Chakras, the Endocrine System and Yoga Asana

“Explore traditional associations between chakras and the endocrine system, and how these ideas inform a Yoga therapy practice, breathing and body awareness. Discover this approach in our
yoga classes and courses in San Luis Potosí and online, as well as in Karmuka Yoga training.

Chakras and the Endocrine System: A Yoga Perspective

Yoga philosophy and anatomy tell us that we are energy and that different frequencies vibrate within us, affecting us physically, emotionally and psychologically. Quantum physics is now confirming this. The centers of this energy within us are called chakras. In Sanskrit, chakra literally means wheel. Chakras are wheels of energy located in different parts of the body along the spine and are associated with the glands of the endocrine system. One of the purposes of Hatha Yoga is to release blockages in these wheels of energy, in the endocrine system, through the practice of Asana.

The location of each chakra can be associated with a gland of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a collection of organs and tissues that release hormones and is made up of specialized cells and endocrine glands. It acts as a cellular communication network that responds to stimuli by releasing hormones. Hormones are responsible for various metabolic functions in the body and influence both our physical and emotional states.

The Chakras, Glands and Corresponding Asanas

The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus

These are associated with the seventh chakra, sometimes with the sixth, and with the color violet. Known as the “master glands,” they work closely with the pineal gland, associated with the color indigo, and control and regulate the secretions of other glands in the endocrine system. To focus on activating these glands and the pineal gland, inversions such as Sirsasana (Headstand) are considered the most beneficial. This is why it is called the “King” of asanas. However, if you experience neck pain in this posture, choose another inversion or modification. Sirsasana is a valuable posture, but it is not the only asana that activates these glands.

The Pineal Gland

Associated with the Third Eye (Ajna), its qualities are connected with intuition. A blockage here can cause problems such as psychological disorders, specifically depression, as well as epilepsy, coordination difficulties, immune system problems and insomnia. Any type of inversion can help activate this chakra, as can kriyas and pranayama practices such as Kapalabhati, Bhastrika and Nadi Shodhana.

The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

The thyroid is located in the throat and is associated with the Vishuddha chakra and the color blue. It is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth and, consequently, cellular processes. The parathyroid glands regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. By practicing asanas such as Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) and Matsyasana (Fish Pose), you may find that your teeth become stronger and your sleep and appetite more regular.

The Thymus Gland

Below the Vishuddha chakra, at the center of the sternum, lies the Heart Chakra (Anahata). This chakra is associated with the color green and the thymus gland, which produces cells for the immune system. Asanas that open the chest and increase oxygen intake help activate this chakra, as well as the vagus nerve, the “second brain.” Ustrasana, Urdhva Dhanurasana and Virabhadrasana I and II are good examples. In addition, because of their connection with the lungs, both the vagus nerve and the heart are important for digestion, although digestive problems are most often associated with the Manipura chakra.

The Solar Plexus Chakra / Manipura

Located between the sternum and the navel, this chakra is associated with the color yellow and the functioning of the pancreas, which regulates blood sugar levels. By working with this chakra through postures such as Dhanurasasana, Supta Virasana and Ardha Matsyendrasana, which apply pressure to this area, you can relieve digestive problems, hypoglycemia and constipation, as well as difficulties with memory, self-confidence and willpower.

The Sacral Chakra / Svadhisthana

The second chakra is located in the space between the navel and the pubic bone. It is associated with the color orange, the reproductive organs, our ability to enjoy life’s pleasures and our creativity. Postures such as Supta Baddha Konasana, Supta Padangusthasana I, II and III, Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose), Upavistha Konasana and their variations, which open the pelvis and engage the pelvic floor, are beneficial because they bring blood to this area and may help with fertility, sexuality and menstrual problems.

Muladhara Chakra / The Root Chakra

The foundation of all the chakras is associated with the color red. It is connected with the adrenal glands and the fight-or-flight response. Because of today’s high stress levels, disconnection from nature and unbalanced diets, almost everyone experiences a lack of movement in the first chakra, resulting in fatigue, anemia and a sense of disconnection. All standing postures are very effective for activating this chakra, especially balancing postures.

Yoga asanas always work with more than one gland at a time, although some receive more attention than others in different postures. It is important to remember that, to maintain balance in mind and body, every gland, or every chakra, deserves our attention and breath without causing harm in the process. It would not make sense to practice a posture to activate the third chakra while harming the second chakra’s region, the lower back. This is why careful observation and precise Asana instruction are important for avoiding injury and enjoying all the benefits each asana offers.