The Pineal Gland: The Seat of the Soul

The pineal gland or sixth chakra is located deep within the center of the brain and was considered by French philosopher Rene Descartes to be the “seat of the soul.” Mainstream society has long suppressed the science behind the true nature of the pineal, but evidence of its multifaceted function and symbolic history is coming to light as the consciousness of the planet rises. The pineal gland serves as a symbol of spirituality, intuition, and clairvoyance in many religions and societies across the globe. It is often referred to as the “third eye” because it possesses a lens, cornea, retina, and has light sensitive internal structures that are similar to the rods and cones of the eyes. Once activated, it allows an individual to view the spiritual realms. Yet to the detriment of humanity, toxins in the environment and a loss of spiritual knowledge have caused the third eye to calcify and become dormant in most people. However, an awakening is occurring that is allowing people to rediscover their third eye abilities as alternative science uncovers the once well-known mysteries of the sixth chakra.

Pineal Gland Function

Melatonin

The primary function of the pineal gland as understood by mainstream science, is to produce melatonin during sleep, as well as regulate body temperature and skin coloration, all of which depend on the presence of environmental light. Melatonin is a hormone produced from serotonin which affects our mood. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the absence of light which is responsible for repairing cells, governing circadian rhythms, and eliminating free radicals. A deficiency can lead to insomnia and cancer, and accelerate the aging process. Electromagnetic radiation and the presence of light during sleep also interfere with the signals that tell the pineal gland to start producing melatonin.

Canadian medical doctor, Roman Rozencwaig began studying the pineal gland and its ability to produce melatonin in the mid 1980’s. He believes decreased melatonin production is a direct result of atrophy of the pineal gland, which in turn leads to aging and disease. As a person grows older, the cells of the pineal are damaged and calcified due to toxins in the environment and injury. This leads to decreased melatonin production and higher levels of serotonin, which may be responsible for cancer and other diseases. Dr. Rozencwaig states that supplemental melatonin can drastically reduce the rate of pineal atrophy, slow down the aging process, and treat a wide array of diseases by boosting the immune system, allowing the pineal gland to maintain a balanced ratio between melatonin and serotonin levels in the body. He has treated several of his cancer patients with supplemental melatonin and many have seen a significant improvement in their condition. Even though melatonin is a vastly important part of pineal health, it is not the compound responsible for inducing mystical experiences.

DMT

DMT or Di-methyl-tryptamine, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that is found throughout the body, and produced by the pineal gland. DMT is believed to play a role in inducing mystical states of consciousness. DMT can be found in almost all plants and animals and has been thought of as the key to our spiritual gateway by many indigenous and ancient tribes, particularly those in South America.

In the mid-1800s Amazonian explorers described psychoactive powders and brews made from plants with high concentrations of DMT. The tribe members often recounted out of body experiences in which they would communicate with spirits and experience mystical visions. These tribes understood the nature of these substances far earlier than their western counterparts. DMT was discovered in the blood, urine, tissue, and spinal fluid of humans in the mid-60s and became the first psychedelic substance to be produced internally by the body. However, DMT research encountered political opposition in the following decade due to the growing anti-psychedelic sentiment, and was not studied again until the 90s.

In his book DMT-The Spirit Molecule, Dr. Rick Strassman discusses his groundbreaking research on DMT and its effects on the pineal gland. Dr. Strassman asserts that the pineal’s location in the center of the brain makes it an ideal candidate for DMT production. Since the third eye is close to the cerebrospinal fluid channels, this allows any secreted substance to be easily absorbed by the brain. Furthermore, the pineal is situated near the colliculi which are mounds of tissue that transmit emotional and sensory data to certain parts of the brain. It is also surrounded by the limbic system which governs the experience of emotions.

