How is Ajna Chakra intimately linked to the pituitary gland?

Human body is always in a constant state of change. Heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature all change in response to what we do and our surroundings. Our body has systems that constantly monitor these and other vital functions. Not only must these systems monitor changes but also respond to the changes and help the body to restore balance.

One of the systems is pituitary gland which is the know as master gland because it controls the function of most other endocrine glands. They release hormones into the blood stream which have a wide range of effects on growth and development, sexuality and reproductive function, metabolism, the response to stress and overall quality of life. Therefore, the pituitary gland is at the anatomical and functional crossroads of the brain, mind and body which is what yoga does as well.

We have 7 chakras and their positions coincide with important glands, nerve centres and blood vessels known to modern anatomy. However, do note that chakras are not identical to these organs but rather intimately linked to them. Here we are only going to talk about the Ajna Chakra which has a connection to the pituitary gland. Both have the same ability whereby they are the “master” of  group as they controls others. Ajna chakra governs all other chakras, so when it is out of balance, all other chakras cannot come into perfect alignment.

When Ajna is imbalanced we may experience poor memory, eye problems, headaches, or nightmares. We may also have an excess of energy that we are unable to channel towards any one goal or productive outcome. When this chakra is in balance, we can tune in to our inner knowing, trusting our intuition, and tapping into our creative imagination. A balanced Ajna chakra allows us to integrate logical thinking with intuition so that we may move through the world better able to make balanced decisions. Very much like pituitary gland, balance hormones in our body allows us function normally and make good decisions.

When the dynamic energy of the third eye chakra is activated and balanced, the rest of the brain functions optimally, making this chakra particularly interesting in breathing exercises and meditation. The properties associated with the third eye chakra are transparency in the internal as well as the external vision, higher intuitive perception, wisdom, spirituality, and creative intelligence.

From anatomical point of view, it makes good sense that we should be able to access the pituitary gland by closing our eyes and “looking inward”, because the two large nerve fibres of the eyes cross each other exactly in the area where the pituitary gland is located. By focusing awareness and energy on the third eye chakra you can manipulate the pituitary gland and its activities.