This is the second blog in a series about your hormones on yoga, in particular, the endocrine system. Last week’s post was about the thyroid gland.
When your adrenaline kicks in, the heart rate and blood pressure increases, the pupils enlarge and the air passages of the lungs expand. It’s our adrenaline that gives us the kick we need for raw survival, but even joyful excitement can give us an adrenaline rush.
Yoga and Adrenal Glands Health
The adrenal glands are found near the kidneys. They produce androgens and cortisol which assists in stress response, fat distribution and promotes healthy gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function.
The nearby kidneys are a major organ and has a secondary endocrine function to produce the hormones renin and erythropoietin. These two hormones control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow respectively.
When it comes to hormone balancing, we often hear of adrenal fatigue; this is when stress causes glands to produce more cortisol and adrenaline than the amounts of oestrogen and progesterone. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include tiredness, salt and sugar cravings, trouble falling asleep and the need for stimulants like caffeinated beverages. The cynical side of me thinks I have this all the time as I adore coffee and sugar!
However, keep in mind that there is no scientific proof that adrenal fatigue exists and it will not be diagnosed by a medical doctor. Adrenal fatigue is not a medical diagnosis because blood tests are not sensitive enough to measure a decline in adrenal function. A natural medicine practitioner may diagnose adrenal fatigue.
The above information was found at the Hormone Health Network website.
The below Yoga asanas are restorative poses that may have a calming effect on the body when it is subject to constant or repetitive stress.
Yoga Poses for the Adrenal Glands:
Supta Matsyndrasana or Spinal Twist
Supta Baddha Konasana or Supine Cobbler Pose
Viparita Karani or Legs Up the Wall Pose
Balasana or Child’s Pose
Do you have any experience with Yoga poses for adrenal well-being? Feel free to leave a comment below and share your ideas.