Yoga is not only concerned with the flexibility of the body, but with the harmonizing of the entire human system.
As balance slowly returns to the glands, nervous system, breath, and mind, the practitioner may begin to experience greater clarity, steadiness, and inner peace. Practice then becomes not an escape from life, but a way of living more consciously within it.

The endocrine glands are often called ductless because they pass their secretions directly into the blood or lymph, instead of using secretory ducts.

The chemical substances secreted by these glands are called hormones – chemical messages which act at a distance. Hormones have a profound effect on all the body functions, including growth, digestion, energy levels, heat, sexuality, water, and fluid retention.

 

Thyroid gland 

The thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. It also plays a role in bone growth and the development of the brain and nervous system in children. The pituitary gland controls the release of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones also help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone, and reproductive functions.

The thyroid gland controls the metabolic rate of the body and the speed at which the chemical processes of the body occur. Like a thermostat, it regulates the level of body heat and energy produced. Regulates growth, repair, and waste processes. Any imbalance in the thyroid gland has serious consequences. Even a slight over-secretion will result in nervous irritability. A slight under-secretion will result in a feeling of fatigue and lethargy.

 

Parathyroid gland

The parathyroid glands are two pairs of small glands embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland, one pair on each side. They release parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and bone metabolism.

Asanas form only a small part of the entire yoga system, but they are very important.

Benefits of asanas – affect the glands, nerves, muscles, all the organs of the body, and much more…

The most important effect of asana practice – exerts pressure on the endocrine glands, resulting in the regulation of the hormones secreted by these glands.

 

For example: Sarvangasana – shoulder stand.

Sarva means: all.

Anga is limb.

Asana means: posture.

Sarvangasana has an effect on the thyroid gland, which controls the metabolism of the whole body.

 

If you are constantly secreting too much thyroxine – produced by the thyroid gland – this imbalance may express itself through irritability, restlessness, or emotional instability.
A deeply agitated hormonal and nervous system can make meditation far more difficult, when the psychic propensities, and tendencies (vrtiis) of the mind are out of control.
It’s very important to balance the secretion of hormones, to balance glands. It’s essential for a balanced emotional state. Glands are important for the proper functioning of the body but also affect our emotions.
The beauty of yoga is that you can liberate yourself (while alive) from your own propensities as you start to strengthen the weak chakra related to certain glands.