PINEAL GLAND, Physically

Physically, the pineal gland is a cone-shaped gland located in the midbrain behind the thalamus and hangs from the roof of the back of the 3rd ventricle of the brain. Ventricles are the spaces in the brain containing cerebral spinal fluid. (Photograph by Lennart Nilsson, Life Magazine October 1, 1971)

The pineal gland is connected to the thalamus, hypothalamus, basil nuclei and medial temporal lobe. It is a still a somewhat mysterious gland in that scientists believe there is still more to learn about its function, though we know it controls our circadian rhythms. (The hypothalamus is also sensitive to light and dark and therefore affects circadium rhythms.) The pineal gland is considered a master gland (as is the pituitary gland/hypothalamus), both being responsible for the regulation of all the other endocrine glands.

The pineal gland (as well as the GI tract and the retina of the eye) secretes the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is stimulated by Darkness and inhibited by Light.

The peak production of melatonin is in darkness about 2:00 am. Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythms), breathing cycles, and our awareness of the time of day and the seasons via the degree of light coming through the retina of the eyes. The more darkness in the environment, the more melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland. Vice versa, the more light, the less secretion of melatonin. Another interesting correlation is that the pineal gland actually contains cells just like those in the retina of our eyes.

Balancing the pineal gland can relieve insomina, jet lag, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), breathing irregularities and depression. Some believe the dysfunction in the secretion of melatonin may play a part in autism and cancer.

Stress, aging, lack of complete darkness when sleeping, not getting enough sleep and electric blankets (and other elctromagnetic influences such as TVs and computers) have been shown to decrease melatonin secretion.

Also, melatonin decreases seratonin. So too little melatonin production creates too much seratonin, which can create agitated states and even psychosis. Too little seratonin can cause depression.

The pineal gland hardens, atrophies and shrinks as we age, but there are ways to discourage this process. Meditation, regular good nights sleep, quiet environments, relaxing activities, being in nature, and retaining childlike wonder & imagination are some of the ways to keep the pineal gland young and vital.

PINEAL GLAND, Spiritually

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." Matt 6:22 King James Version

The pineal gland hangs from the roof of the completely dark cave of the 3rd ventricle of the brain and is constantly bathed in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). This gland was called "Seat of the Soul" by French philosopher Rene Descartes and Alice Bailey. It is thought that the pineal gland is the connection to our Soul. Could it be that the pineal gland is our Soul in physical form?

Spiritually, the pineal gland is associated with both the Crown & 3rd Eye Chakras. Some believe it to be like an antenna or satellite dish receiving cosmic energies through the Crown Chakra.

The 3rd Eye Chakra is located directely between our physical eyes being associated with clairvoyance, which is the ability to "see" beyond the physical sense of sight. The pineal gland, as stated earlier, is intimately connected with our physical vision being affected by varying degrees of light and darkness through our physical eyes. Both light and dark are necessary for our pineal gland to be healthy and alive, just as metaphorically both "light" and "dark" must exist in all of cosmology.

When the pineal gland is vibrant, there is the potential to make rapid leaps in spiritual development and illumination. The pineal gland is Light Made Manifest in the physical human body. It is said that the pineal gland is what connects us with the unknowable, the great mystery, the great beyond. How? We still do not understand. This is the great mystery and potentially is the also the ecstacy!

According to Mantak Chia, when the pineal gland is activated, it is receiving and converting higher dimensional light into usable information for the pituitary gland.

Chia speaks of the Crystal Palace, a sacred and spiritually active area deep inside the brain. When the Crystal Palace is activated via darkness and meditation, one is given a direct connection with Source. By focusing on this area of the brain and embracing its darkness, there is the potential for psychic experiences and enlightenment. (Diagram from "The Taoist Soul Body" by Mantak Chia)

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

Interaction with the Crown and 3rd Eye Chakras will directly affect the pineal gland. Use your intention to locate the gland based on your study of the anatomy diagrams on this page.

Also you can use your activated Tuning Fork on the Pineal reflex point which is just off the outside top corner of the toenail of the big toe.

MIDBRAIN

The midbrain is the highest part of the brain stem, which is an extension of the spinal cord.The pineal gland is located in the midbrain behind the thalamus and hangs from the roof of the 3rd ventricle of the brain. The midbrain is is part of the brain stem and joins lower parts of the brain stem and spinal cord with higher parts of the brain.

The midbrain is a 2-way relay for visual and auditory impulses. Near the center of the midbrain is also a mass of gray matter caled the red nucleus, which communicates with the cerebellum and with centers of the spinal cord. Therefore, though not directly connected to the spine, it does affect the entire spine especially in relation to motor coordination and posture.

