GONADS THE ENDOCRINES

Articles In This Section:

· SECOND CHANCE AT YOUTH

· ENDOCRINE GLANDS

· APPRECIATING THE YOGI'S PHILOSOPHICAL AND SPIRITUAL ORIENTATION

· THE THYROID

· GONADS THE ENDOCRINES

· FINAL INGREDIENT WITH ASANAS

· SENILITY IS DUE TO THYROID DEGENERATION

The last pair of endocrines are the gonads—the ovaries in woman, the testes in man. Since we have already discussed them in detail in the chapter on sex, we needn't repeat. However, it must be added that their functioning is not purely a sexual one. The gonads have an effect on the whole personality. Sparkling eyes, a smooth, luminous skin, the warmth which some individuals emanate that makes them universally attractive, these are all determined by the sex glands. Conversely, the inflexibility of prematurely aging persons, the inability to establish rapport with other human beings that characterizes cold, sexless individuals and narcissistic ones, sometimes also homosexuality, are the direct results of sex hormone disturbances and deficiencies. Yet they may have nothing whatever to do with sexuality in the accepted sense.

Now that you understand the division of labor of the various glands in your body, you can readily see how important it is to safeguard their health and efficiency. Yoga exercises, beginning with deep breathing and relaxation and going on to correct stimulation of the various glandular areas, may be called the cornerstone of a program for long life and health.

Now go back to Chapter XI and read over the lists of therapeutic benefits derived from the twenty-odd asanas described there. You will find that some stress circulation, some strengthen the back or pelvic region, some are recommended to overcome respiratory difficulties or sluggish digestion and elimination, and still others simply benefit one or another set of ductless glands. Depending on the time you can devote to your Yoga practice and also the condition of your body when you begin, work out a routine which will include some exercise for every organ and set of glands. Begin with the simplest and easiest; do not strain or tire yourself unduly; but make certain that your whole body is being systematically toned up. In this way you will be doing preventive therapy rather than waiting for signs of trouble which must then be cured.

If you could only do a single asana a day, the Headstand, provided you can master it, is doubtless the most valuable for keeping your whole system in shape. Next would be the Shoulder Stand and the Reverse Pose, done in conjunction with deep breathing. Their benefits, as you now know, are derived from the way the flow of blood to the head feeds and stimulates the pituitary which in turn stimulates the other glands. No amount of life insurance can offer you the insurance against deterioration and old age these asanas will provide. Their regular practice will endow you with the look of youth and the feel of youth without your ever again having to "run after" youth in undignified and unbecoming fashion.