Cynthia Krizo
November 19, 2019
A Biology A&P 163 Paper Assignment this Semester

The Effects of Meditation on the Endocrine System

I find the Endocrine to be one of the most interesting and most beneficial systems I have studied in Biology A & P so far. Having many personal issues with Anxiety and Hormonal Imbalance I find I relate more to this subject than any other. The Endocrine System is a very Intricate and major system of the body. It manufactures and distributes all the Important Hormones to maintain a balanced and healthy body. It’s got seven major glands that secrete hormones and chemicals throughout the body for complete hormonal balance. An over Abundance or Lack of one of these hormones can cause an imbalance in both the mind and the body creating a not so happy spirit to go along with it. There are many substances and factors both internal and external that contribute to endocrine imbalance. Chronic Stress and Age are the top two major contributors to imbalance which often leads to smoking cigarettes or using drugs and alcohol to cope. Our system also slows down and stops secreting a lot of hormones at different stages in life. Practices such as Meditation, Yoga, Reiki, Tai Chi, and Massage have all been known to help rebalance the endocrine system. These spiritual and healing practices which date back to ancient Eastern times have been used passed down and ritualized for millenniums.

Cortisol and Adrenaline

Starting with the most Superior Gland we come to the Pituitary Gland which rests inside the sphenoid bone inferior to the Hypothalamus of the brain. The Hypothalamus is an important Autonomic Nervous System and endocrine control center of the brain. The Pituitary is also known as the Master Gland of the system. The Pituitary Secretes major Hormones to the other glands of the body. Some of the main hormones that affect our overall body health and are produced by the Hypothalamus and Pituitary are the stress hormones Cortisol (aka Hydrocortisone) and Adrenaline (aka Epinedrine). Both ultimately secreted from the Adrenal Gland by way of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis which prepares and accesses our “Fight-or-Flight” response mechanism.

Research on people who meditate has proven that Meditation has a huge response on these two Hormones. In a research paper called “Biochemical Effects of Meditation” ( (Clark, 2015)) it was reviewed that high levels of Cortisol were equal to physical and psychological stress which activates the “Fight or Flight” Response and increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels, metabolism and suppresses the Immune System.

Excess amounts of Epinephrine (Adrenaline) have Bio-responses as well to fear (which is the major contributor to stress), physical exertion, it produces higher levels of alertness, and increase heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Meditation lowers levels of Adrenaline by Maintaining a more relaxed mindset.

Cortisol is also known as the Age Accelerating Hormone and when under chronic stress destroys healthy muscle and bones, leads to anxiety and depression and increases Brain Fog, Insomnia, and Inflammation. ( (EOC Institute, 2019)) A study by a Rutgers University doctor discovered that meditators had a nearly 50% reduction in cortisol levels!

Another study done by the Shamatha Project at the University of California, Davis, Research on Mindfulness Meditation, showed that Focusing on the present rather than letting the mind drift may help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. (htt)

Growth Hormone

The Pituitary also releases Growth Hormone. Often referred to as the “Fountain of Youth,” Growth Hormone stimulates growth during childhood and sustains tissues and bones in adults. As we age Growth Hormone secretion decreases and causes weaker bones and muscles, poor heart conditions, bad moods and lack of motivation and fatigue. Growth Hormone is present in Pregnant females and gives them that “Pregnancy Glow.” Celebrities have also been known to spend Tens of Thousands of dollars a year to purchase and use GH supplemental Hormones which are now illegal to sell in the United States. Studies on Meditation have shown that in deep states of meditation our brains reach the Key State “Delta” Brainwave frequency Normally reached in Deep Sleep and releases Growth Hormone Naturally. Higher levels of GH in adults promote healing, young skin, healthy cells and organs, strong bones and muscles, fat loss, higher energy and decreases Cardiovascular Disease.

Melatonin

Meditation boosts the hormone Melatonin by 98% (Rutgers University) some people showed an increase of 300%. Melatonin also known as the “Sleep Molecule” and “Chemical Superhero” is produced by the Pineal Gland. The Pineal Gland is located near the Hypothalamus Gland. Melatonin levels peak right before bedtime and is believed that increase during the dark hours of nighttime and decreases during Daylight, also there has been a study to say that “Screen Time” also decreases this hormone in the body. In the study of “Biochemical Effects of Meditation; Metabolites and Biomarkers,” Melatonin was found to Regulate the Sleeping-waking cycle, promote sleep, depression of CNS, reduction of pain sensitivity, Up regulations of Immune System and the promotion of general feeling of happiness. Other studies have shown that an increase in Melatonin lowers Cancer, depression, anxiety, inflammation, headaches and free radicals. An increase also increases immunity, cell renewal, and antioxidants.  

