The more me we glimpse an understanding of the overall function and system of our body the more amazing and impressive the body becomes and the more respect we pay it, strengthening our commitment to look after it.
Many Kundalini yoga kriyas focus on caring for the glandular system. In fact all yoga is awesome for increasing the function of the glands. But what exactly are glands and what role do they play in our physical makeup?
Glands are important organs, you have a variety of them all over your body, and though many of them are small, each produces something important.
The glands have three main roles in the body:
- Fluid production/secretion.
- Hormone release.
- Immune system support.
Some glands release fluids to support the body’s function, like saliva, sweat, tears and mother’s breast milk. Other glands release hormones. These glands makeup the endocrine system and release hormones through the bloodstream to the cells throughout the body. Hormones are substances that tell the body how to work and how to grow.
The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our body, including:
- Mood
- Metabolism
- Growth & development
- Tissue function
- Sexual function
- Reproductive processes.
The major glands that make up the endocrine system include:
- hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
- thyroid
- parathyroids
- adrenal glands
- pineal body
- reproductive glands (the ovaries and testes)
- pancreas
Glands also play an important role in the upkeep of the immune system by:
- Producing white blood cells that protect the body by producing antibodies that stop the invasion of foreign agents, bacteria and viruses.
- Prevent the abnormal growth of cells, that may lead to cancer.
When you have a bad cold and your neck glands are swollen, that’s your immune system in action.
Many postures work to either open and stretch the area where glands are located or compress and channel blood through the area they are located. Yoga will get the body into positions and bring a temporary stress to areas that may otherwise remain stagnant. This increases the release of necessary fluids from the glands and balances the release of hormones so we remain centred, happy and healthy.