Written By: Jenny LeBlanc, CTE Moncton.
Alternative medicine has gained more popularity in this day in age. It is becoming evident that the main goal for our body is to be in a state of balance, both physically and mentally, so we can achieve an ultimate state of well-being.
Yoga provides the perfect amount of both relaxation and physical activity for our mind and body.
It comes as no surprise Cannabis may pair well with yoga.
What is yoga and where did it originate?
Yoga is thought to have originated in India over 5,000 years ago, some people even believe it dates as far back as 10, 000 years. Its purpose is to help us master our minds and our bodies to rest in a state of total awareness and connection to all that is. It increases our strength and our flexibility by helping us relax and stretch our muscles. Which can make it very beneficial to help relieve chronic pain such as low back pain, arthritis, and migraines. It can help people who are experiencing insomnia to have a better night’s sleep. It provides your body and your mind with tranquility and relaxation that will help you manage anxiety, depression, and stress, and can even lower your blood pressure. It helps you be more concentrated overall, as it improves your focus. In doing all of this, you have the possibility of experiencing less pain, better stress management increased overall relaxation, and a better quality of sleep. You will feel much more energized as it will bring more positivity in your life and allow you to see it from a different perspective.
How can cannabis help strengthen my yoga practice?
Cannabis and yoga are both believed to help our Endocannabinoid system achieve balance.
When we exercise or do any physical activity our Endocannabinoid system is activated. We naturally produce a chemical called anandamide (“AEA”), it is sometimes referred to as the “Bliss” molecule because it produces feelings of happiness. This chemical is one of our endocannabinoids. By supplementing it with its counterpart Phyto-cannabinoid (meaning plant), “THC”, we can deepen our yoga practice, by strengthening our “bliss” molecule and working towards a state of balance and well-being.
The cerebellum is a section within our brain that assists in regulating proprioception (our body’s orientation and placement in space), as well as our unconscious emotion into awareness. It uses the data gathered by our senses to synchronize our perception of the outside world with our internal one. It is also the part of our body where the most CB1 receptors are found, both AEA and THC both bind to CB1 receptors.
It is believed that cannabis and yoga have been used together in India for thousands of years.
When we practice Yoga, the goal is to be in the present moment. Focusing on our body and breathing, to achieve physical and mental relaxation without thinking about what has happened thus far, or what will happen next, or anything external for that matter. For those who struggle with racing thought patterns and are not able to stop thinking about the past or the future. Cannabis (if used correctly and safely) can assist us further into that state of relaxation and bring our focus and attention to the present moment, and to our body.
Many of yoga’s benefits overlap with what cannabis is being used for. (Ex. Pain management/relief, stress, depression, relaxation, sleep)
Where and how do I begin?
Take a local yoga class, or if you prefer, there are lots of yoga video tutorials on YouTube that you can watch and do from the comfort of your home. Make sure to learn the basics and fundamentals of yoga postures first while taking into consideration any physical limitations you may have.
Stick to slower-paced yoga practices like Yin or Hatha, especially if you are a beginner to yoga practice or to cannabis consumption.
A good way to begin practicing yoga, if you’ve never done any before, is to start with learning “Sun Salutation” sequences. (A or B). Even if you only do one of the full sequences once, in the morning and/or at night for as little as 5-10 minutes on a consistent basis (even just 2 to 3 times per week), you will more than likely start to notice and feel its many benefits. Sun Salutations are standardized sequences that you can find pretty much anywhere online but make sure that when you do them, you are mindful, focused, and listening to what the instructor is saying with an open mind. Also, make sure the video you choose is from a certified yoga teacher, and if you have any type of physical limitations, look for modified versions of poses. (ex. Chair/wheelchair yoga, senior yoga, etc).
If you have never done yoga before, make sure to go slow and start with short and slow practices instead of trying challenging poses right away.
Take caution when consuming Cannabis if you have never done yoga before, as cannabis can alter your psychomotor skills, coordination, and cognition. Perhaps begin with some meditation first, to get your body and mind used to being in the present moment and relaxation mode.
What type of Cannabis should I utilize?
A reason why our bodies react differently to different strains of cannabis is because of their terpene profile.
Choose strains containing terpenes that are known to be calming such as linalool. This terp gives lavender its distinct scent and is well-known in aromatherapy for its sedative and calming effects. There is also the terpene myrcene which can also provide relaxing and sedative effects.
Strains such as these may be beneficial when doing yoga or even simply while meditating due to their chemical profiles
Grand Daddy Purple
White Widow
Blue Dream
Northern Lights
Cannatonic (for those who don’t want too much of the psychoactive effect of THC, as this is a CBD dominant strain that is known for its “short high”.)
If you are a regular “yogi” and are used to practicing yoga, you may prefer a more active/fast-paced practice, Sativa-dominant strains containing terpenes that can help with focus and energy can be utilized.
For more information on Cannabis use for medical conditions, you can reach out to one of our clinics and book and appointment to speak to a Cannabinoid therapy educator.
