Yoga has positive effect on endocrine system of humans. Yoga is practiced since ancient time and it transforms mental attitude and strengthens physical structure of body through specific techniques like yoga asanas, breathing practices (pranayamas), and meditation. 

Endocrine system comprises of thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pineal, and reproductive glands. Basically, it is a collection of glands that discharges a chemical called hormone which is released into the circulatory system and carried to the targeted cells. Hormones are chemicals that alter the activities of particular cells, and ultimately affect the body's tissues and organs. They are also responsible for growth, maturation, sexual development, pregnancy and response to stress. There are seven major endocrine glands in the body that include pineal, pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, adrenals and gonads. Each of these glands produce particular hormones, which affect the body in a different way. 

How Yogic Practices Help Regulate Hormonal Changes in the Body

It is observed that both men and women grip under certain health problems due to hormonal changes, underactive or overactive thyroid and hormonal imbalance.  These include increase cortisol level, insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, early puberty and early menopause. When persons regularly practice yoga, it helps prevent range of health problems as a result of hormonal disharmony or dysfunction.

It is well documented that there is a great role of yogic practices in controlling hormonal imbalances in humans. 

How Pranayama Helps Balance the Endocrine System

Hatha yoga practice is helpful to improve endocrine system of body as it uses physical purification techniques. Hatha yoga training include asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques that develop healthy chakras and subsequently enhance endocrine glands. Specific hatha yoga practices that have good impact on endocrine glands are as under.

• Headstand arouses sahasrara chakra and the pineal gland by moving the flow of blood to those areas and stabilizing hormonal fluctuations.

• Meditation techniques arouse ajna chakra and the pituitary gland.

• Bridge pose, camel pose and plow pose refresh vishuddha chakra and the thyroid.

• Boat pose and energizing pranayama practices have positive effects on pancreas.

• Cow face pose and cobblers pose, influence the reproductive glands.

• Grounding poses and hamstring stretches the adrenal glands.

• Camel pose moves blood into the adrenal glands.

Pranayama technique is highly effective for endocrine system. During Pranayam practice more oxygen is supplied to the lungs which is transported to each and every cells of the body. The blood supply and the oxygen supply also improve the functioning of the brain and hypothalamus. Pranayama also improves the relationship between hypothalamus, pituitary, and the other glands and keep balance the entire endocrine system.

Another effective yogic practice is Yog Nidra. It controls stress and emotions. Yoga nidra improves the functioning of brain, hypothalamus and the relationship between hypothalamus and pituitary and other endocrine gland.

Yogic poses for good health of endocrine system

Sirsasana, increases blood flow to brain and improves the functioning of brain and hypothalamus along with improving the functioning of pituitary and pineal gland. This also stimulates and helps to regulate secretions from liver, kidneys and pancreas, relieves stress, anxiety and mild depression, relieves menstrual discomfort and irregularities by regulating reproductive hormones.

Halasana improves the functioning of thyroid and parathyroid gland. It is very effective for thyroid and adrenal glands, regulates hormones secreted by them, relieves disorder of the urinary tract and menstrual cycle and strengthens back, abdominal muscles and shoulders.

Sarvangasana improves the functioning of Blood circulatory system, respiratory system and digestive system. While practice this yoga, there is smooth blood flows into throat, thyroid gland and sexual disorders are cured easily.

Ardh matsendra asana stimulates pancreas to discharge insulin and glucagon from pancreas.

Balasana allows the body to maintain balance and release tension.

It lessens and calms the mind and body while stretching the entire spine. This pose releases lower back tension, menstrual cramps, PMS and helps to regulate blood flow throughout the body. 

Uttanasana is a perfect pose to stimulate neuro-endocrine axis.

This asana enables blood to flow to brain instead of feet. In this way it gives human body and cells an invigorating boost of oxygen, which calms mind, and consequently reduces stress and nervousness.

setubandhasana is also helpful for strengthening endocrine system as it stimulate testes and ovaries.

Bhujangasana Strengthens back, arms, shoulders and relieves pain in back and neck, regulates reproductive hormones and improves menstrual irregularities, regulates thyroid gland secretion, and invigorates the heart.

The Benefits of Reverse Yoga Poses for Endocrine Health

Some yogic teachers have described advanced Yoga for the endocrine System postures. These postures include Rabbit pose, Reverse Yoga poses, Child pose, Fish pose and Bow pose. Reverse Yoga poses include headstand, plow pose and shoulder stand. All these poses help to regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the rate of growth of other systems in the human body. The Reverse poses are especially beneficial for those who suffer from infertility problems. Asanas are wonderful practices to balance the hormonal secretions from the glands. By twisting and bending the body, and holding different positions or placing continuous pressure on specific areas, the glands may be stimulated which help to control their functions. 

Read More: Effect of Chakras on endocrine system:

To recapitulate, deep study of yoga practices indicated considerable health benefits on endocrine system. Yoga for endocrine system is enormously important for happiness and wellbeing. People suffer from number of disorders due to the improper functioning of endocrine system. Most of these ailments are associated with either too much or too little production of hormones. The result of this hyper or hypo activity means damage to other systems of the body. Specific yoga techniques can help in regulating such disorders. The major goal of yoga practice for the endocrine system is to reinstate and maintain balance in human body.