The Pineal Gland – Circadian Rhythm and the Third Eye

Inside our brains, there’s a unique gland called the pineal gland. While it may not get much attention, the pineal gland plays an integral role in our mental health, hormone regulation, and circadian rhythm. Metaphysically, it’s thought of as the source of the third eye.

Today we’ll explore the pineal gland function and why you should keep your pineal gland healthy.

What is the Pineal Gland?

In the center of our brains is a small, chickpea-sized gland known as the pineal gland. The location of the pineal gland is right behind the pituitary gland, and the gland is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. It’s slightly pinecone-shaped, which is where the name pineal comes from. Although researchers know that this gland is an important part of the endocrine system, they are still discovering more about the function of the pineal gland and the different jobs of this small organ.

The main pineal gland function is melatonin production and regulation (the sleep hormone) along with some other hormones. It makes sense then, that the pineal gland plays an important role in our sleep patterns, also known as our body’s circadian rhythm. The gland is also thought to relate to the decision-making part of our brain and even our perception of reality. These functions are likely also related to melatonin.

The cells in the pineal body are known as pinealocytes. These cells are raspberry-shaped modified neurons. The gland also contains some glial cells. It’s the pinealocytes that synthesize and secrete melatonin, in response to the light and dark cycles in our environments. Light signals detected by our eyes send a message to the pineal gland to create and start melatonin secretion. Generally, when we’re healthy, our bodies increase melatonin production to help us sleep comfortably when needed.

However, if our sleep cycles don’t follow the light-dark cycles of the day, or if we’re having issues with sleep due to stress, anxiety, or other issues, we can help our pineal gland by taking a melatonin supplement. Most people tolerate melatonin well, and it can be helpful if you feel your sleep and wake cycles are a little off.

I recommend using RestEZ from Melaleuca, which contains a time-release melatonin and botanical blend to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. If you’re struggling with insomnia, it’s a great solution. The time-release aspect mimics the way the pineal gland slowly releases melatonin in our system.

Besides keeping our melatonin levels in check, the pineal gland helps regulate female hormones related to our fertility and menstrual cycles. Once again, hormone regulation is related to the secretion of melatonin in our system which supports the cycles of the body.

Some research supports the idea that melatonin may also help other systems in the body, such as the cardiovascular system, and protect us against issues like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. There may also be a correlation between the pineal gland and issues like migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia.

Pineal Gland Calcification

With age and other factors, the pineal gland develops calcium spots also known as calcification. Calcification can occur in many parts of the body including our joints and certain organs like the heart and kidneys. Researchers have hypothesized that calcifications in the pineal gland may interfere with functions, including the production of melatonin.

So, what causes pineal gland calcification? Is there anything we can do to prevent or decalcify the pineal gland? A common theory is that the calcifications are directly related to aging, but pineal gland calcifications have been discovered in younger patients and even babies, so there may also be other factors at work. Interestingly, the pineal gland isn’t fully protected by the blood-brain barrier and the gland is highly vascularized, similar to the kidneys (which can also form calcifications).

In animal studies, there have been correlations between melatonin production and light. Animals who were exposed to low levels of light also showed a higher level of calcification in their pineal glands, which would seem to support the idea that light exposure levels affect the calcification of the pineal gland.

There are also correlations between medical conditions like kidney disease, migraines, Alzheimer’s disease, and pineal gland calcification. Researchers are still unsure if the calcification is caused by these conditions or if the calcification plays a role in the formation of these conditions. Because illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease are so debilitating, there is a growing body of research focused on prevention and understanding causation.

In the 1990s, a study found that the pineal gland contained a high amount of fluoride and pesticides. They theorized that fluoridated water and exposure to environmental toxins could accumulate in the pineal gland, causing calcification crystals to form.

Unfortunately, these calcifications can interfere with the production of melatonin and lead to insomnia, headaches, fogginess, and fatigue. Some practitioners have theorized that these effects are especially pronounced in older adults who may struggle with sleeping patterns.

How to Decalcify Your Pineal Gland

The small-but-critical pineal gland is crucial for our health and wellbeing, but it can be difficult to understand how to keep the pineal gland healthy. Once you’ve been exposed to environmental toxins, fluoride, or other calcification-causing factors, is there a way to decalcify your pineal gland? Can we reverse the damage?

Obviously, like most healthy practices, prevention is crucial. Find out if your tap water is fluoridated. While all water contains some naturally occurring fluoride, in the United States, many of our water systems add additional fluoride to the drinking water. In 1945 the American Dental Association lobbied for nationwide fluoridation to reduce dental cavities and today around 80% of water systems add some low levels of fluoridation.

While fluoride levels in drinking water have been deemed safe by most public health institutions, additional fluoride exposure theoretically may increase the risk of calcification. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about the levels of fluoride you require and check your toothpaste and toothcare to ensure you aren’t over-using fluoride. You may also want to consider avoiding fluoridated water.

