Glands, Hormones and Vital Organs

As we all know, hormones secreted by ductless glands are very important for a healthy life. When hormones are at a particular performance level, the body can function to its optimum. The improper functioning of these glands is usually the primary cause of most diseases. Fortunately, there are specific yogasanas that activate each of these glands. Once we learn the effects of these glandular secretions, it is easier to appreciate the importance of the related asanas.

Pancreas

It is the biggest of all the glands, measuring 9" x 4" in size, and located at the base of the stomach, in front of the vertebra. When the pancreas does not function properly, the body becomes susceptible to diabetes.

Pancreatic Juice (Insulin)

Pancreatic juice, or insulin, gets back glucose in three ways - it increases glycogen level in the muscles and liver; it assimilates glucose in tissues; and it converts to carbon dioxide. Insulin increases the speed at which glucose converts to fatty acids in the liver, and cleanses the blood by removing most of the glucose. In the body's water zones, glucose (from sugar or malted products) is changed into fatty acids by the liver. Insulin helps to improve this task.

Disorders due to Low Insulin Secretion

If insulin secretion is low, the sugar level in the blood gets high, leading to diabetes. Some of the symptoms of diabetes are over-eating, tiredness, walking with difficulty, trembling of the body, sweating, and anxiety. Other symptoms of diabetes are, passing of excessive water, troubled breathing, cough, and dizziness. Excessive symptoms if uncorrected may be fatal.

Yogasanas for Proper Pancreatic Function

Paschimotha Asana, Pavana Mukta Asana, Yoga Mudra, Dhanur Asana, Hal Asana, Nav Asanll. Uthana Pada Asana, and Salabh Asana.

Pituitary Gland

This is a pea-shaped gland that stays close, and connected, to the brain.

Functions of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary secretion increases the growth of cartilage and tissue, and the production of milk in lactating mothers; it also improves protein levels and encourages the secretion of insulin. Memory power improves, and chromosome levels in the semen increase. It controls sensation in the sex-organs, and induces the growth of genetic glands .