Learn CBD Yoga Like A Pro - Improve Your Mind, Body & Soul

Namaste Yogis! Chances are, you’re here to expand your practice with the help of CBD, or maybe you want to try something new. Within the last few years, using CBD oil in yoga practices and meditation has become more and more popular in the United States. It is no secret that we are living in strange times that may add some additional stress to our lives. Maybe incorporating CBD in your life can be beneficial. We ask you to have an open mind and welcome the idea of incorporating CBD during your yoga and meditation practices.

The Science Behind It – The Endocannabinoid System

Using CBD during exercise is not a new concept. In fact, there is a large culture of CBD usage in the jiu-jitsu community. Many athletes claim CBD helps soothe their muscles during and after their workouts or training sessions. Other consumers use CBD in efforts to improve their focus or train of thought, but how does it work? Well, CBD works by interacting with a large regulatory system that’s spread all throughout your body.

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the most extensive biological system of receptors. It is present in all mammals. The ECS holds the potential to revolutionize how we view health and wellness. Researchers in the early 90s discovered that the ECS regulates homeostasis and balance within the body. This is something that yogis are constantly seeking through meditation and exercise.

The ECS is a biological system that works throughout the body and plays diverse roles in regulating various health aspects. Its actions on the central and peripheral nervous system are numerous. The ECS helps regulate sleep, mood, memory, appetite, reproduction, and pain sensation. There are studies that suggest many health issues are connected to an imbalanced endocannabinoid system. Some researchers believe with a healthy lifestyle and hemp extracts, you can keep a balanced ECS.

Does CBD Help With Your ECS?

The numerous cannabinoids in the hemp plant, such as CBD, function in specific ways within the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors throughout the body are responsible for bodily functions ranging from pain to anxiety. Research indicates that CBD reacts with the ECS to increase the activity of natural cannabinoids that help stabilize the system. ECS stability assists with anti-inflammatory agents that help your muscles recover after your practice are through.

Does CDB Help With Yoga and Meditation?

CBD is an excellent choice for a gentle yoga class, ones that focus on meditation as well. Still, it can also enrich your experience in a more upbeat, faster-paced flow-style or vinyasa class, mainly when you are susceptible to a wandering mind or post-workout soreness.

Some people have noticed that CBD helps them to stop overthinking. Have you ever tried to clear your mind during class, but couldn’t? An overthinking brain is hard to turn off immediately just because you’ve hit the mat, especially if you have additional anxiety and fear you’re holding onto.

Some yoga enthusiasts have also noticed recovery benefits from using CBD in their practice. Because the ECS is responsible for inflammation and has a hand in recovery, its functionality is important for yogis looking to recover in a timely fashion. Remember CBD stimulates the ECS. However, it is difficult to say what each person will feel or experience when taking it because everyone is different.

Can CBD Get You High?

No, you will not get high from using CBD. CBD products derived from hemp that you purchase online are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Under the bill, hemp products with a THC level less than .3% are legal. Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC. However, if you choose an isolate or broad-spectrum CBD product, you should not ingest any THC.

Related article: Should I Take CBD With THC or Without it? [Pros & Cons]

Why Are Chakra’s Important?

What the heck is a chakra?

For starters, you have seven chakras. They are the seven energy centers of the body that work with energy. It is a center of subtle energy and part of our energy body. These are the seven chakras:

Coronochakra (or crown chakra) – This chakra is your connection with the spiritual world. Situated just above the top of your head, it reflects unity, peace, and experience. You can keep this chakra healthy by having a connection with the cosmic world (or at least attempting to).
Frontochakra (or third eye) – This chakra has the properties of perception, intuition, knowledge, and direction. Located between the eyes, it says, “I am the witness.” You can improve this chakra by reflecting on yourself. Listen to your thoughts, and they should lead you down the path of your truth.
Laryngochakra (or throat chakra) – Your “I express” chakra is for you to speak your truth in this world. Always singing and speaking your truth, and your throat chakra will be aligned.
Cardiochakra (or heart chakra) is your “I love” chakra. This naturally relates to love and compassion. It is connected to the air. Healthy relationships, loved ones, pets, beauty, and nature contribute to a balanced cardiochakra.
Splenochakra (or spleen chakra) is our power in this world. Its ruling element is fire. It is where we got the phrase “fire in your belly” from. With fire comes control, this is your “I control” chakra.
Umbilicochakra (or solar plexus) also known as the “I desire” chakra. It is associated with sensuality, sexuality, and desire for pleasure. It is connected to the water element. A loving partnership and yoga can enhance the function of this chakra.
Sexochakra (or root chakra) is associated with survival and security. It is the closest to the earth. The message the chakra has is “I exist.”

Chakras have been evident in ancient meditation practices, especially in Hinduism. Although you can not see or feel your chakra, that does not mean it doesn’t exist.

CBD & Yoga – How To Align Your Chakras

Meditating on the chakras may help the energetic system’s improved fitness, and can also intuit patterns from them. Some simple ideas are breathing energy into your chakras, starting at the base, seeing the colors vividly, and visualizing your beautiful energy centers, filling your body with health, wisdom, and light.

CBD can aid you to channel your energy to the center of your chakras. By meditating with CBD, you can ask your chakras what they need from you. CBD promotes a balance which may allow the mind to focus more efficiently. It is recommended that you target one chakra at a time. Begin with your Sexochakra to ground yourself, and work your way up.

If it is your first time trying to align your chakras, this process will seem tedious and challenging at first. CBD might provide a calmer and clearer mental state during your meditation sessions. Many people have noticed that their practice becomes more effective after using CBD for the first time. You can also take CBD at the end of your yoga practice to soothe muscles and relax. Although, this all depends on how difficult your practice is.

Usage Suggestions

If you decide to incorporate CBD oil into your practice, be sure to take it about 15 to 20 minutes prior to starting. Keep in mind that there are many different CBD products you can choose from. There are CBD oils, gummies, vapes, flower, topicals, isolates, and many more!

Although there are CBD products with minuscule amounts of THC, it is not enough to get you high. If you are looking for products without any THC due to a job that requires drug testing, you can go straight for broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolates. Broad-spectrum and isolates do not contain any THC. Just keep in mind, that these products would not have the same amount of benefits as a full-spectrum product. When all the cannabinoids in cannabis work together, it gives consumers the highest form of benefit. This is called the entourage effect.

Final Thoughts About CBD & Yoga

The experience you have differs from the ones around you. You might want to consider trying CBD yoga and meditation with a professional yogi during a class before venturing out and doing it independently. CBD yoga is recommended for those seeking a more harmonious outlook. Remember, life is all about balance and the ECS’ main goal is to create the perfect homeostasis. Because of this, CBD’s interaction with the ECS might complement your meditation.

For those readers who were on the fence about it, we hope you give it a chance. You can always take a little dose to start with and work your way up until you achieve the effects you desire. It has the capability of providing you with an experience you have never had, and hopefully help you fine-tune the balance between your mind and body.