Acromegaly And Yoga

(September 3, 2010)

Does Yoga helps to control Pituitary Gland disorders. I am suffering from the chronic disease Acromegaly (Oversecretion of growth hormones). Can you please tell me whether I can get rid of this disease through Yoga practices.

People suffering from acromegaly, a chronic metabolic disorder will experience rapid increase in growth hormone and gradually they will notice enlargement of their body tissues. Other symptoms that point to a dysfunction of the pituitary gland include decreased muscle strength, body odor, carpal tunnel syndrome, thickened lips and tongue, widening space between your teeth and so on.
The pituitary gland, a pea shaped gland, located at the base of your brain houses all the hormones secreted in your body. It also controls and regulates the function of your growth hormones, which play an important part in your physical growth. A benign pituitary tumor can cause acromegaly as it presses on delicate brain tissue. While a malignant tumor is fatally dangerous and needs to be surgically removed, a doctor may suggest that individuals recovering from pituitary tumor try Yoga as part of therapy along with hormone regulating medicines.
Treatment and exercise needs to focuss on lowering the production of growth hormones and negating the effects of the tumor on the surrounding tissues. Exercises beneficial for the pituitary gland include Yoga poses such as Halasana or the Plow Pose, Janu Shirsasana or Head to Knee pose and Shirsasana or Head Stand Pose.
To improve the functioning of the pituitary gland, Yoga poses, which emphasize extending your neck and spine, are beneficial. Although difficult, the Head Stand is an excellent pose for both the pituitary and pineal gland. Yoga can help regulate the function of pineal glands, which include sleep/wake patterns, and seasonal functions allowing you periods of alertness and restfulness.
To improve the functioning of the adrenal gland, try Yoga poses like Ardha Matsyandrasana or Half Spinal twist and Marichyasana or Sage twist. These and other torso twisting poses will benefit the adrenal gland, which regulates the functions of your sex hormones. The poses must be done slowly without any sudden twists or jerking motions.
To regulate the function of the thymus gland, Yoga breath techniques like Kapalbhatti or Forced breathing can be practiced everyday. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from seasonal allergies as it helps to clear your nasal pathway from mucous. Since its basic function is to build immunity in our body, the thymus gland benefits from Yoga poses, that support and strengthen the immune system.
If you need to improve the functioning of the pituitary gland, practice Yoga poses and Pranayam at least for 30 minutes daily. It is a gentle workout routine with no side effects. Ensure that if you suffering from any disorder or dysfunction of the pituitary glands, Yoga should be practiced under strict medical advice and with the help of a qualified Yoga instructor. For chronic conditions like acromegaly or other complaints of the pituitary gland, Yoga alone may not suffice. Consult your doctor immediately if any symptoms disrupt your daily life.
While your condition can range from uncomfortable to painful, Yoga can help with relieving stress, calming your nerves and regulating your body functions.

Submitted by A on September 3, 2010 at 05:59

Acromegaly is caused when the pituitary gland produces excessive amount of growth hormone. The endocrine glands regulate the functions of your body. The pituitary gland is directly controlled by the brain and is the main gland that helps to regulate the secretion of all the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland develops and boosts the growth of the bones, cartilage and muscles by secreting the growth hormone. When it produces this in excess it results in the formation of a pituitary tumor that is non cancerous. In some cases when this tumor grows it puts excess pressure on the brain and that leads to other problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, eyesight problems due to pressure on the brain nerves connected to the optic nerves, headaches, impotency in men, etc. In Acromegaly the bones grow unusually large as a result the person suffers from gigantism or excessive growth, skin thickening, increase in weight, no sensation in the hands and feet, excessive sweating, deep voice, diabetes, heart problems, etc.

Since this problem is related to the pituitary gland the inverted asanas that have a positive effect on the pituitary gland might help. But please do consult your doctor before starting any form of exercise as your doctor would be the nest person to guide you and tell you if it is safe for you to practice these asanas or not. You may start with the basic Dhyana or meditation and then move on to the pranayama or the breathing exercises and then to the yoga asanas or poses. It is better if you learn yoga right from the basic as your body will then adapt easily and respond well to the asanas. This will also help you to prepare your body for the difficult and advanced asana or postures like the Shirshasana or the headstand, which has great effects on the pituitary gland. You can join a regular yoga class and discuss your problem with your yoga instructor. He or she will guide you through the asanas and will tell you which asanas would benefit you and how you can do them. The asanas that have a positive effect on the pituitary gland include the inverted asanas or poses like Shirshasana or the Head stand, Sarvangasana or the Shoulder stand, Ardha Sarvangasana or the half shoulder stand, Adho mukhashvana asana or the downward facing dog pose, Janu Shirshasana or the head to knee forward bend pose, Padahasta asana or the forward bend hands and feet pose among others.

Submitted by G M on January 28, 2009 at 12:24