To continue the trend of this month doing a deeper examination of the ECS and it’s relation to holistic practices. Today we’re discussing yoga and cannabis consumption. If you read our mediation article you can skip down to the points and current research list. If not please continue with the introduction paragraph below.
The truth of the matter for almost all holistic modalities is. You as the individual not only need to know your body but your mental state to better asses how the drugs that are cannabinoids and terpenes will help you reach the intention behind your practice. For this reason, we highly recommend you keep a consumption journal with as much information as you can transcribe. The last and possibly most important point on integrating cannabis into your practice is. Cannabis Sativa within Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine has what is known as a dulling effect and should not become a consistent part of your practice. To elaborate cannabis can become a crutch to accessing a state of the mind that is free of the ego. Thus dampening the spirituality aspects of existing in a moment free of the ego. At it’s core this is the purpose of yoga.
Let’s dive straight into the basics of why incorporating cannabis incrementally into your yoga practice can be a good thing. Along with a brief review of some of the current research regarding yoga and cannabis in combination. After we’ll cover how the ECS is important in yoga and why you don’t necessarily want to use cannabis to further deepen your practice.
Yoga and Cannabis:
- Some individuals incorporate cannabis into their yoga practice to enhance relaxation and deepen their mind-body connection.
- Advocates believe that cannabis can help reduce anxiety and stress, allowing for a more profound yoga experience.
- Others caution about the potential negative effects of combining cannabis and yoga, such as impaired coordination and altered perception.
- Current Research
- Research on the combined effects of yoga and cannabis is limited.
- Some studies suggest that cannabis may enhance the subjective experience of yoga, but more rigorous research is needed to confirm these effects.
- Concerns about the safety and legality of combining cannabis and yoga have led to a lack of comprehensive studies on the topic.
- Future research may explore how different strains and dosages of cannabis affect the yoga experience and whether there are potential therapeutic benefits to this combination.
Since yoga is at it’s core about synchronizing diaphragm breathing with movement to access a sort of meditative state. It is important to note that cannabis can allow this state to occur faster due to its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety and anti-depressant) properties. Allowing for a more profound experience. While experience yoga teachers who are also experience cannabis consumers such as myself will tell you it can become a crutch and should be used with caution. Yoga is meant to allow the body as a whole to have a more free energy flow; while cannabis can help with this it should not be relied upon. So I personally recommend only incorporating cannabis in a session every now and then. To deepen the understanding of your bodies spiritual, physical, and mental aspects. Let’s bring further clarity by discussing the ECS and yoga. A simple review of the ECS system, I know it’s the repetitive theme of this month.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS):
- The ECS is a complex network of neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids found throughout the body.
- It plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and memory.
- Yoga and the ECS:
- Yoga practices, such as mindful breathing (pranayama) and meditation, may indirectly influence the ECS by modulating stress and promoting relaxation.
- Some studies suggest that yoga can impact the ECS by reducing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of well-being, which may indirectly influence endocannabinoid activity.
- Current Research:
- Research into the specific interactions between yoga and the ECS is still in its early stages.
- Preliminary studies have shown that yoga practices can influence neurotransmitter systems, including those related to the ECS, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
- Further studies exploring the potential synergistic effects of yoga and the ECS could provide valuable insights into how these practices impact overall health and well-being.
If you’ve read any of our guides on the ECS system, you know that a large chunk of it is centered in our abdominal region or gut. Since yoga’s breath-work practice is centered around breathing from the belly (diaphragm) it should be of no surprise that yoga directly stimulates the ECS. This is also true of the various meditative and traditional movement practices (Tai Chi or Chi Gong). While incorporating cannabis into your movement practice this is the most important thing to take note in. This is also why cannabis consumption has a dulling effect and can become a crutch to accessing the various purported mental states these practices help attain. To dive a bit deeper.
Cannabis allows further interaction of the ECS within the practice. However, it’s a sort of catch 22 or double edge sword. Due to the fact that while cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG, so on and so forth are interacting with our ECS. The system as a whole is not producing the endogenous cannabinoids it naturally produces when not stimulated by exterior cannabinoids. So yes you get to the desired state a bit faster but it is not done in a way that is based off your natural body chemistry. So can you really call that relaxed zen state you’ve achieved real? I’d argue that you can’t because it was induced by an external drug source. However, to each their own. Either way if your struggling with pain, anxiety, depression, or the myriad of ups and downs the modern individual deals with. We recommend picking up a gentle yoga practice to alleviate this things.
It's important to note that individual responses to yoga and cannabis can vary, and the effects of combining cannabis with any movement practice may differ depending on factors such as consumption method, terpenes, cannabinoid dosage, and personal physiology. As with any complementary or holistic approach, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before combining your practice with cannabis, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. As always consume responsibly and do your own research to reach your own conclusions. We’re simply here to help spark the idea and allow you as the consumer to make more informed decisions behind your health and wellness products and practice journey.
