Endocrine system, hormones & gut feeling: Balancing journey through 7 Chakras

    04-Oct-2024
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Ashwini Anil Kumar Sirapanasetty
Have you ever thought about how your body and mind stays balanced and in tune? The complex relationship between hormones and the endocrine system is a key part of how the body works. In addition to being important for our bodies, hormones also have a big effect on our energy regions, which are called chakras.health in the gut is not just as simple as the basic functions of digestive processes. This is a rich and responsive landscape; it constantly reflects and expresses our sense of safety and boundaries. This area is informed by our past stories in relation to where we find ourselves in the current moment. Our gut feelings are important.Many spiritual and philosophical systems see our bellies as the place where our true essence lives, and where we can tune into these deep inner voices. If we can cultivate the awareness to discern when we might be reacting to stress or trauma there and sift beneath to connect with our more intuitive ‘essence nature’ there, we can move, act, and communicate from our true needs, authenticity.
Endocrine System & Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by various glands in the endocrine system. They play a crucial role in regulating and coordinating numerous physiological processes within the body. Hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream and travel to target tissues or organs, where they bind to specific receptors and start specific responses. Hormones are responsible forkeeping balance and homeostasis in the body by influencing various functions, including metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, mood, and stress response. They act as signals that communicate between different organs and tissues, ensuring that they work together harmoniously. The endocrine system consists of several glands, each producing specific hormones. Some of the major glands in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas & liver (partly endo- crine & exocrine), ovaries (in females), and testes (in males). These glands release hormones in response to signals from the brain or other organs, adjusting hormone levels based on the body’s needs.
Most important Hormones of the body
Insulin: Regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, thus maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
Estrogen: Plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, inclu- ding the menstrual cycle, secondary sexual characteristics, and bone health.
Testosterone: Responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, including the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle mass and facial hair.
Thyroid Hormones (Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine): Regulate metabolism, body tem- perature, heart rate, and energy production, influen- cing overall growth and development.
Cortisol: Plays a key role in the body’s stress response, regulating energy levels, blood pressure, and immune function.
Growth Hormone: Stimulates growth and development during childhood and adolescence and helps maintain bone and muscle mass in adults.
Melatonin: Regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and promotes restful sleep.
Serotonin: It is often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone due to its impact on mood. It helps regulate and stabilise emotions, promoting feelings of happi- ness, contentment, and relaxation. Imbalances in se- rotonin levels have been associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Oxytocin: Often referred to as the “love hormone,” it plays a role in social bonding, trust, and emotional attachment, as well as easing childbirth and breast- feeding.
Adrenaline (Epine-phrine): Triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response in times of stress or danger, increasing heart rate, BP, and energy availability. (To be contd)