Chakras and endocrine System Part 2

The endocrine system and its spiritual chakra connections:

1. Sex organs/root chakra-The testes and ovaries are sex organs responsible for sex androgens, or hormones. They communicate with the pituitary to secrete monthly progesterone and estrogen or surges of testosterone depending on gender and age. If these hormone ratios become abnormal, then one might witness precocious puberty at younger ages, more reproductive/prostate cancers, painful menses, weight gain, abnormal menses and sex drive, mood changes, depression or increased acne. There would also be an increase in infertility with imbalanced levels. Sound familiar?  The spiritual connection to the sex organs comes with the root chakra, which is responsible for safety and basic needs, and connected to the reproductive glands. You can see how molestation or rape would affect one’s safety and trust issues, damaging this chakra through direct physical abuse of the gland.

2. Adrenal glands/reproductive organs/sacral chakra: The adrenal glands sit atop each kidney and are responsible for the rush of warm, frantic energy you get right after you avoid a car accident. We all know that feeling! If constantly stimulated by stress or trauma, the adrenals can burn out as they ensure proper adrenaline or epinephrine as well as cortisol release. The adrenals’ claim to fame is the “flight or fight” syndrome. Imagine what years of competitive schooling or a continuously stress work environment does to our poor adrenals? Unfortunately, western medicine continues to turn its nose up at adrenal fatigue syndrome.  The adrenals are connected to the sacral chakra, which is responsible for some of the sexual organs as well as the adrenal gland, oversees immunity, emotion and vitality. It can easily be burned out from suppressing emotions or adrenal fatigue due to chronic stress and release of the “flight or fight” hormones.

3. Pancreas/biliary tract/solar plexus chakra– The pancreas is a gland located just above the stomach and digestive tract in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It is crucial in glucose uptake and conversion of energy for building blocks. In response to eating a meal, it releases digestive pancreatic enzymes and ushers in bile, necessary for proper breakdown of nutrients. It is also the only gland in the body capable of making and secreting insulin, which exports glucose into cells. Damage to this organ system is common and results in diabetes and pancreatitis.  The solar plexus chakra, the center of willpower, confidence and ego, is connected to the pancreas and biliary tract. It oversees digestion, detoxification, bravery in groups, and self esteem. Not knowing oneself, indecisiveness, or extreme fear can produce bowel and digestion issues, disrupt beneficial gut flora and damage the solar plexus chakra.

4. Thymus gland/heart chakra– The thymus helps to produce killer T cells, which are experts are in recognizing foreign invaders within the body. The thymus’s function is also somewhat of a mystery although it is linked to immune function. We do know that it is responsible for a large part of our immune system that is located in the lymph system. It is located behind the sternum, near the heart and begins to shrink after puberty. The heart chakra, connected to the thymus gland, helps regulate the nervous system, anxiety, compassion, and harmony. Damage to the heart chakra is common in western countries due to left brained energy, justice over mercy and the standard American diet. As you can see, the fatty, chemical filled food in the west damages the heart musculature and forms plaques in the arteries. Coupled with less compassion towards others and an overworked heart muscle, this is a recipe for a closed chakra and heart disease. Think about how many Americans have chest pain, cardiac stents or open heart surgery. Diet plays a large role, but is not the only factor in this epidemic. You can stimulate immunity and produce relaxation by tapping on your sternum to awaken the thymus gland.

5. Thyroid/throat chakra– The thyroid is a small gland located at the throat, below the Adam’s apple.  It is a sensitive gland that helps to regulate the body’s metabolism. The thyroid requires iodine, a member of the halide family, to function properly. It can be offset by any other halide which can take its place, such as bromide in bread, chlorine in pools and hot tubs, and fluoride in water (which comes from China’s toxic waste)! The throat chakra, connected to the thyroid gland, governs expression and freedom of speech. If overactive, you might be domineering and a poor listener. If underactive, you might feel suppressed in your true feelings. It becomes damaged by not speaking your personal truth or telling yourself lies. This is also common in western countries.  Unfortunately, the toxins in today’s world are able to offset the thyroid rather easily. Moreover, most people also feel their voice is suppressed in their job or daily life. This is also a recipe for an autoimmune condition of the thyroid due to emotional damage to the chakra.

6. Pineal/pituitary/third eye chakra-The pineal gland is somewhat of a mystery to western medicine, however for thousands of years, it has been the center of spirituality in eastern countries. It is known to help regulate sleep wake cycles through the release of melatonin. It also helps to regulate sexual maturation. Recent breakthrough studies have shown that it has the potential to release a psychoactive, short-lived substance responsible for enlightenment in mediation and near death experiences. Known as the third eye, it is located behind the optic nerve at the center of the brain. The third eye, or Ajna chakra is connected to the pineal gland and pituitary gland. The pineal gland is easily calcified due to fluoride in water by age 17 on MRI scans. This is your spiritual antenna to the ether and your higher self. If damaged, you will be separated from source and your sixth senses. Luckily this is reversible with proper care and detoxification. The pineal gland is also thought to possibly secrete DMT, a natural psychoactive substance that is postulated to be responsible for near death experiences and deep meditation. The pituitary is one of the main control centers in the brain that helps to control release of hormones using a complex biofeedback loop finally affecting target organs.

