Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This blog post is the latest in a series on the endocrine system. Previous posts explore poses for the Thyroid, the Pancreas and the Adrenal Glands.
The Trifecta: Pituitary, Pineal and Hypothalamus
The three glands, pituitary, pineal and hypothalamus are located inside the brain.
The hypothalamus is considered the master gland because it controls the pituitary and links the nervous system to the endocrine system. It regulates weight, hunger, thirst, sex drive, mood, body temperature and sleep.
The pineal gland, often referred to as the third eye, releases melatonin so your body knows when it’s time to go to sleep. Melatonin also regulates our circadian rhythms, or sleep patterns. In addition, the pineal gland regulates the release of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Lastly, the pituitary, also known as the the grand-daddy of hormone production. It influences other organs of the body and regulates overall well-being. It produces growth hormones as well as prolactin, oxytocin and many more. It directly controls the thyroid as well, regulates oestrogen, produces cortisol and helps to maintain healthy muscles and bone mass. Think of the pituitary as Hormones HQ.
In yoga, we can stimulate these glands by doing poses/postures where the head is below the heart which in turn takes blood to the brain.
Below are some yoga poses, specifically for beginners, that will stimulate the pituitary, pineal and hypothalamus glands that don’t require advanced moves like headstands and handstands.
Yoga Poses
Matsyasana or Fish Pose
Uttanasana or Forward Fold
Yoga Mudrasana or Modified Psychic Union Pose
Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog
Please contact me if you would like a tailored yoga plan to suit your hormonal needs.
Information on these three glands was found at the Hormone Health Network website.