As we’ve discussed in our last post on how to rewire our brains for better health, the yogis and mystics of eastern culture and civilization have known (often intuitively) for millennia what western science has only been able to prove fairly recently. Our goal in the post is to continue the theme of bridging the gap between science and mysticism. So, let’s look into the relationship between the first chakra and adrenal gland.
When yogis talks about the first chakra, scientifically and biologically speaking, they refer to the adrenal gland. The symptoms that those with a closed or imbalanced root chakra have, feeling unsafe and untrusting of the world as associated with an overactive adrenal gland. It releases too much cortisol and adrenaline that can wreak havoc on our immune system, causing cardiovascular, digestive and mental health issues. We present you with mental and physical exercises that can help you balance these as you bring your root chakra and your adrenal gland in a state of balance:
- Standing poses
- Walking
- Grounding
- Lotus pose
Table Of Contents
1. Introduction: Balance in the Body
2. Looking Into the Actual Science Behind ‘Energy’
3. Biological and Chemical Effects of Thoughts on Our Health
3.1. What does the Yogi say about the 1st chakra?
4. Long-Term Effects of Cortisol and Adrenaline – Our Stress Response
5. Step by Step Physical/Mental Exercises for the 1st Chakra and Adrenal Gland:
6. Conclusion: Break the Cycle
7. Sources
Introduction: Balance in the Body
All good Yogis know the importance of balance. In science, we call balance equilibrium. According to University of California, Davis, a chemical equilibrium is: “a state in which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the backward reaction. In other words, there is no net change in concentrations of reactants and products. This kind of equilibrium is also called dynamic equilibrium.”
The human body is a powerful and beautiful machine. And just like all biological creatures, it’s always striving for chemical equilibrium. Our body’s endocrine system regulates hormones, “chemical messengers”, into the body through glands.
As outlined by Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD in Emedicinehealth, “These hormones regulate the body’s growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function. The hormones are released into the bloodstream and may affect one or several organs throughout the body.”
What are the organs affected?
You guessed it. They line up with the seven chakras! And balancing each chakra is about optimal functioning of each respective gland. To learn more about how to balance each chakra, check our ultimate guide. Everything you need to know about chakras is there.
Looking Into the Actual Science Behind the Word ‘Energy’
It has once been said that mysticism allows us to access information outside the intellect, often through intuition and deep mediation. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to “access” someone else’s mind. And it’s even harder to prove the validity of any claim.
I prefer the language of science. It’s specific, measurable, and has been proven (again and again) in both lab and the real world. I’m not here to use vague words like “energy” without describing, as specifically as modern science allows – what type of energy.
Like most forms of energy, you can’t hold it….
It’s electric! (boogey, boogey, boogey).
And, as electric current flows, it creates a magnetic field. This is why most of the energy we will be discussing is electromagnetic.
But let’s be clear… the “hard science” still isn’t in yet!
The noetic sciences (the science of thoughts and the electromagnetic waves) are still in their infancy.
Non-coincidentally, it was perhaps the greatest scientific mind in the 20th century, Nikola Tesla, that said: “The day science begins to study non–physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.”
And so much of the science behind Yoga is precisely that study of the non-physical. Each pose is more than just a work out! Even a novice (like me) understands the mind-body connection, and this connection resonates and flows through body like a wave.
Biological and Chemical Effects of Thoughts on Our Health
Scientifically speaking – feelings are more than just feelings. There are chemical reactions involved, perhaps hundreds or thousands of them!
A thought is more than just a thought. Here too, there are excitable impulses. When fired in unison, they create electromagnetic waves. And these create a MEASURABLE brain wave state.
As discussed in our previous blog post, there are five different brain wave states ranging from very high frequency (Gamma) to very low dreamless and deep rapid eye movement sleep (Delta). Check that article to understand more on brainwaves and the science behind how yoga can help you reach the most optimal ones to calm down.
We are generally in a higher frequency (faster) brain wave state when we are active and focused. For example, when working diligently or in conversation. In most cases, this is usually a beta brain wave state. Beta is highly useful, but we are not supposed to LIVE there. Just like the yogis’ chakras, brain wave states must be balanced. (To learn more about how to open each chakra, see this post. There’s tons of useful tools to balance 7 main chakras.)
