There is no denying that we live in a world filled with stress and anxiety – overflowing schedules, long working hours, financial issues, incurable diseases, etc. These never-ending problems hinder our productivity and be a challenging beast to tame, which is why so many people have been turning to yoga practice to calm down and live a better life. It is believed that when yoga and cannabis are combined, they seem to enhance each other’s properties, providing users much relief from the stress and pain.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD cannot make the consumer high. Due to the therapeutic properties, it provides many health benefits. Some of which are as follows:
1. Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
2. Alleviate cancer-related symptoms.
3. For weight management
What is yoga?
It is body and mind discipline that unites postures, meditation, and breathing exercises.
It combines stretching and relaxation to give mind-blowing results. Yoga can tone muscles and burn more calories than you can think. This enduring and restorative program has 100 forms and has been around for over five thousand years.
Based on the type of yoga you choose, its intensity level differs. Hatha is a slow and gentle form, whereas Bikram yoga is challenging and faster.
Yoga targets different body areas, such as core, arms, legs, back, and glutes. Yoga is known to reduce stress and anxiety, along with many other health conditions. Research shows that it helps in lowering the stress hormone cortisol and thereby promotes calmness and relaxation.
How Are CBD and Yoga Similar?
As yoga and CBD grow in popularity, so does the research that proves just how beneficial they are for the mind and body. One study, particularly about yoga, reports how life quality is improved for those practicing yoga weekly. Coincidentally, those who have tried CBD say it has very similar effects, and while the research is inadequate due to legal limitations, the studies that do exist are promising. CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant, which can help repair cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Furthermore, CBD and yoga combined are an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia.
How Can CBD and Yoga Work in Harmony?
If you want something extra to put your mind at ease before you meditate or you need to relieve your strained muscles, Cannabidiol is the key to both. But that’s not all! It has several other benefits that go well with yoga. They are stated as follows:
1. Better adaption.
2. Improved mind-body connection.
3. Heightens your focus.
4. Relieves soreness, inflammation, and muscular aches.
5. Helps regulate sleep patterns.
6. Gets rid of menstrual pain.
7. Regulates mood.
CBD is a natural fit for a gentle yoga class, but it can also enhance your experience in a more upbeat style. It can also aid any sore muscles and joints. Here’s how CBD works:
How CBD works?
CBD works differently with the cannabinoid receptors in the body, located throughout the ECS or endocannabinoid system. This system triggers your brain when you are experiencing pain. When taking CBD, it interacts with ECS and encourages it to produce an increased number of natural cannabinoids, balancing the system and producing an anti-inflammatory response.
What Happens in CBD Yoga Class?
In a yoga class, CBD is used as a tool to awaken the senses and increase awareness. Before beginning the class, students are advised to use CBD drops and sit in meditation for a few minutes. Essential oils are also used to stimulate the sense of smell and to affect the mind, before moving to breath work. After that, students progress through yoga postures slowly, exploring the range of movement and sensations in the body.
Who Shouldn’t Use CBD during Yoga?
So far, not enough evidence shows that CBD is 100% safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. So if you’re looking for ways to deepen your prenatal practice, CBD isn’t the best option until the scientists have a better idea of how it interacts with these factors.
Additionally, CBD also acts as a blood thinner and can bring a change in your body processes. So you should take your doctor’s recommendation to see how CBD properties might interact with your medication.
Types of CBD Products to Use with Yoga:
CBD products are available in various forms, each with their numerous benefits. Some are stated as follows:
- Topical creams
You can easily use CBD creams to get a relaxing feeling instantly. If you have sore muscles, you can apply a generous amount of CBD balm or cream on the affected area and see how magically it works.
- sublingual CBD
Before the class, you can put some drops of CBD under your tongue and wait for some time before swallowing. This is the fastest route to consume CBD.
- soft gels and capsules
If you use CBD in capsules or gummies, you don’t have to worry about its weedy taste or correct dose. Simply eat one or two before your yoga class and enjoy the benefits.
Improving health is often the ideal goal of daily yoga practice. Whether you’re a beginner or not, taking CBD may help you take your practice to another level. CBD isn’t a cure-all, and there are many other factors you need to employ to get the most out of the yoga practice, but it could be a useful tool for helping you to get just a little more out of a dialed-in practice.