Though there are no direct contacts with the midbrain, studying the anatomy of the midbrain and using intention will allow you to make contact with it.

PITUITARY GLAND & HYPOTHALAMUS, Physically

Physically, the pituitary gland is a double-lobed pea sized gland nestled in the Turkish Saddle (sella turcica) portion of the sphenoid bone at the roof of the nose. The sphenoid bone is the only bone that connects to all the other bones of the cranium and its movement is responsible for "milking" the pituitary gland to secrete its hormones. There is also a direct connection between the sphenoid bone and the coccyx, so therefore also between the pituitary/hypothalamus and adrenal glands.

The hypothalamus lies directly above the pituitary gland and below ("hypo") the thalamus.

The pituitary gland is composed of the anterior and posterior lobes and hangs from the base of the brain by a stalk that is directly attached to the hypothalamus. See the photo to the right of a sheep's pituitary gland, stalk, hypothalamus and 3rd ventricle. The reddish ball on the bottom half comprises the 2 lobes of the pituitary gland. In an adult human or sheep, the pituitary gland is roughly the size and shape of a garbonzo bean.

The pituitary gland is a master gland, (as is the pineal gland), and produces hormones that specifically affect all the other endocrine glands. It has been called the "General's Headquarters".

It is important to understand that the hypothalamus controls pituitary function. It is called the "central processing unit" for the whole hormonal system. It is also referred to as the "computer chip of the brain". Another metaphor is that the hypothalamus is the CEO, which directs the President, the pituitary gland, to process messages via hormones to and from the other endocrine glands.

Another major role is that the hypothalamus connects the endocrine and nervous systems. Neural control-centers in the brain direct the endocrine glands. The main neural control center is the hypothalamus, also known as the "master switchboard." So you can see, the hypothalamus' healthy functioning is extremely important to the wellbeing of our entire system.

PITUITARY GLAND & HYPOTHALAMUS, Spiritually

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

When you are working with the pituitary gland, you are also working with the hypothalamus and vice versa. Interaction with the 3rd Eye and Crown Chakras will directly affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. You may also connect with both by making contact with the outer tips of the sphenoid bone.You can find it by running your fingertip down from the end of the brow until you find a slight indentation. Use care when placing a tuning fork at this location. It is a very sensitive point. I recommend using the tuning fork slightly off the body.

Also put the stem end of your activated fork on the Pituitary reflex point which is in the center of the pad of the big toe.

MEDULLA OBLONGATA

The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brain stem, which is an extension of the spinal cord. The medulla oblongata is integral in the transmission of nerve impulses between the spinal cord and the higher brain centers, including the pituitary gland. Medulla Oblongata serves to connect the spinal cord and the brain.

The medulla oblongata works directly with the hypothalamus.

The medulla oblongata works directly with the hypothalamus and thus the pituitary gland. Both the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata are responsible for controlling involuntary processes such as the regulation of the heartbeat, breathing, constriction and dilation of blood vessels, and body temperature.

Contact can be made with intention at the base of the skull.

THYROID GLAND, Physically

Physically, the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are located in front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid gland, which partially surrounds the trachea, is butterfly-shaped and plays an important role in the body's metabolism. It governs the body's energy levels and energy output. Both the thyroid and parathyroid glands also play a role in the regulation of the body's calcium and phosphate balance. In children, the thyroid gland plays a role in bone growth and development of the brain and nervous system .

The pituitary gland controls the release of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones also help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone, and reproductive functions.

THYROID GLAND, Spiritually

The thyroid gland corresponds to the Throat Chakra. The throat, neck and thyroid/parathyroid glands are where the Ether (space) element resides, and is the bridge between the head (the mind) and the rest of the body. It is where the spiritual comes into the physical. It is the gateway for Spirit to dwell in the physical body. When the Throat Chakra is open, the thyroid/parathyroid glands flourish, and the human Soul "wakes up" within its physical body.

Because of the narrowing of this area of the body, energy can easily become constricted here. When we are ungrounded and feeling spacey, it is because we cannot channel the spiritual energy down and ground it completely in our physical body. There is a tendency to want to "leave" the body and some people feel they do not want to be here on Earth. Vice versa, when people feel they have no connection with Spirit, they feel weighted down in the day to day events of life which appear to have no meaning. They are unable to open the Ether bridge to allow Spirit to enter their physical body and spark their Soul.

