{"id":32061,"date":"2021-10-27T14:36:09","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T20:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/?p=32061"},"modified":"2021-11-30T16:54:56","modified_gmt":"2021-11-30T23:54:56","slug":"pineal-gland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/conditions-and-wellness\/brain\/pineal-gland\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Ways to Detoxify and Activate Your Pineal Gland"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was first documented in medical literature as recently as 1898, but the pineal gland has long been the subject of spiritual awe. French philosopher Ren\u00e9 Descartes described it as \u201cthe seat of the soul.\u201d Madame Blavatsky, the founder of theosophy, called it \u201cthe third eye.\u201d And esoteric schools of thought have venerated it for thousands of years.<\/p>\n

The pineal gland is shaped like a pine cone (hence the name) and is located near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres and slightly above the junction of the eyebrows. In medical circles, it’s described as small endocrine gland\u2014about the size of a grain of rice\u2014with purely physiological functions: like the thyroid, pituitary, and other endocrine glands, the pineal gland synthesizes and secretes a hormone\u2014in this case, melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for regulating the sleep\/wake cycle, and influences the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that\u2019s involved in thirst, hunger, sleep, and emotional activity.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also said in some circles that the pineal gland is able to produce small amounts of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic that\u2019s a component of the South American herbal brew, ayahuasca. David Wilcock<\/a>, author of The Source Field Investigations<\/em><\/a>, goes so far as to say DMT produced by the pineal gland can encourage encounters with mystical beings. In theory, this might account for the purported ability of pineal gland meditations to enhance spiritual awareness.<\/p>\n

If this were the case, why aren\u2019t we all walking around in an altered state of consciousness? Proponents of the pineal-gland-equals-gateway-to-the-divine say it\u2019s because this tiny organ is easily damaged by modern lifestyles. Stress, poor diet, fluoridated drinking water, and other influences can adversely impact the pineal gland, they say, causing it to become calcified. Additionally, few of our modern-day practices are designed to activate the pineal gland, and it could simply wither from lack of use.<\/p>\n

But some spiritual traditions say you can heal the pineal gland and fully activate the third eye, increasing perception, awakening intuition. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Decalcify<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Calcification is a condition in which calcium phosphate crystals are deposited in various organs and tissues in the body. Calcification of the arteries is a widely-accepted risk factor in heart disease, and calcification of the joints and tendons is linked with osteoarthritis and tendonitis. Can the pineal gland become similarly calcified? Some theories say yes. According to Wilcock, most people have a chunk of calcium in the center of the brain, which looks white on an X-ray or MRI. Drinking sodas, and eating refined and processed foods may contribute to calcification. The biggest impact, though, is fluoride from tap water and toothpaste. To decalcify the pineal gland, avoid fluoride in all forms. Use filtered water for drinking and bathing, and buy fluoride-free toothpaste; to remove fluoride from the body, iodine supplements are recommended. Tamarind (an Ayurvedic herb<\/a>), liver detox supplements, and dry saunas are also said to help.<\/p>\n

2. Detox and stimulate<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Certain herbs and supplements are thought to stimulate the pineal gland and promote detoxification<\/a>, including removing calcium deposits. You\u2019ll find many of these safe and effective supplements at your local vitamin store. These include:<\/p>\n