Our bodies are a complex systems that comprise numerous working parts, such as the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and endocrine systems. When any part of the body is not functioning properly, it affects us both physically and spiritually. Yoga is a profound system of exercise that stimulates the body physically, mentally, energetically, and spiritually. One of the unique qualities of yoga is how it affects the endocrine system. The endocrine system, or glandular system, controls the body's functions, secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones are chemical messengers, giving commands from the brain to the body. They not only affect how well the body functions, but also influence our moods and behavior, sometimes making us feel angry, depressed, happy, or sad.
There are eight different kinds of glands in the body. Each gland has a different function. The pituitary gland is located in the head. It is the master gland of the body since all information feeds back to this gland and it controls all the other glands. It influences overall body growth and how the other glands and organs function. The pineal gland is also located in the head. It is active in the development of children until age eight, when it begins to calcify. As it becomes less active, the pituitary gland begins to take over, marking the start of puberty. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are located in the throat. The thyroid is responsible for the physical and mental growth, heart rate, metabolism, blood pressure, and glucose absorption. The secretions of the parathyroid gland control the calcium levels in the blood that affect bone strength, muscle tone, and the nervous system. The thymus gland is located in the heart region. It is active during a child's formative years, stimulating immune-system response and encouraging normal body growth. It starts to shrink and diminish at puberty, around the age of 14. The adrenal glands are situated above the kidneys and release hormones in the system such as hydrocortisone to regulate the metabolism and adrenaline to trigger the body's fight or flight mechanism. The eighth glands are the testes and ovaries. These are the sexual glands of the body.
How well the endocrine system is working is particularly important in children, as it determines how fast they grow and their emotional health. When a child practices yoga regularly, the endocrine system is kept in balance and the child grow and develops normally. But if there is a blockage in the hormonal system, such as an under- or overactive thyroid, a child can change and become sluggish or hyperactive.
Yoga poses also increase the intake of oxygen into the bloodstream, boosting the blood flow to the glandular areas, making them function more efficiently and improving the overall health and wellbeing. The poses can be performed to either slow down or energize the system. If a child suffers from hyperactivity, you can introduce calm breathing exercises or relaxation techniques. Hyperactive children, as well as children suffering from ADHD, can often become naturally balanced by participating in a regular yoga program. On the other hand, a child who seems dull and listless can boost bodily functions by doing some dynamic or energetic poses. When yoga is practiced during puberty, it can help regulate the physical changes and the hormonal surges that are taking place in the body. This regulation of the body may, in turn, reduce the unpredictable mood swings that seem to affect many teenagers.
Dragonfly Yoga is a yoga based, creative arts, interactive storytelling program for children of all abilities. For more information or to register for a class, see our website
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