7. Pineal/pituitary/nervous system/crown chakra-The crown chakra is also the pineal and pituary gland plus the nervous system. It is the center of enlightenment and spiritual connection. It is cone shaped and is in the middle of the brain behind and above the pituitary gland. It is necessary for these two organs to work together in opening the third eye.  Eastern traditions have postulated that the pituitary is the masculine energy whereas the pineal is the feminine energy and they meet in the third ventricle, where there is union of spirit. Together they force us to look inward for change and proper action, but only when we are connected to our higher self and the present moment. These forces also work to properly run all biologic and higher sensing intellectual functions.

Chakras and Endocrine system connection part 1

Proper functioning of our organs and endocrine system is necessary for good health and wellbeing.  The endocrine glands each secrete hormones that regulate various functions throughout the body and they require each other to be balanced in order for us to feel and be well.  Each endocrine gland corresponds to a Chakra.  This overview is to provide general information about the relationship of these glands and the Seven Chakras. 

When one Chakra is out of balance it cannot generate the free flow of energy that is needed for balance to be created.  We then can become either physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually out of balance (or usually a combination of all of these). 

There are 7 (seven) systems of the body and 156 organs.

1.        Cardiovascular System

2.        Gastric-intestinal System

3.        Nervous System

4.        Endocrine System

5.        Urine-Genital System

6.        Respiratory System

7.        Osseous-Joints System

When one of our endocrine glands is not functioning properly this affects all of the others, particularly the pituitary and hypothalamus.

The endocrine glands are the pineal, pituitary/hypothalamus, thyroid/parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, gonads (or ovaries), and adrenals.   These glands govern and regulate the continuous and prolonged functions of growth and development, cellular metabolism, energy, our blood balance of nutrients, reproduction, body water and electrolytes and the body's defences against stress.

Each of the endocrine glands corresponds with one of the 7 main Chakras transmitting and receiving energy to and from each of the endocrine glands.

Crown Chakra – Pineal Gland – 7th Chakra

The pineal gland is considered one of the three master glands (along with the pituitary and hypothalamus glands).  While the pituitary and hypothalamus glands are responsible for the regulation for ALL of the other endocrine glands, the pineal gland secretes the hormone melatonin.  Melatonin is stimulated by Darkness (we create more in darkness) and inhibited by Light (daylight slows its production).

Melatonin regulates our sleep-awake cycle, breathing cycles, and our awareness of the time of day and the seasons via the degree of light coming through the retina of the eyes.

Spiritually, the pineal gland is associated with both the Crown and 3rd Eye Chakras.  Some believe the Crown Chakra also acts like an antennae or satellite dish receiving cosmic energies from above.

Our brain stem is an extension of our spinal cord and our mid-brain is the highest part of the brain stem.  The pineal gland is located within the mid-brain, behind the thalamus and literally hangs from the roof of the 3rd ventricle of the brain. The mid-brain is literally as such; it joins the lower parts of the brain stem and spinal cord with higher parts of the brain. Though not directly connected to the spine, it does affect the entire spine especially in relation to our motor coordination and posture.

Third Eye - Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus – 6th Chakra

The pituitary gland is a pea sized; double-lobed gland nestled in the spheroid bone at the roof of the nose. The spheroid bone is the only bone that connects to all the other bones of the cranium and its movement is responsible for "milking" the pituitary gland to secrete its hormones.

The pituitary gland is considered a master gland, (as is the pineal gland), and produces hormones that specifically affect all the other endocrine glands. It has been called the "Generals Headquarters".  The hypothalamus controls the pituitary function and can be considered as the “Central Processing Unit” for our entire hormonal system.

Another metaphor that may be helpful to use to explain this is that the pituitary is the CEO of the “Company” who reports directly to the “Board” (hypothalamus) who provides direction and governance on behalf of the shareholders (the rest of our endocrine glands and organs)!

Interaction with the Third Eye and Crown Chakras will directly affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

Additionally, the medulla oblongata works directly with the hypothalamus and thus the pituitary gland. Both the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata are responsible for controlling involuntary processes such as the regulation of the heartbeat, breathing, constriction and dilation of blood vessels and body temperature. The medulla oblongata is integral in the transmission of nerve impulses between the spinal cord and the higher brain centres, including the pituitary gland.  The medulla oblongata is the gateway between the spinal cord and the brain.

Throat Chakra – Thyroid Gland – 5th Chakra

The pituitary gland affects the thyroid gland by producing a hormone called thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH), which prompts the thyroid to release more T4 and T3.  These thyroid hormones help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone and reproductive functions.

The neck (throat) area is where we take in and expel air by inhaling and exhaling. It is the bridge through which the breath must pass in order that we may live.

We bring in to us through the in-breath and we release what is no longer needed on the out-breath.

