Chakras and the Endocrine system
Chakras and Endocrine system
The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit meaning “wheel” or “disk”. The origins of the sevenfold Chakra system are said to come from the Vedas, the four holy books of the Hindus believed to date back before 2500 B.C. Chakra symbols are traditionally depicted as lotus flowers, each resonating at different frequencies, corresponding to the colors of the rainbow. Hindu system names seven major chakras, meanwhile, the human energy system is said to have many chakras, and new ones are being discovered every day. Each chakra is positioned through the spinal column, or Sushumna, from the coccyx to the crown of the head. Imbalance in one chakra affects the others, the same as nervous and endocrine systems are functionally interconnected and any disturbance in one part can lead to a problem elsewhere. The endocrine system acts as a great network of communication between the brain and body and is responsible for various metabolic functions that facilitate cellular communication as well as stimulation and hormone release. For the entire human body to function well these endocrine glands must produce and maintain a balance of these various fluids and hormones. To understand how the endocrine system is connected with chakras, let us see each pair in order.
Chakras and the Endocrine system
Adrenals – Root Chakra
The adrenals are triangular-shaped glands that cap each of the kidneys. They produce a variety of hormones that regulate the body`s metabolism and ones that control the balance of salt and body fluids. These glands also produce adrenalin, the hormone essential to our primitive “fight or flight” response, from which we can determine the link between this gland and the Root chakra`s association with physical survival.
Ovaries/Testes – Sacral Chakra
The male and female reproductive organs, produce hormones that regulate individual sexual development, amount of the body hair, depth of the voice and production of sperm and eggs in females. The key associated with this chakra is the relationship with our sexuality and emotional balance.
Chakras and the Endocrine system
Pancreas – Solar Plexus Chakra
The pancreas is located behind the stomach and secretes different substances for effective digestion. It also produces insulin which helps to control sugar in the blood. One of the physical dysfunctions of this chakra is diabetes. There is a further link between the Solar Plexus Chakra and adrenalin, which is why we experience “butterflies in the stomach” during exciting moments in our lives. The key association – digestive system, further dysfunction of this chakra is stomach ulcers.
Chakras and the Endocrine system
Thymus – Heart Chakra
The thymus – located just above the chest, produces hormones that stimulate general growth, in infancy. Interesting that infants have much larger thymus size than adults. The thymus provides a strong immunity system by stimulating the production of lymphocytes, which the part of the body`s defense system. Nowadays, scientists recognize that auto-immune diseases, where the immune system attacks its proteins, mistaking them for a foreign substance, have an emotional connection and are not simply because of physical or environmental causes.
Chakras and the Endocrine system
Thyroid | Parathyroid – Throat Chakra
The thyroid gland is located behind the trachea in the neck, and produces thyroxine, it plays a major role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. It helps to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the bloodstream. The throat chakra is linked with all forms of communication and corresponds to the need for the balance between the rational, cerebral approach and the emotional expression of the heart.
Chakras and the Endocrine system
Pituitary – Third eye Chakra
The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it`s involved in so many processes. It is located within a structure at the base of the skull, near the underside of the brain. It`s also attached to the hypothalamus. This vital gland influences growth, metabolism, endorphins ( pain-relieving properties ), prolactin (helps women who are breastfeeding to produce milk), and stimulates adrenal glands. Also, this includes estrogen which produces contractions during labor and also helps to release milk from the breasts. It is interesting that the Third eye-pituitary gland’s connection with birth and motherhood is a time when many women feel that their intuition, particularly about their child, is at its peak.
Pineal – Crown Chakra
The pineal gland – is a small, pea-shaped gland in the brain. Still has mystical properties. But we do know that it produces melatonin which is responsible for regulating our sleep patterns, and anti-aging properties and is believed to affect the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and gonads – although no one yet understands exactly how. As the Crown`s function within the chakra system as a whole, the pineal gland is the control center for the effective functioning of our physical, emotional, and mental selves.
chakras and the endocrine system
In the same way that our physical body`s central nervous system consists of the spinal cord leading to the brain, the energetic equivalent is “Sushumna” – the vertical column through which all chakras are located. Sushumna is the primary of the three main nadis ( channels of energy ) in the body. While the Sushumna is the central channel, the “ida” left and “Pingala” right nadis start and end on opposite sides of the Sushumna. In yoga and health science of Ayurveda, it is thought that keeping nadis in balance and free from blocks promotes the flow of prana ( vital energy ), which increases physical and mental health. The principal ways of balancing the nadis in yoga practice are through pranayama ( breathing exercises ) and meditation.
