Even though the pineal gland is only about a quarter of an inch long, it has characteristically generated a level of interest that’s arguably far above the body’s other glands. Descartes, the notable philosopher, once referred to the pineal gland as the “principle seat of the soul“, and it’s perhaps more commonly referred to as the “third eye”.
The second name particularly makes sense because it’s located about the same level of your eyes. Keep reading to learn more about the pineal gland, discover why it has captivated attention for generations, and get tips about how to make the gland work better for you.
What does the pineal gland do?
Until recently, many modern scientists believed the pineal gland had no function in humans and that it was merely a remnant of the evolutionary process. However, back in the fourth century, anatomy experts of the day thought the gland regulated the flow of thoughts, and Latin scientists called the pineal gland “the master gland,” indicating that they realized the gland helped control the body’s endocrine system.
Today, scientists now know that the pineal gland produces melatonin and serotonin. That means it’s responsible for regulating when you sleep and wake up, determines hormone levels and how stressed you feel plus it has an impact on physical performance.
The pineal gland and DMT
Some researchers also believe the pineal gland produces a hallucinogenic substance called Dimethyltryptamine or DMT, which people say already exists in our brains to help provide consciousness. Furthermore, there are also individuals who argue that DMT makes it possible to achieve different states of mind and travel to new realms.
Amazonian tribes commonly ingested DMT by eating plants that contain it. The belief that DMT can bring about higher levels of perception across multiple dimensions is perhaps the main reason why people are fascinated by the pineal gland and have been for so long.
Some literature suggests that when the pineal gland is fully functional, people can maintain a highly visionary state. If you subscribe to that way of thinking, it makes sense why you might also believe a highly active pineal gland makes it possible to see beyond what most other humans can.
Activating your pineal gland
One easy way to activate your pineal gland is to get into natural sunlight. Exposure to the sun not only benefits the pineal gland, but it also is good for your mind. Because any kind of light stimulates the pineal gland, it’s crucial to avoid exposure from electronic screens when you’re trying to sleep.
If you sleep in a space that has too much light, your pineal gland may continue to produce serotonin at the same levels it did when you were in sunlight, meaning you won’t get the melatonin production needed for a good night’s sleep.
If your body is tricked into thinking it’s daytime because your electronic devices are giving off too much light, your sleep and wake cycle may be disrupted.
Meditation can also help you activate the pineal gland. Although you’ll need to practice before feeling confident while meditating, this practice could help you harness your body’s energy and direct it towards the pineal gland.
The pineal gland is also subject to calcification, which some people say may cause it to not work properly. Through calcification, the gland becomes hard and does not make as much melatonin. Fluoride is a substance thought to contribute to calcification.
Keep in mind that many places throughout the world regularly treat community water sources by adding fluoride, which has become a controversial practice. If you’d like to avoid fluoride, one of the easiest ways to do that is by running all the water you drink through a filter.
However, it’s important to realize that many commercially available filters don’t remove fluoride. Before buying one, verify on the labelling that it does remove the substance. Generally, the kind you need is called a reverse osmosis filter.
Although the correct filtration systems may represent a significant investment, consider that they should last several years or more with proper care, so by purchasing one, you’re making a long-term decision related to your well-being.
You may also have trouble with calcification of the pineal gland if you are deficient in Vitamin D. Most Americans are, but they may not realize it. Since supplements are widely available in health food and grocery stores, it may be useful to start taking a low-dose supplement and seeing if you feel better as a result. A Vitamin D deficiency may be problematic because it triggers calcium in the body to calcify tissue, including the pineal gland. As long as you’re able to get enough Vitamin D, it’s preferred to eat foods that contain a lot of calcium, rather than taking calcium supplements.
If you believe your pineal gland is calcified, you may be able to improve the problem by eating the tamarind, a fruit from Africa. Furthermore, if you are consciously trying to reduce your salt intake, a low-sodium diet may make fluoride-caused calcification more likely. However, if you are limiting salt for health reasons, be sure to talk to your doctor before upping your sodium intake.
You can also reduce your fluoride exposure and potentially make your pineal gland more active by opting for a fluoride-free toothpaste. That variety may be hard to find in conventional grocery stores, but you should be able to buy it from speciality shops that offer natural foods and products.
Speaking of natural foods, eating organic items when possible may also make your pineal gland more functional. Furthermore, some people are adversely affected by the density of meat when trying to activate their pineal glands, so you may find you get better results when following a plant-based diet.
If you are a person who regularly participates in body cleanses by drinking special mixtures, that practice could also aid in removing toxic substances enough so that your pineal gland is more able to function. It’s also important to avoid exposure to mercury.
That may mean getting your mercury fillings replaced with ones that contain other substances, or eating wheatgrass, chlorella and spirulina to help your body naturally remove mercury. As much as possible, avoid consuming fish, and when you do eat it, try not to eat the kinds of fish that are bottom feeders.
Hopefully, these easy-to-follow tips make you feel more equipped to benefit your pineal gland, a part of your body that’s sometimes called the spiritual third eye. If you need further help, consider consulting an alternative therapy practitioner in your area that has shown familiarity with the pineal gland and its bodily functions.
Even if you’re not able to get to the point where pineal gland activation leads to being able to experience multiple dimensions, the ideas offered above could help you have a healthier body overall.
Author: Dr. Michael Richardson
Passionate about sharing the latest scientifically sound health, fitness and nutrition advice and information, Dr Richardson received his Master of Science in Nutrition from New York University, and a Bachelor Degree from New Jersey University. He has since gone on to specialize in sports nutrition, weight management and helping his patients to heal physical ailments by making changes to their eating habits and lifestyles.
