Page 15 - Winter2017

rhea—or skin eruptions like rashes and warts are recognized as efforts Having assessed everything from both cir-
to eliminate noxious substances. culatory and nervous systems, the hypothalamus
In exploring the endocrine axis it can be daunting to keep track of so responds accordingly. Based on the information
many terms, many of which seem similar, along with their corresponding flowing through it, the hypothalamus dispatches
abbreviations, and then try to remember their particular functions and individual hormones in two sets to the pituitary.
the subtle differences and relationships among them! Most of the names One set inlcudes oxytocin and antidiuretic
are ancient language equivalents, mostly from Latin and Greek, simply hormone (ADH). Both are synthesized in the
meaning “that do-widget which is next to the thing-a-mabob.” The names hypothalamus, derived from the same proto-
are descriptions of function typical protein. The
or location. Pronunciation, two hormones travel,
as a wonderful biology prof separately, to the pos-
instructed us decades ago, is terior pituitary gland
usually based on emphasizing (also called the neuro-
the least meaningful syllable hypophysis) for stor-
of the word. age, ready for release
A disturbance in any of as directed. They
the organs or tissues in the both promote smooth
4
HPA or greater endocrine sys- muscle contraction.
tem affects all of the glands Oxytocin stimulates
of the axis, eventually affect- uterine contractions,
ing the entire body. In other especially important
words, a thyroid problem is for childbirth, then
not merely a thyroid problem, contracts the mam-
nor is adrenal fatigue simply mary glands for milk
an adrenal issue. An imbal- “let-down.” Oxytocin
ance or malfunction assumed is known as the “love
to be simply a disturbance in one area of the body really is a systemic hormone” because it also promotes instincts
problem, affecting the entire body. A fundamental tenet of therapeutic for cuddling and nurturing, as well as sexual
massage states: “it’s all connected.” While this understanding is funda- arousal and orgasm.
mental with acupuncturists, neuromuscular therapists and craniosacral ADH also goes by the name AVP or argi-
therapists, few allopathic medical practitioners take this assumption into nine vasopressin. It prompts contraction of the
consideration. smooth muscles in arterioles and sweat glands,
causing them to retain fluid. ADH also prompts
THE HYPOTHALAMUS the kidneys to retain water. The posterior pitu-
The hypothalamus of the HPA is located centrally in the cranium at itary releases ADH when blood pressure (BP)
the floor of the cerebrum (brain), surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is low, and also in times of pain and exposure
and in close and continuous contact with freshly oxygenated blood from to drugs such as nicotine, morphine and bar-
the aorta. It is at the crossroads of the central and peripheral nervous biturates, perhaps providing “dilution as the
systems (CNS and PNS, respectively), as well as circulatory flow, and solution to pollution.” Excessive ADH release in
thus monitors the most recent changes and conditions throughout the the hypothalamus occurs with severe blood loss,
body. Information on external sensory input such as taste, smell, touch, trauma or other injury or abnormal cells such as
sight and sound, as well as visceral responses arrive at the hypothala- cancer. Excessive ADH release with consequent
mus, apprising it of blood temperature and pH; solute content as osmotic excessive water retention is manifest as weight
pressure and barometric pressure; general and specific levels of amino gain, bloating and hypo-osmolality of blood
acids, mineral levels and balance; and blood sugar (glucose and other) (that is watery blood or too much liquid and not
levels, concentrations of insulin and other hormones. In addition, the enough minerals, blood cells, carrier molecules
hypothalamus registers gastric motility, heart rate and contractions of with cargo, or other dissolved content).
the urinary bladder, along with circadian changes and the transforma- The other set of hormones from the hypo-
tions of the life cycle. The hypothalamus is indeed the central monitor thalamus comprises both releasing and inhibi-
and control center for the body. tory hormones. These go from a capillary bed

WINTER 2017 Wise Traditions 15