What do you know about the mind/body connection? There is a lot of evidence out there that what happens in our body affects our mind and the other way around. I am living proof of it. I know that this is a real phenomenon because I have experienced it myself and with 15 years of experience as a Massage Therapist.
Did you know that there are energy centers of the body called chakras? They were discovered way back in India and are related to the religion of Hinduism. Many energy healers work on or over these points in the body to unblock the flow of energy and claim to heal both physical and emotional issues. In addition, these points in the body not only relate to our emotions but what’s happening physiologically as well.
There is a relationship between these spiritual energy centers and the endocrine system. I have a brief understanding of chakras from massage therapy school but never realized how they relate to our physical body until recently. The following information is a summary of what I learned in one of my continuing education courses at the National Institute of Whole Health about The Endocrine System & 7 Chakras taught by Dr. Georgianna Donadio.
The Endocrine System
The Endocrine system is basically a network of glands that produce the many hormones that help your body function. There are several glands that send out these hormones to communicate with the rest of your body. They pretty much control what happens and when this system does not work correctly, it has a major impact on your health. In other words, we are whole human beings and there is a powerful connection between our mind and body. For instance, the endocrine system has intimate connections to the nervous system which is in control of everything.
Photo Credit – consumerhealthdigest.com
Hear me out. This may blow your mind about how everything is connected. It really is!
The 7 Basic Chakras
Photo Credit www.healthline.com
So how do these relate to each other? Notice the location of the glands and the where the chakras are. Well sit back and take this in. In other words, there is a direct correlation between thoughts, emotions, and the neurotransmitters that send messages to every cell in our body. In addition, I will also cover how these relate to the virtues and sins/behaviors as well as to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs which depict our basic psychological and physiological needs.
Maslow’s Hierarchy
Photo Credit- https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
The Big Picture
Pineal Gland & Crown Chakra
This gland picks up all of the nonverbal communication and makes the hormone to help you sleep. It is related to our higher consciousness and how we see the world. There is a close connection to the nervous system. The chakra symbolizes trust and acceptance.
Virtue: Humility
Sin:Â Pride
Maslow’s Theory: Universal conscious
Pituitary Gland & Third Eye Chakra
This is the master gland which is the dispatcher of all hormones. Related to the awareness of more than yourself. The eye that sees and knows all. The essence of life! The spiritual aspect of health.
Virtue: Integrity
Sin: Sloth
Maslow’s Theory:Â Global conscious
Thyroid & Throat Chakra
This regulates the rate of our metabolism and the ability to self regulate. Our voice and how we communicate with the world and express ourselves. Has a very important partnership with our nervous system.
Virtue:Â Fortitude
Sin: Fear/Worry
Maslow’s Theory: Self-Actualization
Thymus Gland & Heart Chakra
This gland produces our T cells which are essential in immunity. Related to self-esteem and love for oneself and others. The environmental aspect of health.
Virtue: Kindness/Hope
Sin: Envy/Jealousy
Maslow’s Theory: Self-esteem, self-protection
Pancreas & Solar Plexus
This is the hardest working gland in the digestive system producing insulin and enzymes. The pancreas controls the level of sugar in your body. Known as the center and plays a huge part in nourishment. The nutritional aspect of health.
Virtue: Temperance/Balance
Sin: Gluttony
Maslow’s Theory:Â Â Belonging
Adrenal Glands & Sacral Chakra
These glands are responsible for the fight or flight response and control the release of stress hormones among many other functions like your metabolism. Related to seeking pleasure and enjoyment. The emotional aspect of health.
Virtue: Charity
Sin: Greed
Maslow’s Theory:Â Safety & Security
Reproductive Glands & Root Chakra
These sex glands are in control of things reproduction. When you are stressed the reproductive system shuts down and prevents these hormones from being fully utilized. Related to survival and safety and the foundation for life. The physical aspect of health.
Virtue: Chastity/Faith
Sin: Lust
Maslow’s Theory: Survival
The fact is that the endocrine system and the hormones and organs in it are all interconnected. We can understand the relationships between the chakras and each of the 7 endocrine glands and how they are related to each other. They all need each other to function properly. And when one is not working correctly, it has a profound effect on the others. When a chakra is congested or out of balance it suggests there is a problem with that gland that relates to it. So there you have it.
If you get anything out of this I hope it will be that we have some control over health and our behaviors and attitudes can have a direct impact on what happens to us. Therefore, the power of the belief in healing is truly mysterious but it does have an effect on us physically and emotionally. Above all, let this information empower you to start considering how you can change your lifestyle for the better. In conclusion, we are truly whole human beings and everything is connected to everything!
Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.
