History of Yoga and CBD
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels
Did you know yoga and cannabis have been intertwined since ancient times? Today, people practice yoga and consume CBD for the same benefits: to ease physical pain, calm you, boost mood, promote sleep, and improve the spiritual mind-body connection.
In India, the birthplace of yoga, the cannabis, or "ganja" plant is revered for its numerous holistic properties. CBD's calming and gently focusing effects draw us into our bodies, deepening our connection to our yoga practice. When combined, CBD and yoga are harmonious, synergistic, and amplify each other's restorative properties.
Read on for ways to incorporate CBD into your yoga practice, both on and off the mat.
Find your Shavasana
While getting into a meditative state comes naturally for some, others have a lot of trouble sitting still. Because meditation is an essential part of any yoga practice, CBD can help slow down your head's racing thoughts, allowing you to enjoy some calmer vibes.
CBD can also help prolong feelings of bliss felt during savasana, even after you leave the mat.
When we're feeling good, our brain naturally produces and releases a neurotransmitter called Anandamide. This molecule is known as the "bliss molecule," and it's named for the Sanskrit word "Ananda," meaning "bliss." However, neurotransmitters are fragile and after a short time, they break down in the body.
Research has shown that CBD inhibits the enzyme that breaks down Anandamide, thus prolonging the feelings of peace and bliss. In other words, that blissful feeling you get from your flow session can be enhanced by incorporating CBD into your practice.*
CBD, Yoga and Stress
Many people use the practice of yoga to combat stress and mood. Interestingly, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that CBD is useful in treating stress, and other mental illnesses; however, this has not been approved by the FDA.
Of course, yoga isn't a miracle cure, but the anecdotal evidence of a growing group of practitioners suggests that it does indeed help reduce anxiety and stress. Similarly, research shows that getting into a routine with CBD usage may also help reduce stress.
CBD and Yoga Poses
Sometimes it can take 30 minutes or more before you feel like you're focused enough to enjoy the class, right? For a one-hour class, that time can be crucial. Chew on some CBD edibles, before your next practice! CBD can help get your mind yoga-ready.
That includes helping clear your head and let go of added stress so that you'll be ready to jump in faster. You’ll also feel more focused so that you can power through until the final child pose.
CBD and Post-Yoga Treatment
Yoga can be a relaxing way to exercise, but it's also hard work. One-hour vinyasa flow can involve pushups, planks, and other muscle-strengthening moves.
After a problematic class, research shows that turning to CBD may help you recover.
Try applying a CBD cream to your sore spots or popping another CBD gummy and taking a hot bath with Epson salts. You’ll be feeling better in no time.
Plus, CBD may help you sleep better at night post-yoga, which is crucial for muscle recovery. Try a CBD mint with melatonin, to get that sweet tooth fix plus extra benefit for sleep. In the next day or two, you'll be ready to flow again.
Add CBD to Your Yoga Routine Today
By combining yoga with the ingestion of CBD, you can look forward to the following benefits:
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Increased stamina – Your mind will focus on the method more quickly, and muscles will be looser.
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Reduced stress – The combination of yoga and CBD is a powerful way to reduce stress.
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Recovery – The pain-relieving qualities of CBD can be just what the doctor ordered following an epic session on the mat!
Author: Shereen Kassam
Date: November 09, 2020
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Category: CBD for Yoga, CBD for Stress
