Our Endocrine System Is A Big Deal
What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system, in conjunction with the nervous system, regulates body processes. Also known as hormone systems, it comprises a system of glands and organs that regulates the body’s hormones which coordinates and regulates many important aspects of our body such as our metabolism, growth and development, reproduction and our energy level, even the way we feel or our mood, as well as our respond to injury and stress.
Its Major Parts
The endocrine system is made up of many glands that are located across the body. The brain houses the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pineal gland. Down in the neck area are the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Located between the lungs is the thymus, while the adrenals are located on top of the kidneys. Another major part is the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach. In your pelvic region, you’ll find your ovaries (if you’re a woman) or testes (if you’re a man).
Functions of the Endocrine System
The hypothalamus connects the endocrine and neurological systems, telling the pituitary gland when to begin or to pause generating hormones. The pituitary gland uses information from the brain to direct the actions of other glands in your body. It produces a number of important hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, which aids in the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers, and antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), which regulates blood pressure and helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidney, and corticotropin/ACTH. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which aids in the preparation of the body for sleep.
The thyroid gland is in charge of your metabolism and growth, while the parathyroid glands are a group of four tiny glands located behind the thyroid. They contribute to bone health, as calcium and phosphorus levels are controlled by the glands. The thymus gland produces T-lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight illness and are important as a child’s immune system grows. The thymus, when no longer needed, begins to decrease after puberty.
Adrenals are two glands that are well recognized for producing the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), but they also produce corticosteroids. They have an impact on your metabolism, heart rate, oxygen intake, blood flow, and sexual performance.
Digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas and aid in the digestion of meals. Insulin and glucagon produced by the pancreas make sure the bloodstream and cells have the proper quantity of sugar.
Estrogen and progesterone are made by the ovaries in women. These hormones aid in the development of breasts throughout puberty, menstrual cycle regulation, and pregnancy support. In men, testosterone is produced by the testes. It aids facial and body hair growth throughout puberty. It also instructs the penis to expand and aids in sperm production.
Importance of a Healthy Endocrine System
As the endocrine system is responsible for almost every major cell and organ in the body you can have trouble developing during puberty, becoming pregnant, or handling stress if your endocrine system isn’t in good shape. An imbalance in your hormones causes weight gain and a lack of energy.
Problems with your endocrine system can cause many major health concerns such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) which greatly affects fertility. Another health issue is osteoporosis in which bones can become brittle.
Maintaining a Healthy Endocrine System Naturally
Eating Right
Eating Right includes eating the right kinds of food and eating the right amount. Not only do you need to eat fruits and vegetables but donβt forget to take your protein. Protein gives you the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. With amino acids, your body can produce peptide hormones that regulate growth, energy metabolism, appetite, stress, and reproduction.
Healthy fats, such as Omega 3, are also necessary for reducing insulin resistance and hunger. MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are a type of fat that is less likely to be stored in adipose tissue and more likely to be taken up directly by your liver for immediate use as energy, resulting in greater calorie burning. Pure MCT oil, almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, fatty fish, olive and coconut oils, and avocados are all high in them. While youβre at it, also control sugar intake and maintain a high fiber diet.
Donβt Forget To Move
Exercise boosts hormone receptor sensitivity, which means it improves the transport of nutrients and hormone signals. It also reduces insulin levels and improves blood flow to your muscles.
Get enough sleep.
Hormonal imbalances in insulin, cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, and HGH have been linked to sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation, for example, is associated with a 24-hour increase in cortisol levels, which can contribute to insulin resistance. Furthermore, your brain requires uninterrupted sleep to cycle through all five stages of sleep and generate growth hormones.
Engage in stress reduction activities.
Your body produces cortisol, the stress hormone, to help you cope with long-term stress. The body’s reaction to stress triggers a chain of actions that results in cortisol production. The response comes to an end once the stressor has passed. Chronic stress, on the other hand, disrupts the feedback processes that allow your hormonal systems to return to normal.
As a result, chronic stress keeps cortisol levels high, stimulating appetite and increasing consumption of sugary and high-fat foods. As a result, increased calorie consumption and obesity may occur. Stress reduction practices such as meditation, yoga, and listening to relaxing music can help you lower your cortisol levels.
Reiki – a holistic and natural healing technique that supports the healing and nurturing of your endocrine system.
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on healing technique safe for anyone to use in all conditions and ages. It focuses on the person as a whole, rather than just treating a specific health condition. It prevents health issues from ever developing by covering the health of the body, mind, emotions, energy, and spirit.
Reiki is a form of channeled energy healing therapy discovered in Japan in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui. Itβs effective on a holistic level to restore, support and enhance the function of our entire endocrine system. It works by removing obstructions and stagnation in the energy field commonly known as βenergy blockagesβ.
Reiki will give you some extra boost of energy when somewhat stressed out and as we all know stress can cause havoc on our endocrine system. Clients feel lighter, more calm, balanced, and inspired after a Reiki session.
Intuitive Healing, is an advanced form of Reiki that supports your endocrine system even further.
Intuitive Healing is a more effective form of Reiki, three to five times more powerful than standard Reiki. It is especially helpful in supporting and healing chronic and recurring illnesses. Intuitive Healing is a channeled energy healing method that is equally safe. It includes specialized energy healing techniques including Emotional Energy Healing, which focuses on healing past emotional traumas, and emotional obstacles as well as releasing repressed or suppressed emotions in the body, usually tied to the major organs in our endocrine system.
A Holistic Approach To Supporting Your Endocrine System
Both Reiki and Intuitive Healing sessions begin with a short diagnostic conversation, after which we diagnose the problem with an energy scan, and then we focus on treating the specific location(s). Following the energy healing session, we discuss you experience, share any insights, address any questions you may have, and discuss the next steps. Because we are humans with multiple layers of emotions, it usually takes several sessions to focus on regaining the health of your endocrine system, or enhancing its performance.
So who can try Reiki or Intuitive Healing? Literally anyone, in any condition, of all ages. It is not linked to any religion or belief system, so itβs open to anyone who would like is keen to support their endocrine system even further. It would be even most effective if you combine energy healing practices with a healthy diet, adequate quality sleep, regular exercise and daily stress management exercises, but start with small baby steps if this is all new to you so you donβt feel too overwhelmed as you mindfully start this process.
