The Pineal Gland

We can consider the pineal gland (or epiphysis) the most sophisticated “device” found in our body. It is an endocrine gland similar in shape to a pine cone but slightly larger than a grain of corn and its activity is mainly nocturnal as it is influenced by light. The pineal gland is responsible for the production of two neurotransmitters that are very important for the consciousness of the cerebral cortex: the neurotransmitter serotonin and the neurotransmitter melatonin.

Serotonin goes around in the day. The pineal gland produces serotonin when there is light. As the light decreases in the retina of the eye, a signal is sent to the pineal gland to stop producing serotonin and start producing melatonin. Melatonin is the second neurotransmitter and is created to make the body sleep. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that says "get up and go". It wakes up who is asleep and sets it in motion. When the light decreases around us, the pineal gland changes and produces melatonin. This is what makes you lazy and lethargic and makes you sleep.

The pineal gland is therefore a small factory that produces these important neurotransmitters, but it also does another extraordinary thing: from melatonin it synthesizes a natural hallucinogenic drug called pinealin. This can do this if the pineal gland, deep in your sleep, has had enough time to take melatonin and turn it into pinealin. Pinealin is distributed throughout the cerebral cortex that sleeps and activates a reverse process in the neurons, opens the door to the subconscious mind and by doing so allows for out-of-body experiences.

The pineal gland is the shaman of the brain, it is the privileged point where mind (res cogitans) and body (res extensa) interact.

The proper functioning of the pineal gland is essential for psycho-physical well-being. Not only to sleep well but also to have a better mood, more energy, a strong immune system, fight cellular aging, have the right insights, etc.

The third eye or sixth chakra, therefore, as the "pineal eye" gland is called, is located between the eyebrows. According to tradition, this would be an area almost never used by the brain, too often underestimated and instead able to see aspects of existence that are not captured by the other two eyes.

But how is it possible to activate the pineal gland?

• Yoga and Meditation (Try asanas, breathing and other yogic techniques)
• Sleep deeply and completely in the dark (Use black out blinds, sleep alone and use ear and eye resonance reducers eg blindfolds and ear plugs)
• Expose yourself to the sun (10 minutes at least per day, less time is required in Summer when sun is stronger)
• Detoxify the body from heavy metals (Steve offers Detoxification programmes)
• Stimulate with Shirodhara (Shirodhara is an ancietn Ayurvedic technique that pours blended oil onto the forehead, the seat of the Pineal Gland). .