However, we live in a society that is endlessly stimulated by technology. Our bosses now have 24/7 access to us. We are constantly emailing, texting, browsing, and scrolling. Effectively, we are scrolling ourselves into multiple forms of neuroses. And for a growing number of people today, they manifest as stress, anxiety, and depression.
While very useful in short to medium doses, living life in beta (especially high beta) is downright dangerous. This exacerbates our stress response. This flight or fights response evolved biologically to be very temporary and not designed for lengthy periods.
This is where thoughts BECOME REAL. And they can chemically and biologically negatively affect our physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Long-Term Effects of Cortisol and Adrenaline – Our Stress Response
Chemically speaking, during the stress response, both the hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released. If this continues, eventually our immune system, and virtually every other bodily system, will suffer.
Exactly which bodily systems will suffer and to what degree will largely depend on the individual. And some important differentiating variables will be age, genetics, etc. Heart rate is highly increased during this time. So, the risk of heart disease as well as many heart conditions increases significantly.
Ever feel that sinking feeling in your gut when you’re stressed or nervous? Well, not surprisingly, your digestive system is also affected. And the risk of stomach and digestive issues also increases. A prolonged stress response is also linked to weight gain. It, once again, taxes the heart and the circulatory system. Can’t stop thinking when stressed or nervous? Over time, this can greatly increase risk of migraines and headaches.
The list goes on and on. There are also studies that suggest prolonged and chronic stress can indirectly cause cancer. Moreover, they can make existing cancer worse.
Shelley Tworoger, an associate professor of population science at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida from Live Science explains,
“What’s more, chronic stress weakens the immune system. Since the immune system acts as the cleaning crew that destroys and mops up damaged cells with genetic or metabolic errors, a weakened immune system could be the doorway in for cancer cells.”
There is “growing evidence that chronic stress can affect the cancer risk and progression through immune dysregulation,” said Dr. Elisa Bandera. She is a professor and chief of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes at the Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Jersey.
So to review, the main two hormones produced during the chronic stress response are adrenaline and cortisol.
What does the Yogi say about the 1st chakra?
Both hormones are produced directly in the adrenal gland. In Yoga we call this the root, or 1st Chakra.
Timothy Pope, a counselor and practitioner states,
“The Root Chakra is about being physically there and feeling at home in situations. If it is open, you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don’t unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. And you feel you have sufficient territory. If you tend to be fearful or nervous, your Root Chakra is probably under-active.”
So, what are some physical/mental exercises one can do to help balance the 1st root chakra? And what are the lifestyle changes we can make?
As mentioned earlier, when yogis say “this chakra is closed,” what science is really telling us is that you have overactive adrenal glands. This is usually from a chronic stress response that has been prolonged.
In this situation, you need to reduce your body’s production of cortisol and adrenaline. Otherwise, they will overtax your other bodily systems and harm your immune system.
Step by Step Physical/Mental Exercises for the 1st Chakra and Adrenal Gland:
We wrote a complete guide about how to open and balance the root chakra here. We did our best to make this as easy as possible for you. So, dive in!
1. True awareness of the body.
Simple tasks can help. It can be a brisk walk around the neighborhood, household chores like cleaning or gardening. Or any other light activity that stimulates the body. The goal is light exercise to warm you up as well as make you conscious of the present moment.
2) Stand tall and breath naturally.
Stand up, and stand tall. Open your chest and relax your shoulders. Put your feet shoulder width apart in a comfortable position. This will help you breathe naturally as opposed to a hunched or crouched position.
3) Grounding.
Bend your knees slightly and move your pelvis forward just a little. Keep your body balanced and with feet planted firmly, sink your weight forward and hold. Hold for 5-10 minutes. You should feel more limber, especially at the knees, and also a little lighter with breathe feeling more natural
4. Lotus pose
This pose will take time to master, but for millennia it has been used to help increase relaxation, slow down breath, and balance the body.
For beginners, depending on flexibility, it may be very difficult or you may only be able to hold this pose for a few seconds. However, as you progress, and as your hip joints become more open and more flexible, you may be hold this pose for several minutes.