The neck area is where we take in air, inhaling and exhaling. It is the bridge through which the breath must pass in order that we may live. Spirit comes into us through the inbreath, and on the outbreath we release what is no longer needed. Deep breathing can revitalize the thyroid/parathyroid glands as well as the whole body, bringing in life-force energy, calm and serenity.

Mercury, the messenger god of communication, resides in the Throat Chakra, allowing us to speak our truth out into the world. When the thyroid is not functioning well, our Throat Chakra can become restricted thus hindering our ability to convey our true self to others. When we share who we really are with others, the spoken word becomes a Blessing and a Healing.

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

You can make contact with the thyroid gland by gently placing your tuning fork on or above the front of the neck over the thyroid gland. Be extremely careful. This is a very senstive point. And also on the lower neck on the back of the body. Interaction with the Throat Chakra will directly also affect the thyroid gland.

You can also stimulate the thyroid reflex zone on the bottom base of the big toe or thumb with your activated tuning fork.

CERVICAL VERTABRAE

From the brain stem emerges the 7 Cervical vertabra, known as C1 through C7, pictured in yellow in the diagram. The thyroid gland resonates with the Cervical vertebrae.

This section of the spine resonates with the Thyroid/Cervical tuning fork frequency. Spinal nerves, bone, tissue and fluids can be favorably affected by this frequency.

THYMUS GLAND, Physically

Physically, the thymus gland is located in the upper part of the chest, specificlly in front and above the heart behind the sternum. It produces T-lymphocytes (T-cells), white blood cells that fight infections and destroy abnormal cells. It is considered the master gland of a healthy immune system.

It's job is to identify foreign cells such as toxins, viruses, bacteria, cancer, etc., so that these cells can be destroyed by the T-cells.

The thymus gland responds quickly to acute stress, minimizing its ability to fight abnormal cells. An infection can shrivel it to half its size in 24 hours.

The thymus gland is large in infants and reaches its maximum size at 10-12 years of age. After puberty it shrinks in size with fat and connective tissue replacing much of the thymus tissue. In the elderly, thymic tissue is almost completely gone.

The thyroid and mammary glands have blood vessels that connect to the thymus, so there is an important connection between the thymus and thyroid and reproductive function.

The thymus gland can be easily damaged by oxidation and free radicals. Anti-oxidants are critical to thymus gland health. There are several vitamins and herbs that support healthy thymus function. Tapping gently on the sternum in the area of the thymus can stimulate its function.

THYMUS GLAND, Spiritually

The thymus gland center is called the Higher Heart or Transcendental Heart Chakra center, also called the Ananda Khanda. The color that resonates at this center is TURQUOISE.

Science has proven that T-cell count increases when we are feeling the emotions of love. It is directly affected by our ability to give and receive love. When we are feeling bitter, angry, or hateful towards ourselves or another, our ability to fight infection and disease is reduced. A healthy thymus gland is directly connected to the development of compassion and loving kindness. The Dalai Lama exudes this love.

The Higher Heart Chakra center is not about romantic, sentimental or sexual love. It is about agape love, or the love which is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself. It is also humanitarian love, the love and compassion for those in need.

Low self-esteem, emotional extremes, loss of a loved one, and negative thinking may reduce T-cell production. Positive thinking, non-judgement, compassion, gentleness and selfless giving promote a healthy thymus gland.

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

You can make contact with the thymus gland by toning your tuning fork on or above the area of the thymus gland on the chest. You can also stimulate the gland by gently tapping your knuckles over the area, or deeply massaging between the ribs. Spend more time with the tuning fork in the areas that are painful. Interaction with the Heart Chakra will directly affect the thymus gland.

You can also stimulate the Thymus reflex zone of the foot with your activated tuning fork. See the diagram to the left. It is on the inside ridge of the foot on the Cervical 7 spinal point.

UPPER THORASIC VERTABRAE

The Thorasic vertebrae are called T1 through T12. The thymus gland resonates with the upper Thorasic vertebrae, T1 through T6, pictured in green in the diagram.

This section of the spine resonates with the Thymus/Upper Throasic tuning fork frequency. Spinal nerves, bone, tissue and fluids can be favorably affected by this frequency.

PANCREAS GLAND, Physically

Physically, the pancreas gland is an elongated organ located diagonally across the back of the abdomen, slightly below and behind the stomach and in front of the spine. More of the pancreas is on the left side of the body than the right.

