Human Spiritual Structure: The Endocrine Glands
Notes in progress © 1998-2002 Alan McAllister  


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The endocrine glands are the physical manifestations of the chakras; the hormones secreted by the glands serve to express the vrttis in the physical body. They are also a controlling factor of the emotions and overall psychology. For additional information see these notes.

Hormones and Neurotransmitters

These complex biochemicals are produced by the various endocrine glands, as well as the stomach, pancreas, kidneys, and duodenum, and neurons of the brain and nervous systems. On the cells of the body there are hundreds of receptor sites, which each have a specific three dimensional shape that fits specific hormones and neurotransmitters. These biochemicals are responsible for running most of the body's functions, for producing the emotions, and for mediating thought and all other brain processes. [HB]

Antagonists are biomolecules that closely resemble the shape of hormones and neurotransmitters, so that they can lock into the relevant receptor sites, but do not have the capacity to activate the sites in the way the hormones and neurotransmitters would. They therefore block the processes that are mediated by the hormones and neurotransmitters. [HB]

Among the neurotransmitters in the brain are opiates (endorphins) which help to reduce pain and provide pleasure. They have a structural similarity to the vegetable opiates, opium, morphine, heroin etc., and are similarly addictive. It appears that these serve the purpose of overriding the normal pain signals when immediate external threats require physical action. In this case the brain releases ATCH which is the pituitary's messenger to activate the adrenals. Along with the ATCH endorphins are also released, reducing any existing pain signals, allowing the person to focus on the immediate threat. Similarly endorphins are released during labor, to help both the mother and the infant. A major site for the production of endorphins lies in the brain stem. [HB]

The body's system for pain relief is complex, with several channels, involving endorphins, as well as other neurotransmitters and substances. It can be activated by stress, pain itself, stimulation of certain points along the chi meridians, or by drugs. It can also be triggered by placebo's which are believed to be morphine or some other pain reducing drug. The placebo was effective when given at the bedside, or at an (*consciously*) unknown time by someone in an adjacent room, but not when given at an unknown time by a programmed machine.[HB]

Anabolic hormones tend to build up the body and may boost the immune system. They include estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and growth hormone. [HB]

There are changes in the neurotransmitter levels in the brain depending on what we eat. Different foods stimulate the release of different chemicals (e.g. eggs produce acetylcholine; charbohydrates, serotonin).

See also these articles notes.

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Page Created, February, 1998.
Last updated January 19, 2002.
© Alan McAllister

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