The best, and very specific step-by-step instructions I’ve found have been through Yoga Journal:
Lotus Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front. Bend your right knee and bring the lower leg up into a cradle: The outer edge of the foot is notched into the crook of the left elbow, the knee is wedged into the crook of the right elbow, and the hands are clasped (if possible) outside the shin. Lift the front torso toward the inner right leg so the spine lengthens (and the lower back does not round). Rock your leg back and forth a few times, exploring the full range of movement of the hip joint.
Step 2
Bend the left knee and turn the leg out. Rock your right leg far out to the right, then lock the knee tight by pressing the back of the thigh to the calf. Next swing the leg across in front of your torso, swiveling from the hip and not the knee, and nestle the outside edge of the foot into the inner left groin. Be sure to bring the right knee as close to the left as possible, and press the right heel into the left lower belly. Ideally the sole of the foot is perpendicular to the floor, not parallel.
Step 3
Now lean back slightly, pick the right leg up off the floor, and lift the left leg in front of the right. To do this hold the underside of the left shin in your hands. Carefully slide the left leg over the right, snuggling the edge of the left foot deep into the right groin. Again swivel into position from the hip joint, pressing the heel against the lower belly, and arrange the sole perpendicular to the floor. Draw the knees as close together as possible. Use the edges of the feet to press the groins toward the floor and lift through the top of the sternum. If you wish, you can place the hands palms up in jnana mudra, with the thumbs and first fingers touching.
Step 4
Padmasana is the sitting asana par excellence, but it’s not for everybody. Experienced students can use it as a seat for their daily pranayama or meditation, but beginners may need to use other suitable positions. In the beginning, only hold the pose for a few seconds and quickly release. Remember that Padmasana is a “two-sided pose,” so be sure to work with both leg crosses each time you practice. Gradually add a few seconds each week to your pose until you can sit comfortably for a minute or so. Ideally you should work with a teacher to monitor your progress.”
Natural Lifestyle Changes:
Here are some other completely natural lifestyle changes and habits to reduce chronic stress, minimize excessive production of cortisol and adrenaline, and re-balance your root chakra:
1) Getting better sleep – 7-8 hours per night is recommended
2) Increase intake of cortisol fighting foods:
- Probiotics in food such as yogurt and with soluble fiber
- Teas: especially green and black tea
- Bananas and Pears
- Dark chocolate
3) Reducing caffeine intake, especially at night close to bedtime
4) Taking cortisol fighting supplements – the most natural of these is fish oil.
5) Getting a pet – there are studies that show that pets can help you MORE during times of stress than people?
Did you know?
L’Aquila Active loveeeeees shelter dogs and is partner with two awesome shelters in the NY/NJ/PA area, such as PawIT4Ward and Philly ACCT
Conclusion: Break the Cycle
If you’re stressed, we get it. The truth is, we all are. Stress and anxiety are sadly the “new normal” for so many of us with busy careers and busy relationships. So many of us are always on the go, and we must ALWAYS remember to take time for ourselves and decompress.
If you always feel nervous, scared and stressed – your thoughts can and will affect your body. In this situation, your adrenal glands might be overworked and eventually, that will cause you physical harm by weakening your immune system.
Break the cycle by changing your habits – physically, mentally, and spiritually by practicing the poses and changes to habits and lifestyle.
Your thoughts, brainwaves and hormones will change.
YOU.
WILL.
CHANGE.
Sources:
https://www.alittlesparkofjoy.
https://www.livescience.com/65342-chronic-stress-cancer.html
https://blog.thewellnessuniverse.com/your-7-chakras-the-endocrine-system/
https://www.chakras.info/chakras-glands/
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/article_em.htm
https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-are-brainwaves
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
https://www.timothypope.co.uk/chakras-endocrine-system/
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-Your-Spiritual-Chakras
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322335.php#natural-ways-to-lower-cortisol
https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/lotus-pose
https://www.yogaoutlet.com/blogs/guides/how-to-do-lotus-pose-in-yoga
Shanti Arunkumar, Senior Contributor At L’Aquila Active
Learn more about Shanti by reading her bio below.
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