The pineal gland: the enigma of our mind

The pineal gland has always aroused great interest.. Descartes said of this tiny gland housed right in the center of your brain, that it was the place where the soul was connected to the body and the nucleus where all thoughts were generated. Likewise, there is no shortage of those who also define this structure as that “third eye” capable of perceiving what goes beyond the senses.

Now, leaving aside these mystical or spiritual perspectives and their somewhat colorful tradition, This region has as its main purpose the melatonin secretion. It is, as you already know, a key hormone for regulating day and night cycles, as well as sleep and wakefulness. We propose, below, to learn more information about the pineal body or cerebral epiphysis.

The pineal gland: the regulator of cycles

To date, not all the processes that the pineal gland can carry out are known with complete accuracy. It is known that most vertebrates have it, and that even certain amphibians and reptiles have a very similar structure. Now, it must be said that few brain structures have raised so many mysteries and challenges throughout the history of medicine.

We know that It was first described in the 3rd century BC. C for Herophilus of Chalcedon. He said of her that he was the engine of her thinking. Later, Galen of Pergamon gave a slightly tighter and more accurate explanation. He described it as a gland of the nervous system. Nowadays, science has advanced a lot in its understanding.

The journal Medicine and Pharmacy Reports defines it as a photoneuroendocrine organ that secretes serotonin, melatonin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. It is located in the center of the brain, right in the sulcus above the thalamus and carries out essential tasks to regulate our biological cycles. We describe them to you.

How does the pineal gland work?

The pineal gland is housed in the diencephalon. Its main ability is to secrete hormones into the bloodstream as it is not covered by the blood-brain barrier. However, you will be interested to know that, among other activities, there is that of preventing certain diseases such as diabetes. Take note of all the processes that, today, we know it regulates:

Melatonin production

The main function of the pineal body is the production of melatonin. This hormone regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, that is, the internal biological clock that controls your sleep-wake cycles.

Activates in the dark: the epiphysis is a chronobiotic structure. It synchronizes with your internal clock and, in the absence of light, this small organ of just over 120 milligrams produces melatonin.Sleep regulation: When light decreases, melatonin production helps you feel drowsy and fall asleep. On the other hand, when light increases, the level of this hormone is reduced and this allows you to stay alert.Regulates sexual maturity: The activity of this gland is very intense until they are 7 or 8 years old, at which point the production of melatonin begins to decline and, at the same time, they orchestrate the mechanisms of sexual maturity.Sensitive to environmental effects: works published in Environmental Health, warn that when there is high exposure to fluoride, this gland can be altered. In fact, in some countries it is being seen that girls reach puberty very early due to this component.

One of the most interesting aspects of the pineal gland is that being so small (barely 8 mm) it receives an immense blood flow, almost as much as our kidneys. It is shaped like a tree – hence the term “pineal” – but its trunk and branches tend to solidify very soon, so much so that between 12 and 20 years of age it already shows some calcification.

Cardiovascular health

Another research from 2016 revealed an interesting fact about how the pineal gland works. It was discovered that the Melatonin produced by this exceptional gland has a very positive impact on blood pressure. Also in the strength and elasticity of the veins and arteries, and in the resistance of the cardiac muscles.

This work concluded with something worth keeping in mind: Melatonin can be used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Despite the above, it is important to highlight that this type of therapy is still being studied, since its implications and benefits are not entirely clear.

Prevent diseases

More and more studies demonstrate the relevant role of the pineal gland in preventing diseases. The epiphysis is key to preventing and slowing the progression of certain conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, spinal osteoarthritis and even certain neurodegenerative processes.

Other functions

Neuroscience continues to reveal amazing and interesting data about this gland. We know that It has its own and very characteristic nervous tissue that consists of astrocytes and pinealocytes. Both surround its structure and, while the former support the neurons, the latter are what release melatonin. Let’s see more associated functions:

Controls endocrine processes. Strengthens the immune system. Influences sexual hormones. Regulates moods and stress.

How to take care of this photosensitive hormone

Neurologists seek, above all, to separate the mystical or spiritual aspect from the scientific one. This explains why they try to offer continuous studies in order to further define the dimensionality of the cerebral epiphysis. What’s more, a fact that they frequently report has to do with the need to take care of this structure.

Works published in Systematic Reviews indicate that one of the biggest problems of the pineal gland is its early calcification. Although this process is somewhat complicated to reverse, you can always carry out appropriate lifestyle habits to take care of this internal biological regulator. We explain them to you:

Tune your living habits according to sunlight: The pineal body is a photosensitive endocrine regulator, which means that it needs to maintain adequate harmony with the rhythms of sunlight. It is very appropriate, therefore, that you always try to go to sleep at the same time and that you get up, if possible, in harmony with the sun.Reduce the use of technology: Like light, waves from electromagnetic devices interrupt the melatonin secretion process. Something as common as going to bed with our cell phone or computer can cause small alterations in the pineal gland. All of this translates into insomnia, fatigue, stress or reduced work performance.Meditation and moments of calm: Practices such as meditation, for example, offer you a pleasant sensation thanks to which you secrete endorphins. These hormones are also very beneficial for the pineal body. Through these enriching moments, body and mind are in harmony.

Your third brain eye or the best internal clock

The pineal gland, located in the center of your brain, is like the secret clock of the night that weaves the threads of melatonin to promote your rest. Thanks to it, circadian rhythms are orchestrated and you are in tune with your body and nature itself. The only problem is that people barely listen to those internal cycles anymore.

Slowing down, taking care of your lifestyle habits and attending to your psychophysical needs is the key to well-being. The epiphysis calcifies as you mature and age. This will make you feel more stressed and make it harder for you to fall asleep. Don’t hesitate to promote changes in your routines to delay this natural process as much as possible.

It is important to note that science continues to research and understand the pineal gland, so some details may be subject to revisions and advances in scientific knowledge.

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