Serotonin

      5-Hydroxytryptamine (aka 5-HT aka Serotonin) is a precursor to Melatonin and a Neuroendocrine secreted from the Pineal Gland. Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin, and the pineal gland contains all of the enzymes necessary to synthesize serotonin from tryptophan as well as two additional enzymes required to convert serotonin to melatonin (Alan Frazer and Julie G Hensler.) 

Serotonin also affects the release of Cortisol. Whereas it is secreted from the Adrenal Cortex Gland by way of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (Siegel GJ, 1999). Serotonin helps regulate Physiological mechanisms by maintaining body temperature, motor control, and circadian rhythms. Serotonin is a crucial “Mood” Impactor and is known as the “Happy” Neurotransmitter and the key to relaying signals from one part of the brain to another. It regulates your overall state of well-being. Ingesting recreational drugs such as ecstasy, MDMA, cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin will cause an overall decrease in this “Happy” Neuroendocrine, decreasing the creation of new brain cells, which then causes depression and stress with age. Meditation and Mindfulness have been shown to create a “Happy Bath” to these Neurons, increasing levels of serotonin to be released. An increase in serotonin increases heart health, Neuroplasticity, brain cells, sleep, energy longevity, relaxation and feeling of Love. More serotonin also decreases anxiety, depression, obesity and feelings of loneliness.

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, known as the “Longevity Molecule” is an Endogenous Steroid Hormone produced by the Adrenal Gland, the Gonads, and the Brain. It can convert into a range of hormones such as Androgens, Estrogens and Sex Hormones. DHEA decreases with age. The levels are actually measured to find our “physiological” true Age. Meditators have an increase of 43.77 more DHEA than non-meditators (Dr. Vincent Giampapa M.D.) The benefits of more DHEA increase Longevity, heart health, brain function, muscle tone, metabolism and sex drive. It decreases mood swings, inflammation, and cholesterol.

GABA

Another Neurotransmitter GABA, found in the whole body that is a Chemical Component produced by the body occurs naturally in people who meditate. An actual 27% increase in GABA levels was found after 60 minutes of Meditation (*2010 Boston US of Med) That’s more powerful than exercise itself. GABA (Gama-aminobutyric acid), the “Calm Chemical’ is a major Inhibitory Neurotransmitter in the CNS. Lack of GABA can lead to addictions of food, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and caffeine. Increased GABA lowers anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD and increases brain function, mental focus, calmness, quiet mind, and stress relief.

Endorphhins

Meditation scored higher than running for the “feel-good effect” creating the Natural High of Endorphins! Endorphins are Neurotransmitters and there are at least 20 types of endorphins demonstrated in the human body. Endorphins can be found in the Pituitary Gland and are most commonly released when we experience pain, stress or pleasure. Secretion of Endorphins can lead to feelings of Euphoria, less pain and stress, modulation of appetite, the release of sex hormones and enhancement of Immune Response.

Meditation Types

The practice of Meditation has been scientifically proven to create an overall good feeling to the individual experiencing it. Quieting the brain and sitting still leads to deep thought, self-reflection and a better understanding of one’s self and surroundings.

There are many kinds of Meditation. Over 21 years ago I found the practice of Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the Meditation that first helped me to really understand and be able to go deeper into it. I read a book by Tich Nhat Hanh a Viet Nam Monk, Refugee, and Prisoner of War, titled “The Miracle of Mindfulness.” He outlined daily activities that you can mindfully do without even having to sit still. One of my favorite exercises at the time was to wash the dishes to just wash the dishes. Not thinking about the dreary task at hand and how much you don’t like doing it, but appreciating it for what it is and using it as a moment to step back outside of the situation and go deep within. I found myself not even thinking about it nor realizing how quickly the task went by because of the love and appreciation I put into it and myself while doing it.

Another Meditation technique I refer my clients and friends to use is Sound Therapy. Sound Therapy such as the use of Tuning Forks, Singing Bowls, Binaural Beats or Solfeggio’s creates Sound Frequencies aligned with the sounds of nature, emotions, Neurons, and planets. When listened to with headphones or playing the instruments yourself, your body aligns with the frequencies feeling the Vibration of the sound surrounding your being making it easier to slip away and clear your thoughts for a while.

