Those who are aware of "Pineal Gland' – some of them call it a mysterious body. It has been recognised as significant since the ancient Greek scholars. But, this gland would not be fully understood until the 20th century.

Modern science has located this tiny body deep in the middle of our brain. It sits in a groove just above the thalamus, which is an area of our brain that coordinates a variety of functions related to your senses. Many Indian alternative medicine practitioners believe that there is an energy center in our body that can enhance our focus, concentration, and also bring up intuitive abilities! Many of them describe this as 'awakening third eye chakra' of the human body out of 7 chakras. If a person is very focused on their work, then they could experience some form of third eye activation.

This gland is the melatonin-secreting neuroendocrine organ containing light-sensitive cells that control the 'circadian rhythm'. Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark.  Melatonin is a fascinating hormone that is mainly produced by our pineal gland. The importance of this in humans is not still clear, but many researchers believe it may help to synchronize circadian rhythms in different parts of our body.

Our pineal gland releases the highest levels of melatonin when there is darkness and decreases melatonin production when we are exposed to light. Because of this, melatonin has often been referred to as a "sleep hormone."

Melatonin also interacts with biologically female hormones. Research has shown that it helps in regulating menstrual cycles. It can also protect against neurodegeneration, which is the progressive loss of function of neurons.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org