The endocrine system is a collection of glands that release or inhibit hormones into the circulatory system. These hormones regulate many functions in the body including temperature, hunger, thirst, metabolic rate, attachment, sleep, circadian rhythms, childbirth, emotions and growth. We can use our yoga practice to give each organ a squeeze and stimulate blood and energy flow to improve function of these glands and organs. The following practice is well rounded, and an excellent way to give your entire endocrine system a boost toward optimal function. Please skip any pose that is not appropriate for you.
Start in Sukhasana. (Easy crossed legs.) Root sit bones, long spine, lift heart and back of head. Jalandhara bandha.
Pranayama. Deep inhale, Long, slow exhale. x10
Visualize the intricate network of systems that make up the body. The respiratory, the circulatory, the endocrine, the nervous systems. See them all humming with energy and life. See them working well to keep you healthy and strong.
Cat/Cow. x3-5
Traditional Childs (with forehead making contact on to floor or block). 5 deep breaths
Rabbit Pose. 5 breaths
Headstand. 3-10 breaths
Balasana. (Extended Childs.) Side to side. 3-5 breaths
Adho Mukha Svanasana. (Downward Dog.) 5 breaths
Uttanasana. (Standing Forward Fold.) 3 breaths
Ardha Uttanasana. (Half way Standing forward fold.) 3 breaths
Tadasana. (Mountain) Reach up look up, open front body.
Vrksasana. (Tree.) 3-5 breaths each side
Utthita Trikonasana. (Triangle.) 3-5 breaths each side
Ardha chandrasana. (Half Moon.) 3-5 breaths each side
Setu bandhasana. 3-10 breaths Open book twists.
Halasana. (Plow.)
Shoulderstand.
Matsyasana. (Fish.)
Janu sirsasana. 3 breaths each side
Paschimottanasana. 5 breaths
Matsyendrasana D. 3 breaths each side
Savasana or Supta Baddha Konasana (with bolster supporting back). 3-5minutes
Start in Sukhasana. (Easy crossed legs.) Root sit bones, long spine, lift heart and back of head. Jalandhara bandha.
Pranayama. Deep inhale, Long, slow exhale. x10
Visualize the intricate network of systems that make up the body. The respiratory, the circulatory, the endocrine, the nervous systems. See them all humming with energy and life. See them working well to keep you healthy and strong.
Cat/Cow. x3-5
Traditional Childs (with forehead making contact on to floor or block). 5 deep breaths
Rabbit Pose. 5 breaths
Headstand. 3-10 breaths
Balasana. (Extended Childs.) Side to side. 3-5 breaths
Adho Mukha Svanasana. (Downward Dog.) 5 breaths
Uttanasana. (Standing Forward Fold.) 3 breaths
Ardha Uttanasana. (Half way Standing forward fold.) 3 breaths
Tadasana. (Mountain) Reach up look up, open front body.
Vrksasana. (Tree.) 3-5 breaths each side
Utthita Trikonasana. (Triangle.) 3-5 breaths each side
Ardha chandrasana. (Half Moon.) 3-5 breaths each side
Setu bandhasana. 3-10 breaths Open book twists.
Halasana. (Plow.)
Shoulderstand.
Matsyasana. (Fish.)
Janu sirsasana. 3 breaths each side
Paschimottanasana. 5 breaths
Matsyendrasana D. 3 breaths each side
Savasana or Supta Baddha Konasana (with bolster supporting back). 3-5minutes
The organs and correlating poses: Hypothalamus: Head/handstand. Forward fold. Half moon. Pituitary: Head/handstand. Forward fold. Pineal: Awareness at 3rd eye. Thyroid: Jalandarbandha. Plow. Shoulderstand. Fish. Rabbit. Viparita Karani. Janu sirsasana. Paschimottanasana. Parathyroid: Jalandarbandha. Plow. Shoulderstand. Fish. Rabbit. Viparita Karani. Janu sirsasana. Paschimottanasana. Thymus: Janu sirsasana. Paschimottanasana. Adrenals: Sukhasana. Pranayama. Half lotus. Bow. Viparita Karani. Supported badha konasana. Restorative. Pancreas: Twists. Balasana. Janu sirsasana. Paschimottanasana. Peacock. Teste/Ovary: Setu bandhasana. Bhujangasana. Supta baddha konasana. |