The Thymus Gland: Directly Connected to a Healthy Immune Function

The thymus gland, which could also be described as the Tarzan gland, lies in the center of the chest. If you've ever seen a Tarzan movie you know its location.

When the thymus is removed or destroyed, in animals or humans, the immune system is severely compromised. The immune system is involved with combating all illnesses and degenerative diseases including heart disease and cancer. Thymus extract was used as a cancer treatment and possible cure as far back as 1902.

The thymus is closely involved with growth and the immune system: it's a lymphatic as well as endocrine gland. The thymus produces the hormones thymosin and thymopopietin which stimulate the production of lymphocytes. The thymus is also the school and factory for lymphocytes. Lymphocytes, in an immature state, come to the thymus from the bone marrow. Under the influence of the thymus hormones, the cells are matured and leave the thymus to settle in the lymph nodes and spleen where they give rise to T cells. The function of T cells is to recognize friend from foe and destroy foreign invaders. The process, called immunological surveillance, is directly connected to illness and cancer.

Research has proven that refined sugar and other highly refined items severely restrict the activity of the thymus and compromise life energies. Glands and organs are like a large communications network. If any part of the network is removed or limited, the entire network is put at risk of breakdown. The endocrine system is particularly dependent on the other members of its' system.

If the thymus is thumped a few times, more is better than less up to a certain point, life energies can be increased. Life energy and the health of the body are dependent upon lymphocytes and T cells. Without T cells in the lymph nodes, the body is more susceptible to Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, other diseases, illnesses and general funk.

The thymus is located in the middle of the chest, directly between the nipples. By pressing at that point it's possible to determine its condition. If the point is tender, the thymus, in all likelihood, isn't functioning correctly.

Slightly above the second rib on the sternum (breastbone) is a bony ridge that goes across the sternum from one side to the other. Just above that point is the acupressure contact for treating the thymus. The point also treats the bladder, small intestine, water retention, abdominal bloat, and dropsy, a condition that causes swelling of the ankles and legs.

Because of the lack of interest and correct information medically concerning the thymus, there's been little trickle down information in the area of herbals, folk medicine and exercise.

Posture is very important for a healthy thymus. Sitting or standing with the back hunched forward, the chest collapsed and the head thrust forward puts undo pressure and stress on the gland. Riding a bicycle with low handlebars can put pressure on the thymus and thyroid glands. Sugar, artificial, highly processed and junk foods are particularly detrimental to the thymus gland.

The only herbal references to the thymus are that the herb thyme (thymus vulgaris) may have a connection. Thyme has many anti-aging compounds and since the thymus shrinks with age it would seem logical that thyme would be beneficial to the thymus and the body in general. Thyme makes a wonderful seasoning for meats, stews and soups.

An author's note: Do I thump my chest? I do and haven't had a cold for many years and the flu only twice in the last 24.

One may want to exercise restraint and eliminate the yell at least in public. Chest thumping can have adverse side effects; like getting thrown in a mental hospital.