Download chakra body systems

The Science of the Structure of Organized Bodies
Megan Lipsett
It is through the dynamic interrelatedness of my body systems that I develop and sustain in
complex ways. While each system provides a contribution to the continuous change of my body
and mind, they are interdependent with one another. The emergent properties of their dynamic
interactions create a structure of both support and expression. I relate to my body systems
through becoming increasingly aware of the dynamic balance between internal and external
factors. This human body of mine functions as an orchestrated network of interconnected
systems that have developed together in an infinitely complex manner. The main functions of
this dynamic system include nutrition and digestion, detoxification and elimination, immune
function, and endocrine function. As stated by Stanley Kellerman, “the plan of the body, in its
simplest form, is to construct spaces and structures to maintain pulsation so that specialized
activity can occur” (pg. 120). The experiential outcomes of this intricate system include
movement, contemplation, disease, perceptions of love, protection, compassion, will, expression,
creation, decision-making, intellectual and emotional abilities, development of values,
humanitarianism, and devotion.
Survival Instincts and Grounding in the Physical World
Immune System, Skeletal System, Digestive System, and Nervous System
All of the thoughts and experiences that I have while I am learning become a part of my developing patterns of
movement as well (pg. 53).
The major body systems related to this aspect of the human experience are the base of my spine,
at the coccyx, my spinal column, rectum, legs, bones, feet, and immune system. “The skeleton
shelters the organs, supports the body, and bestows the grace of movement” (pg. 20). My skull
acts as protection for the brain, and the vertebra protects the spinal cord. It is my bones which
provide calcium needed for the proper functioning of my nervous system. In addition, my bones
provide bone marrow, a place for the formation of leukocytes, a white blood cell crucial in the
immune response. This system includes many types of cells, mainly white blood cells that
protect my body from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The cells of the immune system,
called lymphocytes, are equipped with receptors that respond to chemical signals from the
central nervous system. Because of these receptors, my experiences of both physical and
psychological stress can alter or compromise the immune system.
The principal action of my immune system is protection against infection, and is supported by
my skin’s work of continuous defense against invasion by pathogens. My immune system is in
dynamic communication with my nervous system, as neural regulation of my pituitary and
adrenal glands indirectly influences the activity of my immune system. Perceptually, the need
for continuous defense is reflected as my need for logic, order, and structure. It is also
experienced as my need for learning about the physical world through my senses. The qualities
of the pathways of mobility are movement fluidity, flexibility, rhythm, freedom of expression,
and balance motion (pg. 32).
Creativity, Relationships, and Pleasure
Reproductive System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Skeletal System
The relevant systems in this energetic pathway are my sexual organs, large intestine, lumbar
vertebrae, pelvis, hips, appendix, and bladder. This energetic pathway affects my individuation
from society and satisfying my personal and physical needs. Experientially, I perceive this
complex system interaction in various ways. A need to control my environment, specifically the
nutrients and other information that is entering into my body, and the various aspects of my
surroundings that will affect my physical body and my emotions. When I experience periods of
prolonged stress, my endocrine system will no longer be in balance, thus leading to imbalance of
my digestive system. It also can manifest as a desire for self-sufficiency as a survival instinct.
Empowerment and Digestive Fire
Digestive System, Endocrine System, Nervous System
The primary utility of my digestive system involves its role in providing nutrients
required for the function and maintenance of each of the other systems in my body. This
includes nutrients for bone growth and repair, muscle function, facilitation of breathing, heart
function, kidney detoxification, and facilitation of nervous system processes. Beyond its
function as a physical space that provides enzymes, hormones, and surface area for digestion, my
digestive system is also an energy system that is affected by the energy of the food I eat and the
environment in which I live. This energy system works by generating a specific amount of heat,
or kinetic energy, to help ignite the digestive processes. Autonomic innervation of smooth
muscles provides neural regulation of the digestive system, as the process of digestion works
symbiotically to provide the nutrients required for function and maintenance of my nervous
system.
Hormones that are secreted by my stomach and small intestine help to regulate digestive
functions, while digestion provides the nutrients required for the function and maintenance of my
entire physical system. Additionally, my liver removes and metabolizes hormones. This
intricate system reflects the interconnectedness of my stomach, pancreas, adrenals, upper
intestines, gallbladder, liver, and the lumbar spine. These organs represent for me an increased
awareness of the connection of my physical body to my conscious experience. The digestive
organs are the organs of transformation and feelings and ideas; taking in or rejecting that which
nourishes or toxifies oneself, processing and assimilating feelings and information, and creating
a resolution, product, or solution out of the process.” (pg. 128).
