Tongue touches the Palate

Embryologically, the pituitary begins by manifesting as an outgrowth

of the mouth cavity. This outgrowth takes the form of a

pouch, which gradually extends toward the brain. By the end of the

fourth week this protrusion contacts a downgrowth from the brain

called the infundibulum. The pouch then develops into the anterior

lobe of the pituitary, whereas the infundibulum, representing an

outgrowth of the oldest part of the nervous system, develops into

the posterior lobe of the gland. There is a space between the walls

of the anterior and posterior parts of the gland, which persists

throughout life as the cleft of the gland. The pituitary gland is divided

into an anterior or front portion, which is composed of glandular

tissue and a posterior or back portion, which is composed of

nerve-like tissue. The anterior portion produces several hormones

which stimulate distant structures such as: a growth hormone, a

hormone which stimulates the adrenal cortex, a thyroid stimulating

hormone and also a hormone which stimulates breast milk production

and another which influences pigment production by certain

cells of the skin.

The posterior part of the gland is an extension of the hypothalamus,

that portion of the brain to which the pituitary is attached.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary body secretes several important

hormones, two of which deserve special attention. One of them,

called pitocin, has a powerful stimulating effect on the pregnant uterus and is frequently used in cases where labor is slow and

ineffective. The other, called antidiuretic hormone, controls the salt

and water content of the blood.

In animal studies, an active pituitary produces alertness. A tired

or dull pituitary produces sleepiness and general dullness. During

hibernation or winter sleep, an animal in cold weather passes into

a cataleptic state in which it continues to breathe, more deeply but

more slowly than when awake. The internal secretions of all of the

glands of hibernating animals show changes during this period but

the most marked effect is found in the pituitary in which the cells

shrink as if they too were asleep or resting. When the spring comes,

the pituitary gland cells again become normally active.

In the Taoist System, special attention is given to properly stimulate

and harmonize the energy center related to this gland. Attempts

have been made to mix pituitary gland energy with sources

of cooler energy such as sperm and earth power. This constitutes

a cauldron for cultivating the spirit in the practice called the sealing

of the five sense organs.