Pineal Gland... the tiny cone shaped gland that has recently been found to be an important link between the nervous and endocrine systems. This gland is linked to the CNS via the autonomic sympathetic nervous system.

The pineal gland which is linked to the optic nerve through the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is known to also secrete melatonin and functions as a timing devise to keep internal events synchronized with the day-night cycle. By controlling biological cycles; the pineal gland is a time-giver for hormone secretion, metabolic bio-rhythms and temperature control. The pineal gland and SCN are closely related, and since the SCN synchronizes 'slave oscillators" in the peripheral tissues which exhibit their own 24-hour rhythms, if it's not functioning properly a split between the peripheral tissues and brain can occur.

A lack of integration between the various structures of the brain can result in degeneration: Parkinson's disease which is the loss of ability to initiate movement; Huntington's disease which is the inability to prevent the body from moving unintentionally; and Hemibalismus which is characterized by violent flinging of the arms and legs uncontrollably. Therefore by simultaneously awakening the prefrontal cortex with the structures in the limbic system and mid brain with increased blood flow prior to physical or mental activity first thing in the morning, integration of the directive/ executive and motor functions of the brain is facilitated for more cohesion.

It's important to awaken the pineal gland first since it's involved with circadian rhythms associated with physical activity, alertness, hormone levels, body temperature, immune function, and digestive activity, and can be perfused with maximum blood flow as it's the only structure not subject to the blood brain barrier. However since it has no blood brain barrier it is also directly affected by the chemical balance in the rest of the body, therefore it's essential that normal pH alkalinity is maintained as metabolic activity peaks in order to increase our control over our behaviour according to our goals. Especially since the prefrontal cortex controls the mental option to delay immediate gratification for a better or more rewarding longer-term gratification result. This ability to wait for a reward is one of the key pieces that define optimal executive function of the human brain.

When the pineal gland is stimulated by performance of the first exercise in the Body'Fit pH Fitness™ exercise routine through the increase in cerebral blood pressure by inversion of the body, it's circulatory capacity which is second only to the kidneys, is quickly maximized. This is followed immediately with exercises that deliberately enhance stimulation of the sympathetic nerves increasing secretion by the pineal gland. By carefully calculating the timing of specific endocrine stimulation in each of the anatomical cavities (for example human growth hormone which is released by the pituitary gland is specifically stimulated during the cranial series which focuses on integrating the CNS with the parasympathetic system), Body'Fit pH Fitness integrates the peripheral and central nervous systems enhancing the directive executive function of the frontal lobe, basal ganglia, and pineal gland as part of the limbic system. It is one of the elements built into Body'Fit pH Fitness to awaken and harmonize our entire organism. And is an area where more research would be most useful.