Dehydration, infection, emotional stress, and sugar consumption are all factors that lead to stress
in my body. During a stress response, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released
from the adrenal glands, which are operated by the pituitary gland. Insulin responds to high
blood sugar levels, but also stimulates the stress response through the neurological system by
communicating with the adrenal glands. Cortisol suppresses TSH secreted from the pituitary
gland, which stimulate the thyroid, leading to thyroid imbalance. The thyroid hormone T4 is
inactive until it converts into T3, where it then controls metabolism. Every cell in my body
depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. High levels of cortisol
suppress the conversion or inactive T4 into active T3, decreasing thyroid activity. Cortisol also
increases reverse T3, which can be converted into active T3 by healthy bacteria in the intestinal
system. In stress responses, beneficial gut bacteria become damaged and depleted, suppressing
the conversion of inactive T3 into active T3. Cortisol is released by high-insulin levels, lowlevel infections and suppresses the production of TSH and active T3 and leading to symptoms of
hypothyroidism. Cortisol elevation can destroy brain cells in the hippocampus, controlling
memory and emotion.
Compassion, Service, and Vocation
Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Endocrine System, Skeletal System
“From blood, symbol of man’s mortality, springs the unending river of life”(pg. 250).
The systems of interrelated organs in this pathway includes my heart and circulatory system,
ribs, breasts, thymus gland, lungs, shoulders, arms, hands and diaphragm. Perceptually, this
organization resonates as my emotional pathway, and thus determines the quality of my
experience. “Sensing is related to the nervous system through the perceptions. Feeling and flow
are related to the fluid system including the circulatory, lymphatic, and cerebral spinal fluids”
(pg. 12). The interaction of these organs has the ability to lead to my perception of a balanced
emotional climate from which to experience compassion and display conscious exchanges in my
life. These are also the organ systems most affected when I am unable to forgive.
My circulatory system is primarily responsible for delivering blood for the exchange of gases,
nutrients, and wastes. This includes transportation of oxygen and glucose utilized by the cells as
well as transportation of wastes. My respiratory system provides oxygen for transport by the red
blood cells, as well as eliminating carbon dioxide from my blood during respiration. My
circulatory system transports the blood to the lungs for gas exchange and brings oxygen-rich
blood to the body tissues. In order to facilitate movement of the blood, the adrenal medulla
releases epinephrine and norepinephrine to regulate cardiac function and vascular resistance. My
circulatory system is responsible for transporting hormones released by the various glands to the
intended organs in my body. For instance, epinephrine, released by the endocrine system, is
necessary for the dilation of my bronchioles during respiration.
“Cardiac rhythm allows the brain to think, the lungs to breathe, and the muscles to move”( pg.
251). My heart, a crucial muscle in the proper flow of blood within the circulatory system, is
protected by my skeletal system. “Load bearing forces are transmitted from the hands to the
arms, through the shoulder girdle and distributed through the rib cage, to the axial skeleton and
onto the entire structure. The scapula is suspended in a tensile network of connective tissue that
attaches to the shoulder girdle, via this network, the arms are an extension of the [heart space]”
(pg. 75).
Communication, Understanding, and Will
Endocrine System, Skeletal System, Digestive System, Nervous System
“The word hormone means outpouring, having the property to impel or excite” (pg. 145).
The relevant systems here are my throat, thyroid, trachea, esophagus, parathyroid, hypothalamus,
cervical vertebrae, mouth, jaw, and teeth. The skeletal system functions as a structural
foundation that performs as a catalyst of movement, leading to physical and intellectual
expression. The growth of these structures is facilitated by my endocrine system, made up of
glands that secrete hormones necessary for normal growth and development, reproduction and
homeostasis. Further, my endocrine system regulates my mood, growth and development, tissue
function, and metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes.
The vibrant interaction between my nervous system and my endocrine system can result in
increased awareness of my states of consciousness and an experience of union with things
around me. “Different tissues respond according to their density and elasticity…By vibrating the
tissues, muscles relax, fluids flow, and nerves calm” (pg. 107). Here, I am confronted with the
power of choice, the finite nature of free will, and the true nature of existence, through my
interactions with the environment.
