Ayurvedic Lecture series: The endocrine system

The endocrine system is a collection of glands throughout your body and includes the thyroid gland, thymus gland, pituitary gland, pineal gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, parathyroid, testes, and ovaries.

These glands secrete a variety of hormones, which travel to specific target organs via the bloodstream and have specific functions such as regulating growth, metabolism, temperature, and reproductive development. Like the nervous system, the endocrine system acts as a signaling pathway, although hormones are slower acting than nerve impulses. Endocrine signals can last from a few hours to a few weeks. The main control center for the organs in the endocrine system is the brain’s hypothalamus.

Endocrine disorders, which include diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, adrenal fatigue – among others – are typically grouped into two categories:

Endocrine disorders result when a gland produces too much or too little of an endocrine hormone, creating a hormone imbalance.

Endocrine disorders are due to the development of lesions (such as nodules or tumors) in the endocrine system, which may or may not affect hormone levels.

Symptoms include fatigue and weakness. Treatment is complex – as hormones are interrelated and treating one may adversely affect another. Ayurveda takes a whole-body approach to treatment.

ABOUT SOMESH N. KAUSHIK, ND, BAMS, MPH, MPA, E-RYT 500
With over 35 years of experience as an Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Kaushik’s medical training is extensive. He is one of the most experienced Ayurvedic physicians in North America and is the recipient of the Dhanwantri Award, his profession’s highest honor. Dr. Kaushik recently founded the Institute for the Advancement of Ayurvedic Sciences, a research and teaching institution.

Dr. Kaushik is the owner and chief medical practitioner of Dr. Kaushick’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River, NY.

This series is sponsored by Brewster Public Library, Butterfield Library, Mahopac Public Library, Putnam Valley Library, Reed Memorial Library, Desmond-Fish Public Library, and Field Library of Westchester.