Deep breathing can revitalise the thyroid/parathyroid glands as well as the whole body by bringing in life-force energy, calm and serenity.  (There is some science behind the “take a few deep breaths!”)

Heart Chakra – Thymus Gland – 4th Chakra

The thymus gland is located in the upper part of the chest, specifically in front and above the heart behind the sternum. It produces the white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells (T-lymphocytes (T-cells)).

The Thymus is considered the master gland of a healthy immune system.

Science has proven that T-cell count increases when we are feeling the emotions of love. It is directly affected by our ability to give and receive love.

It is often considered that our Heart Chakra acts as our “Centre” as it is powerfully affected by feeling and emotion.  When we are feeling bitter, angry, or hateful towards another, or ourselves our ability to fight infection and disease is reduced (and we become ‘run-down’).  A healthy thymus gland is directly associated to the development of compassion and kindness (towards both ourselves and each other).

Solar Plexus (Navel) Chakra – Pancreas Gland – 3rd Chakra

The pancreas gland is an elongated organ located diagonally across the back of the abdomen, slightly below and behind the stomach and in front of the spine.

The pancreas plays two roles having both digestive and hormonal functions. One part of the pancreas, the exocrine pancreas, secretes digestive enzymes. The other part of the pancreas, the endocrine pancreas, secretes hormones that regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.  (The pancreas manages how we let ‘sweetness’ into ourselves).

Diabetes is a common ailment of a poorly functioning pancreas.  There are different types of diabetes and some can be managed or remedied by exercise, diet and stress reduction.

The solar plexus is also sometimes referred to as the navel chakra and is often considered our centre of “will”.  It is where we most keenly experience our ego and self esteem.  It can also regulate how we let “sweetness” into our life.

Sacral Chakra – Gonads – 2nd Chakra

The gonads are the ovaries in a woman and testes in a man. They are the main source of our sex hormones, the chemicals that secrete the essences for new life via eggs and sperm. They respectively create our feminine and masculine characteristics. There is a direct connection between the ovaries and our adrenal glands (refer first chakra).  Adrenal fatigue can affect a woman's menstrual cycle. 

Root Chakra – Adrenal Glands – 1st Chakra

Our pair of adrenal glands, also referred to as the supra-renal glands, are triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney.  Our adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

The adrenal glands are located just underneath the 11th and 12th ribs on the back plus a little bit beyond the ribs and about 1/3 of the way out from the spine.

The adrenal glands are made up of two parts. The outer part is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner part is called the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal cortex produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, the balance of salt, potassium and water in the body, the immune system, and sexual function. It is also responsible for the production of cortisol, which regulates glucose levels and inflammation of tissue.  Adrenal glands are responsible for our ‘flight or fight’ response.

The adrenal medulla produces hormones that help the body cope with physical and emotional stress by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.

Balanced, healthy adrenal glands help us stay grounded, feel vital, calmly focused and alert and provide support to our parasympathetic nervous system whose job is to restore our body. 

What is Leaky Gut?

The intestinal walls are supposed to be bullet-proof, a wall between the body and the contents in the intestines. As the food is digested, it slowly crosses the intestinal wall and enters into the bloodstream. One of the most important role of the intestines is separating nutrition from waste. Ideally, this means that waste is excreted instead of entering the bloodstream. But some individuals have a hole in their intestines - a leak.

The liver, kidneys, and immune system are responsible for cleaning up the rogue toxins that enter the bloodstream.

The liver breaks up the toxins, but this takes up a lot of energy. In a leaky gut, this leads to liver fatigue, generally fatigued as well. There is limited tolerance for stress.

The body’s natural detoxification process generates free radicals and uses up antioxidants. These free radicals end up in the bile, this  bile goes in the gut to digest the fats and irritate the gut further. It creates a vicious leaky circle, where the already irritated gut gets irritated further.

The kidneys too play an important role in cleansing the blood; they eliminate toxins through the urine. The overly toxic blood burdens the kidneys. This can cause dehydration which limits the body’s  ability to produce enzymes and weakens digestion even further.

When liver and kidney are unable to detoxify the blood, the nervous system gets irritated. The immune system goes on high alert. This can cause autoimmune disorders, or food and skin allergies.

Can leaky gut affect emotions?

With a leaky gut, the lack of physical boundaries creates a lack of mental boundaries too. This delicate sensitivity of a person with leaky gut is considered an imbalance in the subtle quality (sukshma guna) in Ayurveda.

How can Ayurveda help?

There are tests that can determine a leaky gut. Two sugars are to be ingested, one with really small molecules, and one with large molecules, and followed up with a urine test. Lots of the large sugars in  urine indicates a leaky gut.

The intestines are therefore equipped to fix their own leak, as the intestinal epithilium has the fastest regenerating rate in the body.

1. A diet of easy to digest foods.

2. Use anti-inflammatory herbs.

3. Feed the good bacteria in the gut and starve the bad.

4. Eat good quality fats and organic foods.

5. Avoid alcohol and fried foods.

6. Use adaptogenic herbs, and hypoallergenic herbs.

7. Do Pranayama and adopt a healthy lifestyle.