“The muscles of the neck, throat, and belly need to be relaxed to allow efficient use of the vocal
mechanisms” (pg. 105). “When a person is under stress it is common to find increased tension in
the connective tissue of the upper thorax, neck, and head…This tension can manifest as a
restriction in the ability to take in or expel breath.” (pg. 100-101)
Intuition, Wisdom, and the Power of the Mind
(Nervous System, Endocrine System)
Hormones are secreted by my hypothalamus that control the pituitary gland, an
invaluable piece of the endocrine system. Further, autonomic nerves regulate the secretion of the
adrenal medulla and other glands in the endocrine system. Many aspects of my brain’s capacity
to function are regulated by hormones from the gonads, melatonin from the pineal gland, and
others. The pituitary gland, being the size of a pea and located below the brain, releases
hormones that affect growth, metabolism, and the system of reproduction. The hypothalamus,
just above the pituitary gland, is a tiny group of brain cells that transmit messages from the body
to the brain. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland controls the rate of production of energy from
nutrients. The parathyroid controls the level of calcium in the blood. The adrenal glands secrete
hormones that are responsible for method in which energy is stored and food being used, giving
important effects on chemicals in the body, and on characteristics, such as body shape and
hairiness. The reproductive glands secrete hormones that affect reproductive activity.
The energetic pathway here involves my brain, nervous system, pituitary gland, pineal gland,
eyes, ears, and nose. I experience this pathway as the challenge to open my mind to a multitude
of experiences. Here, I experience memories, beliefs, thoughts, fears, and internal
understanding. My cerebrum is responsible for controlling movements and my cerebellum
controls voluntary movements. My medulla, located within my brain stem, controls involuntary
movements that drive the actions of digestion, breathing, heartbeat, and blood purification. The
cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain, which helps move voluntary muscles, helps solve
problems, and helps with reasoning. The memory lives in the cerebrum, including short-term
memory, and long-term memory. Located at the back of the brain, the cerebrum controls balance,
movement, and coordination. The brain stem controls all involuntary actions, such as respiration,
heart beating, digestion, and circulation. There are three types of neurons: motor neurons,
sensory neurons, and interneurons. Motor neurons are stimulated by interneurons and sensory
neurons and transmit impulses to muscles and glands, which cause muscle to move. Sensory
neurons are stimulated by the senses, such as touch, taste, smell, vision, and hearing, and send
the information they receive to the spinal cord and brain.
Seeking Connection
(Muscular System, Skeletal System, Integumentary System)
“Through embodying the skeletal system, the mind becomes structurally
organized…”(pg. 125).My muscular system functions to move my bones. Smooth muscles,
found in my esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum helps to facilitate digestion. My bones
function as attachment sites for my muscles, storing Ca2+ for their proper functioning. At the
same time, muscles are protecting my bones and facilitating movement of the joints. My skeletal
system helps to support the skin, as well as storing minerals needed by the skin. My skin, in
turn, protects my skeletal system and synthesizes Vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium
absorption and metabolism. The Integumentary system functions in multiple ways to promote
homeostasis, including protection, temperature regulation, biochemical synthesis, sensory
reception, and absorption. The skin forms a barrier; keeps bacteria, viruses, and other microbes
out, and prevents fluid loss. The skeletal system protects the major organs of my body, and it
therefore essential in the functions of these systems.
Muscles are my source of heat to warm the temperature of my skin, while my skin
permits radiant heat loss in the form of sweat, during muscles contractions. The primary systems
in this pathway are my central nervous system, muscular system, and Integumentary system.
This fundamental pathway is experienced as inspirational thoughts and transcendent ideas that
reflect the total interaction of the other systems in my body and the basic energy of life that
sustains them. Congruently, it is the smooth muscle that makes up my diaphragm, a critical
piece of inspiration in the respiratory system.
“This organism is capable of functioning with dissonant, asymmetrical patterns. These
patterns of tubal pulsation establish self-identity by generating the feelings that we recognize as
ourselves. They give a dimension to existence by creating an inside and an outside, and depth
and a surface”(pg. 119).
“The outer body wall contacts the environment. This outer layer or tube has to do with
information, protection, and the setting up of a boundary between inner and outer worlds. It is
intimately related to the central nervous system, a neural layer that compartmentalizes, separates,
divides, and communicates” (pg. 121)
“Most of the physiological roles of the skin are crucial for our survival; without the protection
from foreign invasion, the prevention of excess fluid loss, the metabolic activities, the
temperature regulation, the immunological resistances, the healing mechanisms, and the
excretory functions which the skin provides, the organism would rapidly expire” (pg. 169).
“Touch, more than any other sensation, defines for us our sense of reality” (pg. 170).
.
This is the reality of what our immune systems must contend with on a continual, daily
basis.
They do so by maintaining an arsenal of around 26 billion white blood cells. There are
chemical
guards, biological killer cells, macrophages, phagocytes, T cells, the list is endless.
In a healthy subject the ANS is carefully balanced between the day and night nerve.
However in modern, so called civilized society we have to contend with stress, the
environment,
a faulty work/life balance, and a denial of our biorhythmic sleep patterns.
Everything is disturbed and we no longer have a natural balance within our Autonomic
systems.
As such the Sympathetic nervous system predominates; we are always on the go.