Have you ever been curious about the brain and it's diverse functions? The human brain is such a fascinating organ and I've always been curious about the concept of the human brain and how this amazing organ lays in the shadows controlling our everyday function. In today's article we are going to be exploring a part of the the brain called The Pineal Gland.
The Wonder of the Human Brain
The human brain is a very intricate organ that controls thinking, cognitive learning, memory, emotions, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and other body processes. The brain transmits and receives chemical and electrical signals throughout the body. I love mushrooms? Tired of contamination and failure? Maybe you know how to grow mushrooms, but let us handle the sciencey and risky stuff. Try our grow kit, the ZoomBag magic mushroom grow kit, it is super easy to use, and get 2-4 ounces of dry mushrooms.
Each signal regulates a different process and the brain does an excellent job of interpreting each signal. For example, certain signals may produce pain while others may produce hunger. Some of these signals are kept within the brain, others may be transferred through the spine and across the body’s vast network of nerves to distant extremities. In order to achieve this, the central nervous system relies of the body relies on billions of neurons (nerve cells).
Where does the Pineal Gland come into the picture?
The pineal gland is a small, pea-shaped gland in the brain which is often likened to the Eye of Horus. It is one of the last glands to be discovered; therefore, comprehensive research on the function of the pineal gland is still ongoing. However, the findings of current research shows that it produces and regulates some hormones such as melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone which plays a major role in for the role in the regulation of sleep patterns. This tiny gland serves as your body's light meter. It receives light cues from the eyes, causing it to produce melatonin that sends several hormonal messages to the body. The pineal gland transmits information about the length of daylight, a concept known as circadian rhythm.
It is also instrumental in regulating hormones in females and it may even affect fertility and menstrual cycle. This is somewhat due to the melatonin the pineal gland produces and excretes.
The pineal gland is very rich in calcium levels. The calcium serves as a radiographer in locating the center of the brain in X-ray images. It is located at the center of the brain and it has been described as the "seat of the soul" by renowned scientist, René Descartes.
Anatomy
Autopsy studies have shown that the average size of the pineal gland is similar to that of a grain of rice. The ventricles are fluid-filled spaces, and the third ventricle extends from the large lateral ventricles to the narrow cerebral aqueduct, passing between the two halves of the part of the brain called the diencephalon.
It is located within an area called the epithalamus, just behind the thalamus and above the cerebellum, resting at the back of the brain, near the brain stem. There is a small fluid-filled pineal recess that projects into the stalk of the pineal body, allowing for the hormones it produces to more easily be diffused throughout the brain.
Functions of the Pineal Gland.
Secretion Of Melatonin
If you're having a sleep disorder, it could be a sign that your pineal gland is not producing sufficient amount of melatonin. This gland secretes the hormone melatonin which regulates the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm). The secretion of this hormone is dependent on a person's exposure to light. Melatonin is produced in increased amounts when it is dark. Exposure to light significantly reduces the secretion of melatonin which controls our circadian rhythms.
Cardiovascular Health
Based on a 2016 review which made an enquiry into past research on the relationship between melatonin and cardiovascular health, new evidence has been discovered that the secretion of melatonin can improve the condition of the heart and blood pressure. It may also be good for treating cardiovascular diseases, though further research is required.
Female Hormones
Some evidence has been discovered which shows that light exposure and related melatonin levels may play a role in influencing a woman’s menstrual cycle. Decreased levels of melatonin may also influence the development of irregular menstrual cycles. However, more recent research is needed to support this.
Mood Regulation
The size of a person's pineal gland may indicate a propensity for certain mood disorders. A study suggests that a smaller pineal gland may increase a person's risk of developing schizophrenia and other mood disorders. Further research is required to fully understand the effect of the pineal gland volume on mood disorders.
Pineal Gland Disorders
If your pineal gland is impaired, it can lead to the following;
Depression.
Mood swings.
Peptic or stomach ulcers.
Disruption in sleep patterns. For example, sleep patterns are often disrupted if the pineal gland is impaired. This can show up in disorders such as jet lag and insomnia.
An impaired pineal gland leads to hormonal imbalance.
Some sexual disorders are caused by pineal gland dysfunction.
Some disorders caused by low melatonin secretion also leads to anxiety, menopausal symptoms, etc. Seasonal affective disorders of pineal gland may include depressive disorder. This disorder is mainly because of the winter season when melatonin secretion is high due to low exposure to sunlight
The Effect of the Psilocybin on the Pineal Gland
A psychedelic drug (like DMT, LSD, or psilocybin / magic mushrooms) is believed to be able to activate the pineal gland and provide temporary access to a higher level of human consciousness. Through the psychedelic experience, we’re able to go beyond the human mind, often referred to as a mystical experience, ego dissolution, or even an ego death experience. Speaking of mushrooms, checkout our magic mushroom grow kit here. You'll be happy you did. I mean, if you were wondering how to grow magic mushrooms... Or you can buy mushrooms that have already been grown right here.
This experience is when we are able to truly recognize our spiritual selves – as being bigger than our minds, our bodies, and this lifetime.
However, the effect of psychedelics on the pineal gland is not certain when it comes to elevating human consciousness. It has been postulated that the pineal gland is able to secrete psychoactive substance known as N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Researchers are of the opinion that there may be very minute concentrations of N,N-dimethyltryptamine, but they are not sufficient to produce psychoactive effects.
The bottom line
There is still a lot more research to be done about psylocibin and the human brain, but experts are forming some theories. So far, it seems there isn't credible evidence to prove that psylocibin can activate the pineal gland. Also, N,N-dimethyltryptamine produced by the pineal gland likely isn’t enough to induce the psychedelic effects. If you want to buy your own magic mushrooms AKA psilocybin mushrooms, we sell dry magic mushrooms here. Or you can get your very own magic mushroom grow kit right here in our shop! That is, if you want to know how to grow magic mushrooms...
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