You can also try Reiki. After 5 years of practicing it and 4 years of professionally offering it to my clients, I have created my own style of it. Reiki is using Source Energy and Touch to clear the blocks in the Human Vessel by bathing the Chakras (Energy Centers) and releasing any stagnant energy from the Physical Realm. If you’ve ever tried to meditate but find issues with “monkey-Brain” or that you cannot still the chatter in your mind, have someone give you Reiki. It’s like another person assists you in deep meditation by performing an energy massage that releases any blocks you may have, grounding you down and moving the energy out so that you can release your connection to the physical binds and limitations you have on this realm. In the last 75 years or so studies have shown that the 7 Chakras correlate with the 7 major Endocrine Glands. You can also give yourself a Chakra Bath by placing your hands on or above these energy centers and bathing yourself with intentions to heal and to move any stagnant energy surrounding these areas. I am giving a brief description below to back up my reasons to meditate and to focus your intent on a healthy Endocrine System.

Chakras

The First Chakra is the Root Chakra it is found at the base of the spine. This Chakra is for Grounding, Survival, and Stability. It correlates to the Adrenal Cortex Glands and ties into the Adrenaline “Fight or Flight” response enabling you to ground down and get stable and give yourself a quick reality check.

The second Chakra is the Sacral Chakra it is found 3 inches below the naval at the Sacrum and correlates with the Sex Organs, particularly the Ovaries. This is where we store a lot of emotions and the drive to create and release.

The third Chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra, it is at our “Core” just above the Belly Button aligned with the aorta and Celiac Plexus. This Chakra correlates to the Pancreas Gland, Stomach and Upper intestines. The Pancreas Secretes Insulin and glucagon which regulates the levels of glucose in the body. Our stomach and intestines break down food and move it through our body generating heat and life. Our third Chakra relates to our core being, our strength it’s the power center of who we are.

The fourth Chakra is the Heart Chakra and is found at the center of our chest in the Thoracic Cavity directly correlating with the Thymus Gland. The Thymus Gland secretes Thymosin which aids in the development of White Blood Cells protecting our bodies against infection. It is also the center of the Circulatory System, Pumping Life Source through our bodies. The Heart Chakra represents Healing Properties and the feelings and expressions of Love and Life. When you see the images of Mother Maria her Fourth Chakra is Illuminated by the glowing Heart. This expresses the expanse of the Heart Center.

The Fifth Chakra is the Throat Chakra, it correlates with the Thyroid. The Thyroid’s main job is to secrete hormones for Metabolism, Calcium, and Homeostasis. The Throat Chakra dominates this area of the body and represents communication and speaking up for yourself and what you believe in. Some people have an issue with “eating their feelings” this could represent a thyroid issue in which where the person does not speak up and is over or underweight so they do not want to be seen.

The Sixth Chakra is the Brow Chakra referred to as the Third Eye. As the Chakras get higher they correlate with the most important Glands we have. The Brow correlates with the Pituitary Gland. As we discussed earlier, so many important Hormones are released from here that influence our Body Chemistry. This is also the seat of the ANS. Important Hormones and Neurotransmitters are secreted here like Oxytocin, the Empathy Endorphin Hormones of Happiness and Growth Hormone. The Third Eye represents Intuition, Visualization and making mature life choices.   

The Seventh Chakra is the Crown Chakra and is located at the top of your head and is expressed by a Diamond or Amethyst Quartz Crystal Thousand Petal Lotus. The Crown correlates with the Pineal Gland and the CNS. Many Neurotransmitters originate from here and the Pineal is responsible for Bio Rhythms and regulates Melatonin for Cycles of Anxiety and Sleep. The Crown Chakra correlates with the All-Known and the ability to Transcend oneself to higher realms of existence.

There is so much more that I can get into but I will leave it for a future blog post or something Publicly informative at another time. I hope you enjoyed this paper and if you’d like to know more about the modalities I teach and practice you can visit my website at www.lotusmudratherapeutics.com.

Works Cited

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328142313.htm

Clark, W. C. (2015, october). Biochemical Effects of Meditation. Retrieved from https://commons.clarku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1017&context=surj

EOC Institute. (2019). Retrieved from https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-increases-endocrine-system-function/

Siegel GJ, A. B. (1999). Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects. 6th edition. Retrieved from ncbi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27940/