The popularity of holistic methods to treat pain and anxiety and improve overall health continues to grow in the United States and all over the world. As the awareness and trend away from prescription and over the counter medications grows, choosing alternative health practices often bring added benefits. Additionally, many natural supplements and practices work well in tandem.
CBD yoga represents one such phenomenon that demonstrates how combining yoga and CBD to your routine may provide a synergistic effect in the yoga practice. In this blog article we will discuss some general concepts and background for yoga, hemp and CBD oil and combining CBD and hot yoga as well as CBD and restorative yoga.
What is CBD Oil and Why Does it Work?
Cannabidiol or CBD represents one of the most notable cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Hemp and marijuana come from the same species of the cannabis Sativa plant. The amount of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC distinguishes hemp from marijuana. Known for its psychoactive properties, the tetrahydrocannabinol or THC must measure less than 0.3% for a plant to qualify as hemp.
CBD doesn't have an euphoric felling or high, although many have experienced an “uplifted” effective it is not the same thing as a “high.” However, it does boast plenty of healing attributes. It works with the body's endocannabinoid system or ECS. All mammals possess an ECS, consisting of a series of endocannabinoids or small acidic molecules that run throughout the body and all its systems.
The ultimate goal of the ECS involves homeostasis or balance. However, the ECS often suffers compromise through aging, autoimmune diseases, stress, and poor lifestyle choices.
Ingesting, systemically, or using cannabis topically aids an ailing ECS. The cannabis plant's photosynthesis system mirrors the ECS and therefore works with the body at the cellular level to help with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
What is Yoga?
Yoga involves a lot more than stretching and out-of-the-ordinary poses. Documentation exists that tells us yoga originated in India at least 5,000 years ago (1) and some scholars think it likely started closer to10,000 years ago.
The word yoga comes from Sanskrit origins and derives from the root yuj,(2) which means to connect, join, or balance. Achieving 'moksha' represents the purpose of practicing yoga. Moksha helps to achieve freedom from desires, insecurities, and other limitations.
The practice of yoga contributes to both mental and physical health. Many variations exist which allow individuals to tailor their routines to their needs. Yoga may help with increasing energy, promoting sleep, weight loss, pain relief, and more.
Yoga has many different type and styles which date back many years to its roots in India as well as the evolution of various fusion styles and western adaptation that finds itself in the fitness category as well. Two very popular trends in yoga today include hot yoga and restorative yoga. CBD oil yoga works well with both hot yoga and cbd and restorative yoga.
CBD Yoga and it’s Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation throughout the body has been shown to have negative health impacts, as a result there is an increase in the production of damaging free radicals, what is called oxidative stress. This situation has been known to damage proteins, fat and even DNA. As Dr. David Perlmutter has written, research and discussed the potential for cannabidiol (CBD) to have a great positive impact in terms of reducing inflammation (3) and the downstream effects of free radicals. In addition to CBD being shown to be effective in dealing with various types of pain it has been demonstrated to show benefits an anti-inflammatory, similar to over the counter anti-inflammatory medications used for typical aches and pains but derived from a plant based approach.
In support of the research and publication done by David Perlmutter, M.D. and his team:
Inflammation and oxidative stress are intimately involved in the genesis of many human diseases. Unraveling that relationship therapeutically has proven challenging, in part because inflammation and oxidative stress “feed off” each other. However, CBD would seem to be a promising starting point for further drug development given its anti-oxidant (although relatively modest) and anti-inflammatory actions on immune cells…
The research in terms of medical application of CBD is expanding dramatically, and with good reason. As a natural, plant derived anti-inflammatory, CBD joins other familiar players in this arena like turmeric which is derived from curcumin, as well as ginger and many others.
Make the Most of Your CBD and Hot Yoga Session
When you take CBD oil and yoga together, it works well no matter what form of yoga you practice. But CBD and hot yoga make for a very satisfying experience taking place in a hot, humid studio. The temperature may measure anywhere from 80 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with the humidity at over 40%.
Taking CBD as an everyday supplement does help maintain energy, may fight dehydration and acts as an anti-inflammatory. But taking CBD oil in the form of premium cbd tinctures right before or between half hour to an hour before you begin may significantly enhance your practice.
Combining CBD and hot yoga produces synergistic effects to aid with pain management, sleep disorders, stress and anxiety, and may assist in focus.
Make sure you hydrate yourself before starting a hot yoga session (5). You should wear breathable clothing and start and end each session with at least five minutes of deep breathing. If you use a nebulizer, start it a half an hour before the session for the full effects of the CBD oil.
How to Enhance Your Session by Combining CBD and Restorative Yoga
Almost anyone will benefit from the physical, mental, and emotional relaxation brought on by restorative yoga. Done at a slow pace, the deep breathing and long-held poses of restorative yoga activate the parasympathetic nervous system. (6) Also known as the rest and digest system, this part of the nervous system contributes to restoring and balancing the digestive system and beyond.
Restorative yoga sessions often include props or accessories such as blocks, bolsters, and blankets. But CBD and restorative yoga make for growing popular combinations.
Especially when the CBD oil gets administered in premium cbd tinctures form, its calming effects magnify these benefits of restorative yoga: (7)
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Relaxing the mind and body
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Soothing the nervous system
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Better quality sleep
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Gentle on muscles and joints and appropriate for all fitness levels
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Provides an excellent addition to other holistic treatments
The relatively recent federal legalization of CBD in 2018 helped raise awareness and increase the popularity of yoga and CBD with various yoga practices. But cannabis and yoga hardly represent a new idea or discovery. The Ancient Indians defined cannabis as one of the five sacred plants and used it centuries ago to enhance yoga practice. It seems cannabis and CBD, in particular, represent a natural companion to yoga as it helps relieve pain, act as an anti-inflammatory and elevates consciousness.
You will most likely improve your health by taking CBD oil or using it topically. Most people will also benefit from some form of yoga. CBD yoga may provide one of your most rewarding healthcare rituals.
Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about practicing yoga or using CBD oil, you should contact a healthcare professional. Pregnant and lactating women especially should check with their doctor.
CBD produces few interactions, however everyone is different so those on prescription drugs should also let their physician know about any supplements they're taking.
Ready to Get Started with Yoga and CBD?
Not all CBD products follow the testing and purity standards. At Eli Ruby, we never skip on testing and quality. Our CBD oil comes from organically grown hemp practices, free from pesticides and heavy metals. Rest assured that we verify that you are getting premium cbd products, we have a range of types from full spectrum to THC free cbd oil as well. Our Certificate of Analysis or COA from third-party testing verifies our commitment to quality.
For more information on CBD oil yoga or our premium CBD products, to enhance your yoga routine, please contact us here. We would love to hear from you.
Reference
1. Google Arts and Culture: Exploring the Ancient Roots of Yoga.
2. Parmarth: Website Resource. Yoga Definition and additional Information.
3. US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. “Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs." Published: October 1, 2009 Authors: Prakash Nagarkatti, Rupal Pandey, Sadiye Amcauglu Rieder, Venkatesh L Hedge, Mitzi Magarkatti.
4. Mayo Clinic. “What is Hot Yoga.” Author: Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
5. Veriheal. “Hot Yoga With a CBD Twist.” Published: May 28, 2019. Author: Balyina Abdas.
6. Healthline. “The Benefits of Restorative Yoga and Poses to Try.” Published September 23, 2020. Author: Sara Lindberg Medically reviewed by Courtney Sullivan.
7. Wanderlust “Why CBD With Yoga Might be the Best Idea Ever” Author: Rochelle Bilow
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