On Responsiveness
“This, when taking place, swings the entire nervous system into a special form of rhythmic activity and responsiveness, and it is through the stimulation and the control of the vagus nerve that this is accomplished.”
My Kundalini yoga practice has evolved as I’ve deepened my understanding of the body’s systems—particularly the endocrine and nervous systems.
The endocrine system is the alchemy of life; it orchestrates our mental, physical, and emotional states. It works with the immune and nervous systems, forming the foundation of our instincts, subconscious, and physical form.
The endocrine glands are the guardians of our health; they secrete hormones that influence thoughts, emotions, and physiological processes. Hormones are messengers of motion, igniting transformation from the micro to the macrocosm.
Exocrine vs. Endocrine Glands
Exocrine Glands: Secrete hormones through ducts to the skin’s surface or an organ for specific functions. Exocrine glands include the pancreas, liver, mammary, and sweat glands.
Endocrine Glands: Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, influencing the entire body. Endocrine glands include the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, gonads, and adrenals.
Breakdown of the Endocrine Glands:
Pituitary Gland
The Master Gland.
Fig-shaped, located behind the bridge of the nose, housed in a protective bony cavity within the skull.
It regulates all endocrine glands and affects metabolism, physical growth, and sexuality.
Influences focus, subconscious action, and creative vitality.
Works in harmony with the pineal gland.
Pineal Gland
The Seat of the Soul (Descartes).
A pea-sized, pinecone-shaped gland is located at the brain's center, between the brows.
The bridge between higher consciousness and the physical realm.
Regulates light and dark cycles (pinecones open in light, contract in darkness).
Works with the adrenals, gonads, and brain.
Known as the mystical seed, Shiva’s eye is the seed of creation and eternal flame.
Thyroid Gland
The Great Energizer.
Butterfly shaped, is located at the throat, serving as the keystone of the endocrine arch.
Links the gonads (sex glands) with the brain.
Regulates growth, development, and psychic energy.
Connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Parathyroid Glands
The Balancers of Minerals.
Regulate phosphorus and calcium levels.
Control nerve function, muscle activity, and detoxification.
Work alongside the thyroid and bone metabolism.
Thymus Gland
The Immune System Nursery.
Located below the thyroid and above the sternum.
It produces growth peptides until puberty, then dissolves and exists in an energetic capacity.
Directly influences the lymphatic system and white blood cell production.
Connected to the brain, pericardium, and heart pumping functions.
Pancrease
The Fire of Metabolism.
It is located behind the stomach, connecting the endocrine and digestive systems.
Regulates blood sugar levels by secreting insulin and glucagon.
Influences energy production, digestion, and metabolic balance.
Gonads (Ovaries & Testes)
The Generative Forces of Life.
Internal and external reproductive glands.
Secrete progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Adrenal Glands
The Body’s Energizers.
Positioned like a top hat atop the kidneys.
Responsible for fight, flight or freeze responses.
Influence circulatory and muscular functions.
Activated by fear, excitement, pain, rage, and worry.
Work with the pituitary gland to transmute fear into courage.
It is also worthwhile to recognize how the brain works with the endocrine system. The brain is the repository of memories, and it stores and transmits energy produced by the glandular system. The brain is constructed and fueled by iodine (regulated by the thyroid) and phosphorus (controlled by the parathyroid).
The endocrine system is a cosmic orchestra, a network of glands influencing our physical vitality, emotions, and consciousness. Kundalini yoga is one of the tools to work with the endocrine system to cultivate balance, resilience, and transformation in body and mind.
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