DMT is rapidly broken down by the body so the production center needs to be close to the emotional areas of the brain in order to have an effect on the consciousness of a person. The pineal contains the necessary enzymes to convert tryptamine (the base compound that derives melatonin and serotonin) into DMT. It also produces compounds called beta-carbolines which prevent neurotransmitter inhibitor enzymes called monoamine oxidase (MAO) from breaking down DMT. However, the pineal has mechanisms to prevent spontaneous DMT production during normal activities. For example, both the pineal and adrenal glands produce neurotransmitters called catecholamines. These are known to stimulate melatonin production in the pineal, and are produced in response to stress in the adrenals. When the adrenal catecholamines are near the pineal its nerve cells rapidly get rid of them. The nerve cells act as a security system to prevent the release of DMT in periods of everyday stress.

Dr. Strassman postulates that large amounts DMT are released by the pineal at specific points in a person’s life. "Pineal DMT production is the physical representation of non-material, or energetic, processes. It provides us with the vehicle to consciously experience the movement of our life-force in its most extreme manifestations.” He believes that DMT is released when the soul enters the fetus, at birth, during states of meditation or psychosis, and when the soul leaves the body. In patients with psychosis, enzymes that stimulate DMT production are elevated and MAO enzymes are decreased. Therefore, their third eye is unable to turn off DMT production, resulting in hallucinations. During states of deep meditation people have reported having mystical experiences similar to those produced by psychedelics. When a person enters a deep meditative state their brainwaves become slower and more coherent as they reach a level of expanded awareness. Thus, the pineal vibrates at these same frequencies which triggers the release of DMT. During birth and death, Strassman speculates that large amounts of catecholamines are released. Since birth and death can be high stress experiences, the pineal is overwhelmed with catecholamines which stimulate DMT release.

Dr. Strassman and his research team conducted a study in which they gave several volunteers low, medium, and high doses of IV DMT, and measured its effects on the body. When volunteers were given a dose of .05mg/kg, no psychedelic effects were present, but many experienced feelings of joy and happiness. At a medium dose volunteers experienced rapid colorful visual patterns that were kaleidoscopic or geometric in nature. At higher doses volunteers experienced complete loss of connection with reality as they were fully launched into a psychedelic experience. Many felt as if they had died, accompanied by feelings of bliss and euphoria, while a smaller percentage experienced feelings of terror and paranoia. Several reported traveling through realms with vibrant unfamiliar colors and shapes while whizzing past galaxies. Some volunteers even encountered beings who interacted with them and guided them through the DMT space. Overall the experiences were individual, but similar in many respects. Strassman’s research indicates that pineal DMT production may play a vital role in inducing mystical experiences during near death experiences, psychotic states, and deep states of meditation.

Pineal Calcification and Activation

Even though the pineal gland contains chemicals and neurotransmitters to induce mystical experiences without the use of external psychedelics, the pineal glands of most people are calcified and dormant. Many of the toxins in our food and environment are responsible for pineal calcification. Calcification prevents the pineal from functioning correctly and leads to decreased melatonin and DMT production. Fluoride, mercury, and processed foods, are some of the substances that contribute to pineal calcification. Fluoride is found in toothpaste and most of America’s water supply, and is one of the chief causes of pineal calcification. The calcified pineal contains the highest concentration of fluoride in the body.

Fluoride and mercury have been shown to effect brain function, and even lower IQ. Mercury can be found in vaccines and tooth fillings, and has been linked to the onset of autism in young children. However, fluoride can be removed from tap water with filters specifically designed for fluoride removal. Mercury and other heavy metals can be removed from the body with the correct supplements. Processed foods contain a plethora of additives, chemicals, and artificial compounds that indirectly cause pineal calcification, as well as a host of other health problems. Over 50% of the standard American diet consists of processed foods. Since their inception in the early 20s, processed foods have become a staple in many American diets, with Americans consuming 31% more processed food than fresh food.

