What is the endocrine system?
Our bodies are walking laboratories with countless chemical reactions taking place at any given instance. It is these reactions that determine how we function, feel, and live. The reactions are caused due to the release of certain chemicals called hormones. Hormones are produced and secreted by the endocrine glands. The endocrine glands consist of the pituitary, pineal, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, and reproductive glands, and together these glands make up the endocrine system.What is the function of the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is what is responsible for all the emotions that you experience, ranging from love, hate, sexual attraction, fear, and anger to name a few. It regulates your metabolic rate and is responsible for stimulating growth at the cellular level. It also regulates blood sugar levels. The endocrine system also directly affects all sexual activity in your body and in women it also affects menstruation and pregnancy. Needless to say, the endocrine system has a direct effect on your health and quality of life. A malfunction in the endocrine system can also lead to a number of diseases and ailments.Yoga for the endocrine system
It seems that the mystics and sages of ancient India knew a lot about the workings of the human body. Yoga is a millennia old discipline and involves a number of exercises that specifically help to improve the functioning of the different endocrine glands. Let us take a look at some yoga poses for endocrine system:Sirsha Asana
The Sirsha Asana, or headstand, has a direct effect on the pituitary gland. This gland, which is located inside your head, controls the functioning of all the other glands that comprise the endocrine system.
Sarvanga Asana
The Sarvanga Asana, or shoulder stand, has a beneficial effect on the thyroid and parathyroid glands. These two glands, which are located in the neck, have a direct impact on the body’s metabolic rate, the process of cellular growth, and the secretion of phosphate and calcium.
Mayura Asana
The Peacock pose or Mayura Asana can help to normalize the functioning of the adrenal and pancreatic glands. This can prove to be especially important for people suffering from diabetes.
The regular practice of yoga also has a direct impact on the ovaries and testes. This can help to improve sexual health and provide relief from problems arising from a malfunction in these two important reproductive glands. It is advisable to follow the instructions of a yoga instructor if you have never practiced these poses before.
