Earth Yoga Blog

YOGA AND HORMONAL BALANCE in Women

 The Endocrine System:  a system of glands that secretes hormones into the bloodstream.

 SOME OF THE GLANDS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS:

 Hypothalamus is a small structure at the base of the brain. It is the control center for all autonomic regulatory activities in the body.

Pituitary gland is no larger than a pea and is located at the base of the hypothalamus. It controls the functions of all the other endocrine glands.

Pineal gland is the size of a pea, at the top of the spinal cord and brain stem, behind and above the pituitary gland. It is stimulated by the nerves in the eyes. It produces melatonin released in relation to circadian rhythms. It depresses the activities of the reproductive organs.

Thyroid is one of the largest glands in the body. It is located in the neck below the “adam’s apple”. It regulates the rate of metabolism and, therefore, weight and temperature.

Parathyroid glands are small pea sized glands located behind the thyroid. They control the supply of calcium to the whole body.

Thymus is located beneath the breastbone, below the windpipe. It creates the environment needed for the production of t-cells, the critical cells of the immune system.

Adrenals are walnut sized pyramids directly above the kidneys. Their main purpose is to help the body respond to stress.

Pancreas, located behind the stomach, is the gland organ that regulates the blood sugar levels and secretes digestive enzymes to the small intestine.

Ovaries are oval shaped, the size of large olives and are located in the lateral walls of the pelvis. They secrete estrogen and progesterone important for the health, growth, balance and functioning of the sex and reproductive organs.

Basic movements that affect these glands

Back Bends: adrenals, pancreas

 Forward Bends: adrenals, pancreas, ovaries

Twists: hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries

 Squats: ovaries

 Inversions: hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid

Yoga Asanas for balancing the hormonal system

 Table (Marjariasana) Cat/Cow: kidneys, adrenals and thyroid

 Sun Bird (Chakravakasana): adrenal glands and abdominal organs

 Child (Garbhasana): good for cramps and constipation, massages abdominal organs, kidneys and adrenal glands.

Rabbit (Shashangasana): powerful massage for the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Massages and regenerates the kidneys and adrenal glands. Massages the abdominal area.

Seal of Mudra (Yoga Mudra): stimulates circulation to the brain, massages the abdominal organs and the kidney and adrenal glands. Rejuvenates the nervous system.

Supine plank (Purvottanasana): massages the thyroid and thymus, massages the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Seperate Leg Head to Knee (Parsvottanasana): strongly massages the reproductive organs, invigorates the heart, thyroid and brain.

Eagle (Garudasana): quiets the nervous system, massages the ovaries.

Squat (Malasana): good for cramps, provides a massage for the of the abdominal and reproductive organs.

Corpse (Savasana): calming and balancing for all body systems. Good for high blood pressure.