I am in my 30s and for years have struggled with low thyroid levels, yet I’m mostly within the “normal range.” Endocrinologists tell me they can't help me until I am clinically hypothyroid, but I have symptoms of tiredness, mild depression, and weight gain already. What can I do to keep it from progressing?

Thyroid hormone influences many aspect of human health, including body temperature, body weight, mental clarity, fertility, skin texture, hair growth, heart rate, and digestion. A variety of factors including immune function and nutrition can affect the thyroid gland. Due to its widespread effects, we often suspect that thyroid problems may be contributing to physical or emotional health challenges. Fortunately, current laboratory studies are often able to detect changes in pituitary and thyroid hormone levels before they produce noticeable problems.

I have been practicing Primordial Sound Meditation for several years now and am eating primarily a Vata-balancing diet. I have noticed a big improvement in the several patches of psoriasis that I have, but occasionally they flare up. Stress, perhaps? They are white, scaly patches on my fingers, ears, and left leg. What would you suggest as an effective ayurvedic treatment? Thank you.

Psoriasis can be a challenging problem, and the medical field’s understanding of its cause is still incomplete. There are new conventional medications that are more effective than some of the older medications, but some prefer to take a natural approach.

I’ve heard that massage can help activate the body’s healing power and strengthen the immune system. Is this true? If so, how does this work, and what type of massage do you suggest?

Massage is an important technique for awakening the inner pharmacy. When you feel relaxed, comfortable, or invigorated during a massage, it is because your body is increasing its production of natural relaxing, pain-relieving, or energizing chemicals. Massage has been a component of traditional healing systems for millennia. Recently, scientific studies have been able to confirm the therapeutic value of massage in a variety of settings.

I am 40 and currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. What are some ways I can tap into my body’s healing power to fight this disease and withstand the effects of the chemotherapy?

In addition to targeting cancer with radiation and chemotherapy, many patients seek to integrate natural healing approaches into their treatment program. Our experience at the Chopra Center convinces us that combining holistic approaches with effective medical care leads to the best outcome with reduced side effects. Serious illness challenges people at physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels; therefore, support in each of these dimensions of life can be valuable. These are my top five suggestions for people undergoing cancer treatment: