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A series on physical movement and the positive impacts it has on the various systems in the body.
There are so many beautiful organ systems in the body, and believe it or not, physical movement is one of the most important things we can do to support each and every system. Through this series, you will learn a quick overview of each organ system, what it does and how it works. You will also learn what kind of physical movement can support each system and the positive impacts physical movement has on each system.
The Endocrine/Glandular System
The endocrine, also known as the glandular system, is a complex system of various glands and organs that create and control the hormones in our bodies. These hormones govern our growth, nutrition, sexual health, regulation of our personality, energy, vitality, and life energy.
What we do physically, with our daily movement, impacts the health of these hormones and the overall well-being of our bodies. Physical movement is clinically proven to balance and support the secretion of hormones. Too much exercise can cause imbalance, depletion and is hard on the endocrine system, and too little exercise isn’t good for it either.
The endocrine system consists of the:
Pituitary- Directs memory, intelligence, wisdom, thoughts, reproduction, master gland of all other glands, growth hormone, oxytocin, prolactin.
Pineal- Body temperature, blood pressure, growth, motor function, reproductive system, sleep, melatonin.
Thyroid/Para Thyroids- Metabolism, influences our breathing and bronchial tubes, gives energy to the salivary glands, the tongue, calcium absorption.
Thymus- Blood circulations, immune defense for infection and disease, production of white blood cells, gives energy to the heart.
Pancreas- Digestion, glucagon, insulin for blood sugar levels, temperature of body.
Adrenals- Cortisol levels, govern function of kidneys, bone marrow, spine and water balance.
Ovaries/Testis- Hormone production, sexual reactions, energy and reproduction, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and directs energy to all other glands.
As you can see, all of these hormones have an inner communication to govern, direct and
regulate all of the other systems in the body. It is important to stimulate the production of these hormones, so our bodies can function and regulate all of the systems at its highest capacity.
In our culture, many people turn to supplements or choose to take medications for various
hormonal imbalances like depression, anxiety, sleep issues, mood swings, weight gain, etc. Most every professional in the medical, health and wellness field can agree and suggest that regular physical movement of the body is KEY to balancing your hormones. Regular physical movement and exercise assist the body in the production of reward hormones like oxytocin (the love hormone), dopamine (pleasure, satisfaction, motivation), endorphins (giving you a sense of euphoria and happiness, the feel-good hormone). The list of hormones goes on, but you can see how important these hormones would be for our overall well-being and health.
Many people feel like the only way to do it is to get a really long run in or crank as hard as they can on their Peloton bike at home. These forms of exercise can be good, but if done too much and too often—can almost be like an addiction for the body. Now the body depends on the huge output of endorphins from excessive exercise, and if you don’t get the exercise in you can feel even more imbalanced. The important thing to remember is to do what works for you and your body. Sometimes all we need is to go outside, deep breath, do some yoga, walk, work in the soil, move some heavy rocks for a project in the yard or go for a swim in the river. And always remember, the body knows what it needs—so if you aren’t feeling balanced, go out in the sun and move that body. Give your awesome endocrine system the love it deserves.
written by Tristin Lowe-Town
Tristin Lowe-Town is a Massage Therapist, Foot/Face/Back Zoner.
She founded Belgrade Wellness Collaboration and runs
Intrinsic Touch MT in Belgrade, Montana.
Tristin is very passionate about each of her client's well-being and
loves assisting them on their health and wellness journey.
You can find her at www.intrinsictouchmt.com and on Instagram @intrinsictouchmt