Each of the body’s basic seven chakras is associated with specific locations on the body, such as the heart, the throat, or the crown of the head. But when you look at a chakra chart, you don’t see the underlying network of glands (and their nearby organs) governed and influenced by the chakra system.
The function the chakras is very intricate in that it is an energy system that communicates with the body via biological systems, such as the endocrine glands and nervous system, to keep it balanced and healthy.
The Endocrine System
On its surface, the endocrine system seems quite complex. But when you break it down into its individual parts, it isn’t so bad.
Overall, this network of glands is in charge of producing, regulating and distributing hormones throughout the body. Released into the bloodstream, hormones play a pivotal role in the body’s ability to mature, metabolize nutrients, and function.
The 7 Chakras and Endocrine Glands
Here are each of the chakras, their corresponding gland, and their function:
- Root chakra (1st) — Reproductive glands (testes in men; ovaries in women); controls sexual development and secretes sex hormones.
- Sacral chakra (2nd) — Adrenal glands; regulates the immune system and metabolism.
- Solar Plexus chakra (3rd) — Pancreas; regulates metabolism.
- Heart chakra (4th) — Thymus gland; regulates the immune system.
- Throat chakra (5th) — Thyroid gland; regulates body temperature and metabolism.
- Third Eye chakra (6th) — Pituitary gland; produces hormones and governs the function of the previous five glands; sometimes, the pineal gland is linked to the third eye chakra as well as to the crown chakra.
- Crown chakra (7th) — Pineal gland; regulates biological cycles, including sleep.
How Chakras + Glands Work Together
Disturbances in the subtle energy of the chakras translate into physical manifestation and symptoms who are likely associated with the corresponding glands and organs. It is not to say that chakras are physical or physiological in nature. They are considered as energy centers that influence our being at many levels, including the physical and biological levels.
Whenever one of our energy centers is thrown off balance by a blockage, physical maladies can happen. It is important to remember that chakras function on the same principle as a pendulum. If one of them is underactive or overactive, signs will start to manifest that it’s “out of rhythm”. Chakra balancing is in order.
The disturbance is felt either at the level of that specific or the level of another chakra or set of chakras connected to it. For instance, when the throat chakra is blocked you may experience sore throat, neck pain, or laryngitis. Similarly, when the heart chakra is out-of-sorts, high blood pressure and heart-related problems can arise.
Examples of Connection Between the Chakra and Glandular Systems
Pituitary Gland Chakra
There are two chakra glands that serve to regulate overall glandular and biological function: the pituitary gland chakra and pineal gland chakra.
The pituitary’s main function is to regulate body chemistry. Located between the eyes, this pea-sized gland regulates emotion and intellect and works in partnership with the pineal gland to achieve overall balance.
Pineal Gland Chakra
Essentially, the cone-shaped pineal gland governs and (when necessary) inhibits pituitary gland function. It is the balancing of these two glands that helps facilitate the opening of the Third Eye.
Thymus Gland and the Heart Chakra
The chakra associated with the thymus gland is the Heart chakra or Anahata. It is located at the center of the chest, at the level of the collar bones. In chakra healing, it’s a useful area to regulate as it influences the state of the nervous system and helps calm agitation.
A simple technique to use to interact with the thymus gland, it to tap lightly with the tip of your fingers, either at the center of the chest at the collar bones level, or on each side about 3 to 4 inches away. The first technique calms the nervous system, the second one tends to brings the level of energy up.
Chakras and Organs
In addition to each chakra governing one of the seven glands, keep in mind there are major organs that are also affected. Here is a list of each chakra and the organs it influences:
- Root – Testes, kidneys, spine
- Sacral – Bladder, prostate, ovaries, kidneys, gall bladder, bowel, spleen
- Solar Plexus – Intestines, pancreas, liver, bladder, stomach, upper spine
- Heart – Heart, lungs
- Throat – Bronchial tubes, vocal cords, respiratory system, all areas of the mouth, including tongue and esophagus.
- Third Eye – Eyes, pituitary and pineal glands, brain
- Crown – Spinal cord and brain stem
Chakra Healing and Glands
To lead your chakra healing work at the physical level, endocrine glands are useful reference points. They represent a connection between the energetic nature of the chakras and the physical and physiological functions of the body.
Another useful entry point in balancing the energy body is the nervous system and its multiple nexi, most of them associated with glands and organs. To prepare a healing session, it can be useful to relax and balance the nervous system and then target a gland or a specific region of the body.
We can regulate the function of the chakras through breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation techniques, but also diet and exercise. By acting at the physical level, we support chakra functions are multiple levels, not only physically, but also psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. By working on one chakra, we also affect the entire chakra system’s balance.