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.
Name all of the chakras in english.
Root chakra (muladhara) Sacral chakra Solar plexus chakra Heart chakra Throat chakra Third eye chakra Crown chakra
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Solar plexus chakra?
Manipura
Between sternum & navel
Yellow
Personal power
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Root chakra?
Root chakra (Muladhara)
Located at base of spine
Red
Not associated w any gland function but relates to physical plane and material reality.
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Sacral chakra?
(Svadhisthana) Sacral chakra
Located just below naval
Orange
Sexual reproductive capacity
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Throat Chakra?
Vishuddha (meaning purification)
Located at base of neck
Blue
Relates to self-expression & communication
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Third eye Chakra?
Ajna (meaning to percieve)
Located above and in between eye brows
Indigo
Relates to Intuition and wisdom
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Heart Chakra?
Anahata
Located at center of chest
Green
Relats to Love, Compassion and Healing
What impact does yoga have on the endocrine system
Improves stress response
Subtle compression/decompress regulate secreting of glands
What is the Sanskrit, position, colour & energetic function for the Crown Chakra?
Sahasrāra
located at top of head
Violet
related to Spirituality
