Yoga and cannabis have a long and storied past together. Ancient and sacred texts, such as the Vedas and Yoga Sutra, mention that combining the two can help create balance and harmony within oneself. Now, as CBD is sweeping the nation for its calming effects, cannabis and yoga are being reunited once again.
Benefits of Combining CBD and Yoga
CBD is great because it provides all the calming and relaxing benefits of cannabis without any intoxicating effects – which is a win-win if you want to maximize the benefits of your practice. We’ll break down some benefits of CBD and yoga below. Specifically, combining the two can:
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Strengthen the mind-body connection
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Aid in stress relief
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Improve focus
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Relax your muscles and reduce pain
Stronger Mind-Body Connection
As complex as our bodies can be, CBD can act as a bridge between body and mind, as noted by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Yoga also creates a strong connection between body and mind and helps to strengthen that connection over time. CBD can act as a sort of lubricant for that process, smoothing out your flow and helping you get deeper into your practice.
Stress Relief
Many of us carry some level of stress throughout each day, and this can heavily distract us when we are on the mat. While trained yogis can teach themselves to tune out their daily stresses during their practice, this skill can take months or even years to develop. Fortunately, CBD can help relieve stress, so it’s the perfect aid for finding that inner peace and settling into a deep meditative practice.
Improved Focus
Yoga has a beautiful way of creating focus. By helping to reduce signs of stress and improve sleep, CBD can also improve concentration. Combining the two is like turning your focus to eleven.
Relaxes Muscles And Reduces Pain
CBD relaxes muscles through interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating systems like mood and sleep, as well as the body’s response to pain. By activating the ECS, CBD can help reduce muscle tension and pain. There are theories suggesting that yoga similarly relieves pain through the ECS. When you combine the two, these benefits compound for a more restorative practice.
Which Type of Yoga Pairs Best with CBD?
Now that we’ve established their seemingly endless benefits, you might be wondering: which type of yoga should I combine with CBD if I want to get the most out of my practice? The good news is that CBD can be used for all types of practices, from restorative movement to power flows.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is all about de-stressing your mind and shedding unwanted thoughts. A restorative practice is a great way to start or end your day with a positive mindset. Coupled with a CBD gummy or oil, a little restorative yoga can be a meditative and peaceful way to clear your mind.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga combines calming stretches with powerful flows. CBD works in tandem with each of those elements, relaxing your muscles for the flow and relieving stress.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is all about stretching and improving flexibility. This can work particularly well with CBD, as it can help relieve muscle tension, allowing you to get deeper into each stretch (thus improving your results).
Power Yoga
CBD can help improve focus and help reduce muscle tension and pain, which is perfect for an energy-filled power yoga practice. Whether it’s hot yoga or you’re teaming up with a friend for an acro flow, a little CBD beforehand can go a long way towards improving your session.
How to Incorporate CBD into Your Practice
No matter what your practice looks like, incorporating CBD can help you get the most out of your session. Here are some ideas for getting started:
Try a Class!
Becoming more and more popular by the day, CBD yoga classes are popping up everywhere. They don’t differ too much from a typical yoga class, but participants are encouraged to take a bit of CBD beforehand. Oftentimes, these classes are led by CBD experts too, who can explain the use and benefits for beginners. If you are a novice and looking to try it in a supportive and healthy environment, a class may be a perfect fit.
Practice With Friends
Doing yoga with friends is already a great way to practice and have a fun time. Including CBD in a group yoga session can add an element of fun and excitement for everyone involved. After all, the only thing better than benefitting from this powerful combination yourself is sharing it with your friends!
Do a Solo Practice
Combine restorative movement, some solo time, and a little CBD for a mindful and peaceful practice. Bonus points if you set your yoga room up with some relaxing lighting, candles, and music you love. This is particularly great before bed – it will help you clear your head and get better sleep. You’ll wake up ready to crush the next day!
In summary, combining the natural and healing powers of yoga and CBD will leave you feeling great and looking forward to your next time on the mat.
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