The pancreas plays two roles having both digestive and hormonal functions. One part of the pancreas, the exocrine pancreas, secretes digestive enzymes. The other part of the pancreas, the endocrine pancreas, secretes hormones that regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Diabetes is a common ailment of a poorly functioning pancreas. Depending on the type of diabetes, this can be remedied by exercise, dietary changes and stress reduction.

PANCREAS GLAND, Spiritually

The pancreas relates to the Solar Plexus Chakra and all the qualities of this Chakra including self-esteem, happiness, empowerment, concentration, focus, intellect and confidence. It also regulates how we let sweetness into our life. Underlying feelings of disempowerment and low self-esteem can prevent us from realizing and opening to the beautiful nectar of living on this planet. This may play out as over expression or suppression of feelings. When we look, notice and engage with life and live it to the fullest, our pancreas will respond positively.

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

You can make contact with the pancreas gland by toning your tuning fork on or above the area of the pancreas gland in the area of the stomach or above the area of the spine on the back (see diagram above). You can also stimulate the gland by gently massaging the area of the stomach. Spend more time with the tuning fork in the areas that are painful. You can also stimulate the pancreas reflex zone on the spine at the point where the lower thorasic (T12) and upper lumbar (L1) meet with your tuning fork. Interaction with the Solar Plexus Chakra front and back will directly affect the pancreas gland.

You can also place the stem end of your activated fork on the Pancreas reflex point.

LOWER THORASIC & LUMBAR VERTABRAE

The pancreas gland resonates with the lower Thorasic vertebrae, T7 through T12, pictured in green, and the Lumbar vertebrae L1 through L5, pictured in blue.

This section of the spine resonates with the Pancreas/Lower Thorasic & Lumbar tuning fork frequency. Spinal nerves, bone, tissue and fluids can be favorably affected by this frequency.

GONADS, Physically

The gonads are the ovaries in a woman and testes in a man. They are the main source of sex hormones, which are the chemicals that secrete the essences for new life via eggs and sperm. They create our feminine and masculine characteristics, respectively.

A female's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). They are about the size of unshelled almonds. In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control the development of female characteristics, for example, breast growth, and they are also involved in reproductive functions, for example, menstruation and pregnancy.

A male's testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the body between the legs. The testes produce harmones called androgens, the most important of which is testosterone. The hormones secreted by the testes affect many male characteristics, for example, sexual development, growth of facial hair and pubic hair, as well as sperm production.

There is a direct connection between the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Adrenal fatigue and affect a woman's menstrual cycle. A woman who is experiencing extreme or long-term stress, an illness, an unhealthy diet, or who smokes or drinks in excess, may have severe symptoms during menopause due to the adrenals being over taxed. Easy menstrual cycles and the ease of transition into and through menopause depends upon the strength and vitality of the adrenal glands. In a healthy woman during menopause, the adrenal glands will be able to gradually take over hormonal production from the ovaries.

The adrenal glands are also the main auxillary source of androgens (masculizing hormones) such as testosterone. Exhaused adrenal glands alter the production of testosterone in both men and women. An overactive adrenal cortex and cause masculinization in women and vice versa in men.

GONADS GLAND, Spiritually

The sexual glands are about creation/creativity and accepting and embracing the various stages of life. There is a rich history in indigenous cultures about the stages of a woman's development.

Sexual Development	Female Development	Plant Development Metaphor
Onset of Menses	Maiden	Flower	The onset of menses, or the maiden stage of life, is considered the full flowering of her being.
Pregnancy & Birth	Motherhood	Fruit	Motherhood years is a time of creating and birthing new life. This is when a woman bears fruit from her matured sexual system.
Post Menopausal	Crone	Seed	The seed stage is the menopausal and post-menopausal years. This is called the wise crone time of one's life. The seed holds everything: itself and the potential for the flower and the fruit. This is a time in one's life of wisdom and peace.

Unfortunately, society doesn't view the development of a woman's body and the stages of her life in the most positive way. When a woman is having her bleeding time, you often hear "she's on the rag", "she's being bitchy", "she's too sensitive" or "she's too emotional". During pregnancy, a woman is often looked at as having lost the beauty of her body and is seen as overly emotional. At childbirth, often a woman doesn't have control over how the birth process will take place, which produces anxiety, stress and fear. Just hear the word "Crone" and the conotations are usually phrases like "dried up", "old maid", "witch" and "hag". Women need positive images and words during all stages of their life. By working with the vibration of the Ovaries, one can help restore a sense of empowerment and self-esteen in one's body and embrace the hormonal changes in life.

