deficiency
•  The removal of the thyroid following surgery for severe hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer
•  Stress

Ayurvedic treatment involves clearing these channels in order to balance body energies and restore the circulation of thyroxin. Herbal preparations are administered to increase the digestive fire at a cellular level, restoring proper metabolism.

Hypothyroidism is affecting mainly females causing slowing down of the system. Ayurvedic remedies have been fairly successful in treating hypythyroidism cases and in many cases restoring the balance permanently. The stress, the drugs, and diet has played a lot of role in making this disease a very common problem now a days.

Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid is your best bet, closest to self-healing. By helping your body along with Panchakarma therapies, supplemented with some yogasan and breathing methods, your thyroid problems should ease with time.

Ayurved Medicines
These herbal remedies are effective in treating the hypothyroidism and makes the thyroid gland function well. The herbal remedies have to pass quality analysis test and are then used for medical condition. The ability of the thyroid gland to secrete T3 and T4 hormone becomes alright and the thyroid functions well with the help of herbal remedies.

Nasya Therapy- Administration of medicated oils into your nasal passage
Thyroid problems too can be treated with Nasay karma This treatment is one of the cornerstones of the five-pronged panchakarma treatment, a holistic Ayurvedic therapy designed to detox, restore balance, and build immunity.

Dhara
Pour medicated oil on your throat and the head to stimulate the thyroid. A dhara treatment of the vishuddhi chakra, where a stream of medicated oil is poured on the thyroid area using a dhara pot, is another course of treatment.

Shirodhara
Shirodhara uses a flow of oil on the head to stimulate the psychoneuroimmunological function of your brain, which means that it stimulates the functions related to the psychological processes, the nervous, and the immune system of the body. This causes changes in the levels of thyroid-releasing hormone and can thus help improve symptoms for someone with abnormal levels of the hormone.