It is believed that the pineal gland is an important part in balancing mental health, as it is responsible for regulating the body’s circadian processes, highlighting the sleep cycle. However, there are many doubts about what the pineal gland really is, what its function is and how to activate this small part of our body. Here are some keys to understand more about it and steps to activate its correct operation.
What is the pineal gland?
It is a small gland located in the brain, it is the size of a pea and has the shape of a pineapple. And although its function is still not completely known, thanks to research it is known that it is responsible for producing and regulating some hormones. The pineal gland is responsible for the production and control of a hormone known as melatonin, also called the ‘sleep hormone’.
Correct levels of melatonin in the body are essential in the body because thanks to them, circadian rhythms are regulated. This is what is known as the patterns of the organism, among which the patterns of the . For this reason, the correct functioning of the pineal gland is associated with a balance of mental health or in other words, with finding peace.
Since ancient times the pineal gland has played an important role in spirituality processes. Well, it has been associated with the energy centers of the body that help us stay in balance. It is a part of the body highly revered by different cultures around the world, since it is considered the organ of supreme universal connection. Many have even argued that it is the biological relative of the third eye chakra.
How to activate the pineal gland
Some traditions of ancient cultures such as Hindu doctrine believe in the need to activate the pineal gland to achieve a state of balance that helps us with mental health. This requires meditation practices to establish a connection between earthly teachings and what lies beyond.
According to Candice Covington, author of ‘Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice: Working with the Chakras, Divine Archetypes, and the Five Great Elements’, there are various habits that can help activate the pineal gland. Convington believes that diet can play a key role in activating the gland, as it is about detoxifying the body. Among the foods she suggests are lemon, watermelon, garlic, honey, coconut, hemp seeds, ginseng and goji berries. Although it must be clear that there is no scientific evidence to support this position of the author.
Essential oils
“Essential oils are dynamic tools for healing and opening the pineal gland, and facilitating states of spiritual consciousness,” says Covington. She recommends three specific oils:
Jasmine
Lemon
Sandalwood
Essential oils are strong concentrates, so they should not be applied directly to the skin without first mixing with a carrier oil which can be any oil of your choice (olive, coconut, almond). For every six drops of essential oil, one tablespoon of carrier oil is required to make a usable mixture. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to your forehead at the level of what is known as ‘the third eye’.
Meditation
Meditation is strongly associated with balance, this is because it is a space for self-care that encourages reflection. In addition, it decreases the body’s activity to achieve a state of calm, which is why the constant practice of meditation teaches us to bring the mind to calm states despite external events.
Covington believes that meditation helps us live in constant states of calm because it forms a crucial part in activating the pineal gland.
Crystals
“Crystals are influential allies in the quest to awaken the third eye,” says the author. “She uses crystals and gemstones in the purple, indigo and violet color palette. This color palette serves to awaken, balance, align and nourish the third eye.”
Among the crystal recommendations that Covington recommends are:
Amethyst
purple sapphire
Violet tourmaline
Rhodonite
Sodalite
According to his book, during meditation placing some of these crystals over the pineal gland area helps unblock this small part of the body and encourages its activation.