See you on the mat!
Alternative medicine has gained more popularity in this day in age. It is becoming evident that the main goal for our body is to be in a state of balance, both physically and mentally, so we can achieve an ultimate state of well-being.
Yoga provides the perfect amount of both relaxation and physical activity for our mind and body.
It comes as no surprise Cannabis may pair well with yoga.
What is yoga and where did it originate?
Yoga is thought to have originated in India over 5,000 years ago, some people even believe it dates as far back as 10, 000 years. Its purpose is to help us master our minds and our bodies to rest in a state of total awareness and connection to all that is. It increases our strength and our flexibility by helping us relax and stretch our muscles. Which can make it very beneficial to help relieve chronic pain such as low back pain, arthritis, and migraines. It can help people who are experiencing insomnia to have a better night’s sleep. It provides your body and your mind with tranquility and relaxation that will help you manage anxiety, depression, and stress, and can even lower your blood pressure. It helps you be more concentrated overall, as it improves your focus. In doing all of this, you have the possibility of experiencing less pain, better stress management increased overall relaxation, and a better quality of sleep. You will feel much more energized as it will bring more positivity in your life and allow you to see it from a different perspective.
How can cannabis help strengthen my yoga practice?
Cannabis and yoga are both believed to help our Endocannabinoid system achieve balance.
When we exercise or do any physical activity our Endocannabinoid system is activated. We naturally produce a chemical called anandamide (“AEA”), it is sometimes referred to as the “Bliss” molecule because it produces feelings of happiness. This chemical is one of our endocannabinoids. By supplementing it with its counterpart Phyto-cannabinoid (meaning plant), “THC”, we can deepen our yoga practice, by strengthening our “bliss” molecule and working towards a state of balance and well-being.
The cerebellum is a section within our brain that assists in regulating proprioception (our body’s orientation and placement in space), as well as our unconscious emotion into awareness. It uses the data gathered by our senses to synchronize our perception of the outside world with our internal one. It is also the part of our body where the most CB1 receptors are found, both AEA and THC both bind to CB1 receptors.
It is believed that cannabis and yoga have been used together in India for thousands of years.
When we practice Yoga, the goal is to be in the present moment. Focusing on our body and breathing, to achieve physical and mental relaxation without thinking about what has happened thus far, or what will happen next, or anything external for that matter. For those who struggle with racing thought patterns and are not able to stop thinking about the past or the future. Cannabis (if used correctly and safely) can assist us further into that state of relaxation and bring our focus and attention to the present moment, and to our body.
Many of yoga’s benefits overlap with what cannabis is being used for. (Ex. Pain management/relief, stress, depression, relaxation, sleep)
Where and how do I begin?
Take a local yoga class, or if you prefer, there are lots of yoga video tutorials on YouTube that you can watch and do from the comfort of your home. Make sure to learn the basics and fundamentals of yoga postures first while taking into consideration any physical limitations you may have.
Stick to slower-paced yoga practices like Yin or Hatha, especially if you are a beginner to yoga practice or to cannabis consumption.
A good way to begin practicing yoga, if you’ve never done any before, is to start with learning “Sun Salutation” sequences. (A or B). Even if you only do one of the full sequences once, in the morning and/or at night for as little as 5-10 minutes on a consistent basis (even just 2 to 3 times per week), you will more than likely start to notice and feel its many benefits. Sun Salutations are standardized sequences that you can find pretty much anywhere online but make sure that when you do them, you are mindful, focused, and listening to what the instructor is saying with an open mind. Also, make sure the video you choose is from a certified yoga teacher, and if you have any type of physical limitations, look for modified versions of poses. (ex. Chair/wheelchair yoga, senior yoga, etc).
If you have never done yoga before, make sure to go slow and start with short and slow practices instead of trying challenging poses right away.
Take caution when consuming Cannabis if you have never done yoga before, as cannabis can alter your psychomotor skills, coordination, and cognition. Perhaps begin with some meditation first, to get your body and mind used to being in the present moment and relaxation mode.
What type of Cannabis should I utilize?
A reason why our bodies react differently to different strains of cannabis is because of their terpene profile.
Choose strains containing terpenes that are known to be calming such as linalool. This terp gives lavender its distinct scent and is well-known in aromatherapy for its sedative and calming effects. There is also the terpene myrcene which can also provide relaxing and sedative effects.
Strains such as these may be beneficial when doing yoga or even simply while meditating due to their chemical profiles
Grand Daddy Purple
White Widow
Blue Dream
Northern Lights
Cannatonic (for those who don’t want too much of the psychoactive effect of THC, as this is a CBD dominant strain that is known for its “short high”.)
If you are a regular “yogi” and are used to practicing yoga, you may prefer a more active/fast-paced practice, Sativa-dominant strains containing terpenes that can help with focus and energy can be utilized.
For more information on Cannabis use for medical conditions, you can reach out to one of our clinics and book and appointment to speak to a Cannabinoid therapy educator.
See you on the mat!