The pineal gland has always aroused great interest, Descartes used to comment on this small gland located right in the center of our brain, saying that it was the ‘core’ of our soul and the nucleus where all our thoughts are generated. of people who also call this structure our “third eye”, this focus of energy that would offer us a kind of perception that would go beyond the sense of sight.
Leaving aside these mystical or spiritual perspectives and their romanticized tradition, the pineal gland or neural epiphysis has an interesting and enigmatic function, it regulates our cycles, our circadian rhythms, the entry into sexual maturity and even many of our feelings, it is a structure as unique as it is fascinating.
- One of the most interesting aspects of the pineal gland is that despite being so small (only 8 mm).
- It receives a great flow of blood.
- Almost as much as our kidneys.
- It is tree-shaped (hence its name Pineal?).
- But its trunk.
- Its branches.
- Tend to solidify very early.
- Between the 12 and 20 years already has some calcification.
However, it continues to perform many of its basic functions, which we explain in more detail below.
The pineal gland is a light-sensitive structure, so one of its main biological functions is to secrete melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone that molds our wakefulness and sleep patterns (circadian rhythms) and regulates our entry into puberty.
In addition, it is known to act as an acute biological clock and that its activity is very intense until the age of 7 or 8, when melatonin production begins to decline and maturity mechanisms begin to function gradually.
However, some studies indicate that this structure is very sensitive to certain environmental chemicals. It has been found that in some U. S. states, girls entered puberty earlier due to exposure to certain components, such as fluoride.
Therefore, we are faced with a gland that, although integrated into the center of our brain, is incredibly sensitive to the environment in which we are inserted, is a tiny biological component in humans and a trace organ in some animals.
Tuatara, for example, is a type of reptile endemic to New Zealand known to have a “third parietal or pineal eye” in the middle of the head. It has a retina, is crystalline and performs hormonal and thermoregulatory functions. Definitely something fascinating.
Neurologists seek above all to separate this mystical or spiritual aspect from the scientist, we are faced with a small structure that has many aspects still unknown and therefore publications such as the Journal of Pineal Research, constant studies suggest that we outline a little more. the epiphysis of the brain, which many consider an “off-road”, activating a large part of our inner glands.
We are now proposing a simple exercise. From now on, we will take into account this internal system of the “small eye” that secretly regulates many of our daily cycles. Think of it as a compass and as a wonderful little organ that will allow you to better regulate your body and the surrounding environment. You.
Here are some tips for taking care of this key
As you can see, we are faced with an interesting topic whose new aspects are discovered every day.