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.
Hear me out. This may blow your mind about how everything is connected. It really is!
The 7 Basic Chakras
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
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Danielle Ardizzone
I remember learning about Maslow’s Hierarchy back in psychology class as an undergraduate. Such powerful implications for self-fulfillment!
Jill DeMasi
It is so interesting! I took psych in college and found all of it so fascinating.
Alyssa
I knew little about how the mind and body are intertwined, thank you for sharing this information!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks for reading! Happy you learned something new 🙂
Holly
Great post! I have heard about this, but never read such great detailed information! Thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks for reading Holly!
Alexis Farmer
Love this post! It’s awesome how you tied the chakras to the body and Maslow, I’ve never seen that done before
Jill DeMasi
Thanks! Happy you enjoyed reading 🙂
Jordan
This is so interesting. I learned a bit about this as a Pscych major in college, but not quite this much. It’s amazing how intricate and interconnected our bodies are.
Jill DeMasi
Thanks! It always fascinates me every time I think about it and learn more 🙂
Douglas Jasper
Thank you. It is interesting reading how are inner workings are so intertwined.
Jill DeMasi
I appreciate you reading the post 🙂
Kristin
God designed our bodies in such a complicated, mysterious, beautiful way.
Jill DeMasi
He knew what he was doing for sure. So amazing 🙂
Sara
Very interesting. Our bodies are amazing!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks for reading!
Tricia Snow
Great information! Thank you som much!
Jill DeMasi
Appreciate you reading my post!
Michele
Thanks for the information. I’ve been working hard on my root chakra for years. I really need to start working on my sacral. This is where I am storing excess fat. I’m hiding from something.
Jill DeMasi
Take your time and eventually, you will figure it out. No pressure on yourself 🙂
Amy
This was a great read. I’ve heard very little on this so it was very interesting to learn about. The make-up of our bodies is incredible in such an amazing way!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks, Amy! When I first learned about it I was blown away at the connections 🙂
Debbie
Very interesting correlations and practical advice as what to let go of.
Jill DeMasi
Thanks Debbie! It definitely makes you think about what is good and not good for you 🙂
Jennifer Morrison
I am always relating back to Maslow’s Hierarchy. Very interesting ideas.
Jill DeMasi
Always so interesting to read about!
Chelsea
Wow. The graphics illustrate your point perfectly. I had no idea chakras were related to hormones. But, I suppose it makes sense! I bet knowing this comes in handy during massage as well!
Jill DeMasi
Yes, it definitely has a big impact on massages. 🙂
Santana
Wow, this takes me back to my psychology class. You put a lot of good information into this post!
Barbara
Our bodies are such amazing creations! God surely knitted perfection when he made human!
Jill DeMasi
Yes God created us perfectly!
Lisa Manderino
I love how you diagrammed it out! It really makes this so much easier to understand!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks Lisa!
Leeandra
I never knew about how chakras & hormones were related, great information.
Jill DeMasi
Thanks! It was fairly new to me as well 🙂
Wella
I thought chakras were foo foo stuff they do in massage, but the scientific breakdown you did made me a believer!
Jill DeMasi
There is definitely so many connections and it makes sense 🙂
Maggie | leavemetodream.com
Fascinating, relating chakras to the endocrine system. I have so much to learn!
Jill DeMasi
It is so good to keep learning and be open to new perspectives 🙂
Carmen
Great, detailed explanation of the endocrine system and chakras.
Jill DeMasi
Thanks for reading!
Liz
I didn’t realize that the two were related, but it makes so much more sense! I need to learn about this!
Lina
Such a great post relating to the endocrine system. The way you broke it down is very easy to digest and understand. Thanks
Kendra
This is so fascinating! Thanks for breaking it all down. So interesting for sure!
Alice
Good application of different concepts working together for whole health.
Sandi
It is so great when a Massage Therapist treats the whole body. Bravo! I was lucky enough to find one, and I love her.
Myrka
I loved this! Very detailed and well explained. I’ve been trying to do some work on my hormonal imbalance. I’ve worked on my chakras before but wasn’t very consistent. This was very helpful to know and now I know where I can start.
Cindy
Its all energy and it’s all so connected isn’t it?! I do energy work and chakra work, primarily for myself. Appreciate your post.
Tiffany S
Wonderful read! I am just learning about the chakras. Thank you for sharing this information!
Leslie W.
So interesting! I had no idea! Thanks for sharing.
Charlene Hartley
I love to read about different concepts and theories on health and wellness. This was interesting!