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.
Pineal Gland (Human Compass) The pineal gland is a cone-shaped body, reddish in color, about half an inch in length, and not much larger than a grain of wheat. It is attached to, and situated over, the third ventricle of the brain, weighing about two grains. It is composed, in part, of nerve cells containing a pigment similar to that present in the cells of the retina. This strengthens the argument for its function as an eye in earlier animal species. In the Taoist terminology, the Niwan-Kung corresponds to this gland. In the cauldron, it is considered to cultivate the highest level of the spirit in the practice: Congress of Heaven. When the gland is fully developed it will tell us where our destination is.
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