5 Care Tips: Pineal Gland

The pineal gland, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is located in the center of the brain (although technically it is not part of the brain). Its main function is to receive signals from the environment about the amount and quality of light so that it knows how much melatonin to produce to help us wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. Melatonin is involved in much more than sleep, however. It plays a role in sexual development and is a strong antioxidant, among other functions.

1. Sleep Well

You can support your pineal gland by roughly aligning your sleep/wake times with the rise and fall of the sun. If that’s not feasible (as it isn’t for many of us), invest in some blackout blinds and sleep in as dark a room as possible at night. It’s also helpful to avoid screens at night, as the light can suppress the natural melatonin production that should be happening in the later evening.

2. Honor It

Until recently, biologists thought that the pineal gland performed few, if any, vital functions. As a result, pineal gland health is still a new concept, even though the importance of this gland has now been demonstrated over and over.

One of the pineal gland’s functions is to translate signals from the sympathetic nervous system into hormones. In so doing it connects the endocrine system to the nervous system.

3. Meditate

The pineal gland is understood to be the physical location of the sixth chakra, ajna. This is the energy center related to thought, intuition, and ideas. Meditation is a very helpful way to stimulate the pineal gland, both physically and energetically, stimulating ajna chakra.

4. Decalicify It

Like many other parts of the body, the pineal gland can sometimes develop calcifications, which may interfere with the proper production of melatonin in the body. This in turn could cause hormonal issues, migraines, and trouble sleeping. No one knows exactly why this happens, but there seems to be a link between producing a lot of melatonin and calcium spots. For most people, this isn’t likely to cause any issues, but monitoring calcium intake, getting at least a little bit of natural light outside each day, and eating organic foods may help prevent calcification.

The energetic third eye is situated right where the pineal gland is, in the center of the brain. It is the seat of your intuitive vision, your clear seeing.

5. Invert

The pineal gland benefits from yoga postures where your head is lower than your heart (inversions). Headstand is the most powerful one from this perspective. You can also practice child’s pose, placing your forehead on the floor with your index fingers and thumbs touching each other, palms open, making a diamond for your forehead to rest into.