Some alternative health practitioners also suggest reducing your exposure to EMFs, also known as electromagnetic fields. Some theorize that EMFs may interfere with melatonin production. Sources of EMFs include microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, computer screens, televisions, tablets, and cell phones. The blue light emitted by these devices may also interfere with sleep and melatonin production. It’s a good idea to limit your exposure to screens for several hours before sleep.

Other chemicals you should avoid include non-stick compounds like Teflon, commonly found in kitchenware like pots and pans. Avoid pesticides, and clean foods thoroughly before eating. Choose organic whenever possible. Although calcium in the diet doesn’t typically cause calcifications in the body, excessive calcium supplementation can cause negative effects. Discuss your calcium levels with your doctor to see if you should reconsider any calcium supplements you take.

Many of these steps can help with detoxification in general and are good practices for a healthy body. In today’s world, we’re exposed to many toxins and environmental hazards, so staying mindful of exposure is good for your health in general.

Some alternative health practitioners also suggest that zeolites are helpful for the decalcification of the pineal gland. Zeolites are naturally occurring minerals that contain silicon and aluminum. They help move heavy metals out of the body and balance pH levels. I recommend trying Zmunity Mushrooms as a supplement to help with detoxification and decalcification.

The Pineal Gland and Mediation: Opening the Third Eye

French philosopher René Descartes said the pineal gland is the “seat of the soul” and many spiritual practitioners have linked the pineal gland to the third eye chakra. Chakras were discussed in the Vedas in 1500 B.C. and have been a key concept in energy work and yoga practice.

In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means wheel. The idea is that we each have wheels or spinning circles of energy that are tied to different areas of our bodies—our major organs and systems. There are 114 different chakras, but most yoga practitioners work with the main seven chakras that run from the sacrum (base of the spine/tailbone) to the top of the head.  

The third eye chakra is often portrayed as part of the forehead, but it’s actually deep within the center of the human brain, or where the pineal gland is located. It is linked to intuition, creativity, spirituality, and imagination. Some parapsychologists believe that the third eye is the gateway to our higher spiritual communication, telepathy, astral projection, psychic visions, and lucid dreaming.

Interestingly, many different cultures portray the concept of a third eye and the pineal gland as an important part of spirituality. In Egypt, the Eye of Horus was placed in the same location as the pineal gland (from his profile) and resembles the pineal gland in shape. The Hindu God Shiva is portrayed with a third eye, as well. Sumerian Gods were often depicted holding a pinecone which resembles the pineal gland.

Some reptiles and amphibians have a vestigial third eye that is sensitive to light. In humans, the pineal gland is also sensitive to light, and connected to our bodily cycles like sleep. Neuroscientists believe that the pineal gland is key to dreaming and in psychedelic experiences. Throughout literature, science, and religion, the third eye and its relationship to the pineal gland keeps coming up again and again.

In 2019, researchers linked the pineal gland to N, N-dimethyltryptamine, or DMT. DMT is a tryptamine drug that some scientists have called the spirit molecule. Some theorize that the small amounts of DMT in the pineal gland are related to dreaming. There’s also a theory that it may be released during birth and death, causing visions and mystical experiences.

In yoga, the third eye chakra or the crown chakra is related to our brain and nervous system. It is also connected to our sense of purpose and our spiritual enlightenment. If the crown chakra is blocked, we may feel disconnected spiritually. We may experience a lack of purpose, pessimism, frustration, and even confusion. Some people report that they experience more headaches and brain fog when their third eye is blocked.

To open the third eye, it’s important to be aligned with your body’s spiritual and emotional needs. Some practitioners believe that opening the third eye can be dangerous and destabilizing if you aren’t fully prepared and in balance. If you have an active yoga and meditation practice and feel ready, you can focus on opening your third eye by adopting certain practices.

Diet and physical health are important for opening the third eye chakra. Going through a detoxification practice can help ensure your body is ready. If you follow the yoga diet, you’ve likely incorporated many healthful foods into your meals, but foods that support the third eye include:

• Garlic
• Honey
• Lemon
• Cilantro
• Coconut Oil
• Goji berries
• Star anise
• Ginseng

Essential oils are also important in meditation practice, and you can include spiritual oils like lemon, jasmine, and sandalwood in your practice. Meditation with crystals can also be helpful for connecting with the pineal gland and the third eye. Consider sodalite, purple sapphire, or amethyst. You can physically place the crystal on your forehead during meditation to connect.

During meditation, focus on your crown chakra. Meditate with gratitude and abundance. Outdoor and mantra meditation may also be helpful for opening the third eye. A practice called “sungazing” or meditation while facing the sunrise or sunset is energizing and may help align your pineal gland and circadian rhythms.

Pineal gland health can improve your sleep, help you feel more spiritually connected, and improve your overall sense of wellbeing. Let’s all start taking care of this important little organ in the brain!

For more healthy practices don’t miss:

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• How to Improve Gut Health Naturally for Better Overall Health