THE THYROID

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 thyroid, at the base of the neck, produces the hormone called thyroxin which increases the oxidation of the body above basal level. The thyroid is responsible for our basal metabolism rate. Thyroxin deficiency will make a person sluggish and fat, and if the deficiency is serious, enough will result in cretinism, one of the most serious forms of mental deficiencies. An overactive thyroid, on the other hand, will make you thin, jumpy, nervous and tense and will increase your pulse rate. Temporary thyroid imbalances are common among women as they approach and go into menopause: sometimes this accounts for their becoming puffy (the body may not be eliminating sufficient water), for loss of hair, and dull listlessness. These symptoms are believed to be due to emotional disturbances associated with change of life, and are generally treated with gland extracts. The rate of activity of the thyroid is what makes the difference between your being alert or dull, quick or slow, vivacious or apathetic, listless or mentally keen.

The parathyroid, neighbor to the thyroid, controls the distribution of calcium and phosphorus in the system, which means the physical health of the nerves and of the bones. There can be no metabolic equilibrium without this gland; but its normal functioning insures poise and tranquility.

The thymus, which controls growth, is especially important in childhood and adolescence, since its secretions determine the proper development of the skeleton and the entire body structure. The seven-foot circus giant and the midget are both victims of thymus malfunction, which is sometimes a hereditary factor. Normally the thymus diminishes in size and importance as we reach puberty.

The Isles of Langerhans, in the pancreas, are the source of the hormone known as insulin, without which we do not utilize sugar properly; their improper functioning results in diabetes. Again, this lack may sometimes be brought about by severe mental and emotional strain, including the fears and despondency of change of life.

The adrenal glands, directly above the kidneys, control the proper flow, oxygenation and life-giving properties of blood. Properly stimulated, they supply us with adrenalin, which can drive us to action, give us courage, sharpen our perception, keep us going on "sheer nerves" when necessary. Over-stimulated, as under the stress of fear, anger or some other violent emotion, these glands will pump adrenalin into our system and cause distressing manifestations. The heart suddenly pumping too fast, the sweat, the nausea caused by anxiety are all the result of adrenalin improperly directed. In a sense the adrenals are our most primitive glands. They have never learned that civilized man cannot rid himself of emotional reaction by going into simple physical action. They continue preparing us for battle, for roaring fury or flight when convention requires us to stand still, speak softly and duel exclusively with words. They make us pay dearly for any self-confidence that is only superficial. You cannot fool the adrenal glands, but you can make good friends with them through Yoga.