There are numerous ways to activate and open the third eye, and each method can be individualized to suit the needs of the person. One of the most widely practiced pineal activation techniques is meditation. Dr. Joe Dispenza, author of “Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind”, claims that through the science of neuroplasticity, a person can rewire their brain. In his research with cases of spontaneous remission, Dr. Dispenza discovered that those who had achieved total healing from terminal illnesses were able to rewire their brain through positive intention and thought. When a person is awake and alert they are generally in a beta state. When one begins to enter a meditative trance the brain enters alpha, theta, and gamma states, with the latter being the slowest and most conducive for healing. These slow frequencies allow the brain to readily access the field of quantum possibility when an intention is set. This is because the brain is not preoccupied with tasks of daily survival and it is able to expand its focus beyond everyday needs. Therefore if a person sets an intention to open their third eye, it can be activated with regular meditation practice.

The use of supplements coupled with a more plant based diet is an excellent way to decalcify the pineal gland. Nascent iodine is an electrified form of iodine that is readily absorbed by the body which helps eliminate fluoride, bromine, chlorine, and other toxins. Not only does nascent iodine remove pineal toxins, but it also stimulates the thyroid, improves mental clarity, and aids in boosting the immune system. Chaga mushroom is one of the best supplements for pineal decalcification because of its high melanin content. Melanin is produced by the pituitary gland in the presence of melatonin and is a primary pineal food source. Chaga is one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants, and helps balance the immune system and prevent cancer, as well as a host of other diseases. Chaga medicines can be made into powder, tea, and single or dual extracts. Dual extracts are the most potent because they contain both the water and alcohol soluble compounds of the mushroom and are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Adding magnesium bicarbonate to drinking water not only decalcifies your pineal gland, but alkalizes your body and eliminates calcium deposits that have formed around other organs. Its Magnesium in water is absorbed 30% faster than magnesium in food and the bicarbonate amplifies the amount of magnesium absorbed by cells.

Since the pineal is a light sensitive, sun-gazing is a simple way to decalcify it. Sun-gazing is the practice of looking at the sun during the hour of sunset or sunrise in order to absorb its light energy. However, mainstream science has taught us that looking at the sun for even brief periods is harmful to our eyes, so many are skeptical of the process. In addition to pineal decalcification, sun-gazing can improve mental clarity, eliminate toxins, prevent mental and physical disease, slow the aging process, and decrease hunger. One of the most popular methods of gazing is the HRM method, named after its founder Hira Ratan Manek. HRM recommends that you begin gazing for 10 seconds, increasing 10 seconds each day until you reach a time of 45 minutes. According to this method total mental clarity occurs at 15 minutes and physical diseases start to disappear around the 30 minute mark. HRM believes after the 45 minute mark is reached, a person can stop gazing and start walking barefoot for 45 minutes per day on bare earth. This connection with the earth ensures that your “solar battery” remains charged. If this process is continued one experiences feelings of bliss and joy as their intuition supersedes the ego mind. It is recommended that a person only gaze an hour within sunset or sunrise when the UV index is low. When the sun is higher in the sky, the UV rays can be damaging to the retina of the eye. In order to gain the full benefit, HRM recommends that a person ground themselves by standing barefoot on dirt or sand while gazing. It is also important to note that you should never gaze while standing on grass because the plant life can absorb sun energy from the body and lessen the benefits. Sun-gazing is a journey for each person and the benefits and experiences are unique based on the intention and needs of the individual.

Western society once thought the third eye was a vestigial organ with no function, but its mysteries are slowly unraveling as science and spirituality merge. The discovery of DMT as a naturally occurring psychedelic adds validity to the complexities and unique nature of mystical experiences. As people connect with their spiritual nature through pineal decalcification, meditation, and other holistic practices the power of intention, belief, and thought becomes a driving force in the areas of health and spiritual attunement. We have only just begun to tap into the nature of our pineal, but as scientific evidence confirms spiritual knowledge mystical experiences become tangible tools for physical and spiritual growth.

 

Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a naturopathic or medical doctor.

Category:consciousness

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