How do the Chakras relate to our Endocrine System? And what is the Endocrine System?

First of all, the Endocrine System is one of the major control systems in the human body.  The Nervous System is the first and fastest through our large nerve network connected to the brain.  But the Endocrine System is also a major player via the use of hormones in our bloodstream.  Hormones are the language for cellular communication.  There are two types of glands within the body - exocrine and endocrine glands.  Exocrine glands have ducts that carry their secretions to specific locations - think sweat glands that carry from the gland itself to the outside of the body.  Endocrine glands are ductless glands that release their secretions directly into the bloodstream.  It is the Endocrine glands that relate to our Chakras.

To understand their relationship to the Chakras you need to understand some of the general functions of the Endocrine System.  They are as follows:

• regulate metabolism, water and electrolyte balance which in turn maintains balance within our body
• helps the body adjust to changes in its environment due to stressful situations
• promotes sequential growth and development by releasing horomones at the proper times during our growth cycles
• controls reproduction as well as gestations and lactation
• regulates red blood cell production
• works with the Nervous System to control and coordinate circulation and the digestion/absorption of food.

Each Major Chakra (there are 7 - see a previous post) has and associated Endocrine Gland.  These associated glands are directly affected by the chakra.  The following is a chart of the Chakras and their associated Endocrine gland and the glands' function:

Root Chakra - Adrenal Gland - this gland is situated directly above/on each of our kidneys, just above the level of the Root chakra and is a major player in our fight or flight stress reactions.  It also has a small role in the male and female sex hormones. 

Sacral Chakra - Ovaries/Testes - these glands are the ones responsible for reproduction and are therefore directly related to the functions of the Sacral Chakra and our need to procreate.

Solar Plexus Chakra - Pancreas - since the Solar Plexus is directly over the stomach/intestine area and has much to do with digestion it is only appropriate that its' gland is the pancreas which has a direct effect on and is affected by what we eat.

Heart Chakra - Thymus - this gland is situated between the lungs behind the heart and is responsible for promoting the development of special immune system cells called T-ymphoctyes which help to fight infection.  As such it is also a part of the Lymphatic System in the body, much as the Heart Chakra balances the lower three chakras with the upper three.

Throat Chakra - Thyroid Gland - this gland is in control of our metabolism rate and essential for normal growth and nerve development.  It is situated in the throat just below the Adam's apple.

Third Eye Chakra - Pituitary Gland - this gland is two distinct lobes and has a link to the Nervous System through another gland called the Hypothalmus.  It is sometimes referred to as the Master Gland since much of the information sent from here in the form of hormones regulates other glands.  It sits deep in the brain at a location directly in line with the Third Eye.

Crown Chakra - Pineal Gland - This gland is located near the center of the brain and controls the hormone melatonin which is responsible for sexual development and circadian rhythms such as sleep patterns, hibernation and metabolism.  Some shamanic beliefs associate this gland with the connection between the earthly realm and the spirit world.