The endocrinal system is the system of ductless glands spread throughout the human system. These are called ductless glands as they pour their secretions directly into the blood stream. They produce very small quantities of protein based secretions known as hormones. These hormones are extremely potent and control a lot of activities and functions of the other systems of the body. The endocrinal system is actually a form of chemical control of the body. These glands control the activities and functions that are generally slow but have very long term effects. These hormonal secretions determine the rate and type of growth and development. These hormones control our behaviour and have a lot of effect on the type of personality development a person depicts. The endocrinal glands are pitutiary gland, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid gland, the thymus gland, the adrenal glands and the sex glands.

The pitutiary gland is also called the master gland. This gland replaces the pineal gland which remains activated till eight years of age. After this it becomes rudimentary and the pitutiary gland takes over the function of the master gland of the system. The pitutiary gland is located at the base of the brain. A part of this gland is attached to the brain by a narrow stalk. It is divided into two lobes anterior and posterior. The anterior lobe secrets the growth hormone, the milk producing hormone, the hormone influencing the fat and sugar metabolism and the hormones influencing all the other glands. This is the reason why pitutiary is called the master gland of the system. Its secretions activate the secretions of the other glands of the endocrinal system. The main pitutiary hormone is the growth hormone which determines the growth pattern of the body. The posterior lobe of pitutiary gland affects the amount of water stored in the body, which ultimately affects the blood pressure.

The thyroid gland is situated in the neck just above the voice box also called the larynx. The function of this gland is that of a pace setter of the basic processes of the body by the secretion of its hormone thyroxin. This hormone affects the growth patterns of the body. Hypothyroidism or lesser secretion of the thyroid hormone in children makes them mentally and physically retarded. In the adults this situation causes weakness, nervousness, obesity and causes mental sluggishness. Sometimes the thyroxin hormone is secreted in excess. This situation is called hyperthyroidism and it causes increase in pulse rate, tremors, protrusion of the eyes, swelling in the neck, palpitations and loss of weight. In the earlier times the treatment available was to surgically remove the thyroid gland, but now this situation can be efectively controlled with medication. Thyroid gland has four small yellowish pea sized glands behind it. Theses are called parathyroid glands. They control the metabolism of calcium in the system.

The adrenal glands are situated on top of each kidney. These are pyramid shaped and yellow in colour. The internal structure of the adrenal gland is divided into two parts. The inner layer of the adrenal glands is called the medulla and the outer layer is called cortex. The hormonal secretion of the medulla of adrenal gland is called adrenaline. It is known as the emergency hormone. It causes the liver to release more sugar into the blood. This is the hormone that makes a person go the extra mile by putting even superhuman effort into any task at hand. The tenacity seen in various people is directly related to the production of adrenalin. The cortex of the adrenal gland produces many hormones whose function is to control the level of blood sugar in the body; influence the excretory function of the kidneys and also produce secondary sexual characteristics in both the genders.

In the pancreas there are groups of endocrinal cells which secrete a special hormone called insulin. The main function of insulin is to ensure proper utilization of sugar in the body. With imbalance in this hormone the body cells do not use the sugar in the blood stream, causing the ailment of Diabetes in the system. For details on Diabetes please see the section of Yoga for Lifestyle disorders.

Yoga Asanas or Yoga Exercises for Endocrinal System

Yoga is only discipline that has the capacity to stimulate the endocrinal system. No other form of exercises except yoga exercises can stimulate the endocrinal system. The yoga asanas or yoga exercises are designed in such a way that some ailments of the endocrinal system like thyroxin imbalance can be very effectively controlled by them. The yoga asanas generally can influence the endocrinal system to keep the organs functioning normally. Yogic practices effectively exercise and control the organ systems and can motivate them to function to their optimum levels. Pranayama gives a complete workout to all the internal organs of the system. Yoga nidra produces complete relaxation, which is very necessary for all the internal organs because they too need rest and recuperation at times. The practice of meditation is also very helpful as it helps in expanding all of one's horizons to the most favourable levels.