The Centres of Prana - Endocrine System & Chakras Flashcards
What is the function of the Endocrine System?
It’s the hormonal system of which aims for homeostasis through the production and release of hormones.
How many glands make up the Endocrine System?
10
Name the 10 Endocrine glands?
Pineal gland Pituitary gland Hypothalamus - master gland Thyroid gland Parathyroid gland Thymus Pancreas Adrenals Ovaries & (placenta during pregnancy) Testes
Which gland is considered to be the master gland of the Endocrine System and where is it located?
Used to be Pituitary but its the Hypothalamus
Located under the Thalamus of the brain.
It’s the major link between the endocrine and NS
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Hypothalamus.
Hormone - Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) signals anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which tells kidneys to release cortisol
Asana - All inversions = Sirsasana (Headstand)
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana or Kapalabhati
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Pituitary gland.
Hormone -Oxytocin (love/intimacy) & endorphin (feel good/pain relief)
Asana - Utthita Balasana
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Pineal gland.
Hormone - Melatonin & serotonin (sleep/wake cycles)
Asana - Balasana
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Thyroid gland.
Hormone - Thyroxin (controls metabolism)
Thyroid - Matsyasana (fish)
Pranayama - Ujjayi
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Parathyroid gland.
Hormone - Parathyroid hormone (calcium levels)
Asana - Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
Pranayama - Ujjayi
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Thymus.
Hormone - Thymosin (Stimulates T-Cell production & conversion of B-Cell to Plasma Cells.
Asana - Matsyasana (fish)
Pranayama - Ujjayi
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Pancreas.
Hormone - Insulin (control blood sugar levels)
Asana - Vajrasana (thunderbolt)
Pranayama - Brahmari (bee)
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Adrenals.
Hormone - Cortisol (response to stress)
Asana - Viparita Karani and back bends
Pranayama - Brahmari
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Ovaries.
Hormone - Estrogen,progesterone & relaxin (female reproduction and secondary sex characteristics.
Asana - Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining bound angle)
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana
Name one hormone, one asana, and one pranayama for the Testes.
Hormone - Testosterone
Asana - hip openers Balasana (wide legged child)
Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana
How do the Nervous and Endocrine System work together?
Structually the ES glands are rooted in the NS
Chemically - both use the same transmitters but in different ways
Functionally - co-dependant and work in conjunction.
The NS sends neurotransmitters between the Nervous System and Endocrine glands. Then the gland responds by secreting the hormone which drives hormonal changes.
Example: NS receives and sends neurotransmitters to the Hypothalamus that a baby is sucking the nipple. The Hypothalamus responds by releasing Oxytocin which travels (via blood) to mammary gland which releases milk through the nipple.
