How Emotions Can Upset the Glands
Endocrine System Translates Emotion Into Physical Responses
Jan 15, 2009
The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes. This system consists of a network of ductless glands that regulate and balance the body’s hormones, PH, temperature and assimilation of light. The endocrine glands include the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, gonads (ovaries and testes) and adrenals. Each of these glands consist of specialized cells performing specific functions and requires nutrients.
The Endocrine System and Emotions
The endocrine system is also the primary means by which the body translates emotions into physical responses. This process happens constantly. Every feeling experienced affects the body in some way.
Feelings that are expressed immediately affect physical functioning in the moment then gradually dissipate. Denied, suppressed or repressed feelings stay unresolved for as long as they are held back. They continue to affect functioning in indirect ways contributing to the nervous, anxiety, depression and physical disease processes. The fact of holding any emotion back has inevitable physical consequences.
Every experienced feeling provides automatic, instantaneous feedback about a particular person or situation. Feelings are not chosen, they just happen. A person chooses to let it flow or to restrict it.
There are basically only two fundamental kinds of feelings, love and fear. Whatever people do it is done for only one of two fundamental reasons: either because of the desire to experience something for the sheer enjoyment of it or because of fearing the consequences of not doing it.
Love and Fear
Fear disrupts the endocrine system and it affects the body. Love is harmonious and balances a peson's entire being. If what is experienced is not genuine desire, joy or love then there is a hidden fear lurking somewhere. Every time anxiety,agitation, nervousness,depression or anger is experienced, it's an invitation to look for the unresolved fear that causes these feelings. The challenge is to find the imbalance that's causing these feelings and to restore balance.
The Endocrine Glands
Pituitary: Emotions that affect the pituitary include inadequacy and feeling out of control. Where the pituitary is involved, feelings often dominate over logic.
Thyroid: Certain negative emotions, if felt long enough may adversely affect the thyroids. Feelings of humiliation, stifled feelings, overwhelmed, overstressed, victimized and powerlessness are some negative emotions. An underactive thyroid gland may produce: irritability, depression, mood swings, low self-esteem, crying easily and the dislike to work under pressure.
Thymus: Some emotions if felt deeply and long enough can affect the thymus. These emotions include: not feeling safe, feeling attacked by life or the fear of others “out to get you”.
Pancreas: Feelings of rejection, anger and frustration may affect the pancreas.
Gonads: Not feeling safe to be a woman or a man or not accepting one's femininity or masculinity can affect the sex glands (testis and ovaries). Extreme negative emotions about one's sexuality can cause impotence or frigidity.
Adrenals: Mind and body are interrelated and interdependent. Certain emotional states affect the production of adrenal glands. Anxiety, fear and anger stimulate the adrenal glands to secrete hormones (especially epinephrine, norepinephrine and the glucocorticoids). The “adrenaline flow” is the body's natural response to an emergency situation. Overactive adrenal glands may produce: aggressive behavior, intense feelings and the strong dislike of being crossed. An underactive adrenal gland may produce: depression, nervousness, negativity, strong preference for being alone, inferior complex or avoidance of complaints or discomforts.
Pineal: This small gland produces melatonin, a hormone that affects wake and sleep patterns.
Keeping Emotions in Check
There are constructive ways to express feelings. Having a good support system of friends and family to help deal with life's stress factors. Having quiet time along is important in maintaining good emotional health.
The next time the feeling of the heart pounding, pulse racing, muscles tensing up or nerves are on edge, and there is no imminent danger, that's the endocrine system sending a very important message. Listen to the message and find out what that hidden fear is. The sooner this is accomplished, the better one's emotional health.
 |
 |
 |
 |