The Moon directly affects a woman's menses cycle, just as it affects the ocean tides and when sap rises in a plant. The Moon's phases from one Full Moon to the next is 28 1/2 days. And so it is the same 28 1/2 days with a woman's cycle when she is balanced and healthy. Women who spend long periods of time together often find their cycles aligning with each other. Connecting with the 28 1/2 day cycles of the Moon can help a woman become more aware of her own cycle and help to regulate it.

For both men and women, being out-of-balance with their sexual self can manifest as an obsession with sex or a fear of sex. Often men and women are uncomfortable with intimacy and it manifests as an overactive libido. There is a strong sense of the need to procreate in the human species. However, when the focus is on the sexual act without the sense of intimacy and respect, the Sacral chakra and the gonads will suffer.

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

Care must be taken when making contact directly with the testicles. It is best to use the Gonad tuning fork off body near the testicles. For a woman, light touch on the abodomen in the area of the ovaries is fine. Making contact with the Sacral water chakra will also be making contact with the reproductive system as a whole in both men and women.

Place the stem end of your activated fork on the Ovary and Testicle reflex zone which is located diagonally below the outside ankle bone. Deeply massaging this area is also beneficial.

SACRUM

The triangular shapped Sacrum (meaning "sacred bone") consists of 5 vertebrae in an adult after age 25, at which time it usually becomes fused. In a child 0-26, it consists of four or five sacral vertebrae. It is pictured in magenta in the diagram, resonate with the gonads.

This section of the spine resonates with the Gonads/Sacrum tuning fork frequency. Spinal nerves, bone, tissue and fluids can be favorably affected by this frequency.

ADRENAL GLANDS, Physically

Physically, the pair of adrenal glands, also referred to as the suprarenal glands, are are triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Their primary function is to govern the body's adaptations to stress of any kind.

The adrenal glands are made up of two parts. The outer part is called the adrenal cortex, and the inner part is called the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal cortex produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism, the balance of salt, potassium and water in the body, the immune system, and sexual function. It is also responsible for the production of cortisol, which regulates glucose levels and inflammation of tissue.

The adrenal medulla produces hormones that help the body cope with physical and emotional stress by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.

The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, also called hypoadrenea, is running rampant. It is the decreased ability of the adrenal glands to respond adequately to stress. The primary symptom is extreme fatigue, and it occurs when stress from any source, including physical, emotional, mental or environmental, exceeds (either cumulatively or in intensity), the body's capacity to adjust appropriately to the demands placed upon it by stress.

Adrenal fatigue can cause a host of problems including debilitating fatigue(not relieved by sleep), low stamina, lethargy, craving/addiction of salty or sweet foods, cold sensitivity, low blood pressure, increeased effort to do everyday tasks, difficulty getting up in the morning, feeling overwhelmed, lack of focus, depression, irritability, low libido, increased time to recover from illness, injury or trauma, light-headed when standing up, and loss of interest in life. In women, it also increases PMS, and can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.

ADRENAL GLANDS, Spiritually

The adrenal glands are related to the Root Chakra in several ways. They greatly assist us in keeping our Soul on the physical plane and provide the basic needs for survival. The adrenal glands are intimately involved with our absorbtion of vital pranic life force energy in the ethers all around us. This prana restores our adrenal glands, keeping them vital.

They are also related to the Solar Plexus Chakra. They provide the energy (Root Chakra) we need to find our power and take action (Solar Plexus Chakra) when our "fight or flight" response (Root Chakra) is triggered. They also accomodate our physical, mental and emotional needs to deal with stress (Root Chakra).

Balanced, healthy adrenal glands will help us stay grounded, feel vitality, feel calmly focused and alert, provide support to our parasympathetic nervous system whose job is to restore our body, and allow us to take in vital life-force energy from the ethers.

HOW TO MAKE CONTACT

Each adrenal gland is only about 2" high by 1 1/4-2" wide by 1/4" thick and sit on top of each kidney (see illustration below). The adrenal glands are located just underneath the 11th and 12th ribs (the last 2 ribs) on the back plus a little bit beyond the ribs and about 1/3 of the way out from the spine. You can make light contact with your hands or tone your activated tuning fork over and/or on these areas.

You can also place the stem end of your activated fork on the Adrenal reflex point.

COCCYX

The Coccyx (tailbone) consists of 4 fused vertebra and is pictured in red in the diagram, is located at the end of the spinal column and resonate with the adrenal glands.

This section of the spine resonates with the Adrenals/Coccyx tuning fork frequency. Spinal nerves, bone, tissue and fluids can be favorably affected by this frequency.