Thyroid disorders are no longer uncommon. Across India, they are being diagnosed more frequently every year. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism now account for the majority of endocrine disorders, affecting people across age groups, especially women. Yet, for most individuals, the experience of thyroid imbalance begins long before a diagnosis. Fatigue creeps in. Weight changes feel confusing. Mood shifts appear without warning. Reports show numbers, but the body tells a much bigger story. Ayurveda begins by listening to that story.
How Ayurveda Understands Thyroid Imbalance
Ayurveda texts do not name hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism directly. These are considered Anukta Vyadhi, conditions understood through principles rather than labels. Instead of focusing only on the thyroid gland, Ayurveda looks at digestion, metabolism, tissue health, and the nervous system as one connected system. When digestion loses its balance, metabolism follows. When metabolism falters, hormones rarely stay unaffected. At the centre of this is agni, the body’s metabolic fire.
In hypothyroidism, agni becomes sluggish. This state, known as ‘mandagni’, leads to incomplete digestion and the formation of ama, or the metabolic residue that blocks the body’s channels. The body begins to feel heavy. Weight increases, but energy drops. Cold intolerance, constipation, swelling, low mood, and mental dullness often follow. Even when the body appears fuller, vitality feels depleted.
In hyperthyroidism, we observe the opposite phenomenon. Agni becomes overly sharp (atyagni). The body burns through fuel too quickly, sometimes even consuming its tissues. Weight loss may happen despite eating well. Common symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, palpitations, tremors, excessive perspiration, and heat intolerance. Even with sufficient rest, exhaustion sets in. This pattern reflects depletion rather than accumulation.
Thyroid Treatment in Ayurveda
Thyroid treatment in Ayurvedastarts by correctingagni, because metabolism sets the pace for every process that follows. But agni correction is never done in isolation. The first step is to reduce ama. This facilitates the opening of the channels (srotas), allowing nutrients and hormones to flow freely again. Next is doshabalancing.
In patients with hypothyroidism, Kapha and Vataare calmed to boost metabolism and reduce fatigue. In patients with hyperthyroidism, excess Pitta and Vata are reduced to prevent tissue depletion and nervous system strain.
Once digestion and doshas stabilise, treatment focuses on supporting the dhatus, particularly Medo dhatu and Rasa dhatu, as they are closely linked to thyroid function. Nourishment is rebuilt gradually, without overloading the system. Daily routines and diet are equally important. The balance established by medications and therapies is maintained with minor modifications to dietary changes, sleep patterns, and stress reduction. Additionally, yoga and pranayama can be introduced as support for circulation, metabolism, and nervous system regulation rather than as forms of exercise. This approach takes time. But it works with the body rather than pushing against it, allowing change to settle in and stay.
AyurVAID’s Approach to Thyroid Care
AyurVAID follows this classical understanding while applying it in a modern, evidence-based approach. Treatment begins with a detailed assessment, including digestive patterns, dosha imbalance, tissue involvement, stress levels, and daily routines. Treatment is then personalised, combining Ayurveda medicines, dietary guidance, lifestyle corrections, and supportive Panchakarma therapies. The focus is not on suppressing symptoms. It is on restoring balance that can be sustained over time. AyurVAID also supports integrative care, where Ayurveda and conventional thyroid treatment can be administered together safely under proper supervision.
Conclusion
Thyroid disorders rarely develop overnight, and they rarely affect only one part of the body. They influence energy, mood, digestion, weight, and the way a person feels day to day. Managing them requires more than watching numbers on a report.
Ayurveda offers a way to understand these conditions through the body’s patterns, how digestion functions, how metabolism behaves, and how tissues are nourished over time. By addressing these foundations, care becomes steadier and more sustainable.
With the right guidance, patience, and consistency, the body can begin to regain balance. And when that balance improves, thyroid health often follows.
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