How CBD and Yoga Are the Perfect Combos
The world we live in is already filled with stress from working long hours, deadlines, illnesses, financial or relationship problems at home.
We need to release this stress; otherwise, it accumulates and harms us in the long run.
To lower stress and maintain mental and physical health, an increasing number of Americans turn to the ancient discipline of yoga.
When effectively practiced, yoga can help you calm down, reflect, meditate, and let go of the stress and anxiety that steals not only your happiness but also hinders your productivity.
Yoga benefits are satisfactory as it has helped millions across the globe take control of their lives, freeing them from the constant worries and fears in their lives while improving their physical strength.
However, yoga is not the only thing people are using to relax. Americans are also turning to a natural compound, CBD, that has taken the health and wellness industries by storm.
What if there is a way to combine CBD with the relaxing and healing power of yoga?
How Yoga and CBD Work
New workout programs are invented every day; most of them come and go. On the other hand, yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years, and it’s only getting popular.
Yoga is not your everyday exercise; it does more than burning calories and toning your muscles. It also works out your mind.
There are more than 100 different forms of yoga, each differing in intensity, techniques, movements, benefits, and the use of props. There are yoga poses that target just about every part of your body. The most popular types of yoga include:
Vinyasa Yoga – Involves linking movements with breath. The postures in this type of yoga flow into one another in a flowing sequence called Vinyasa flow.
Hatha – This form combines basic movements with breath. It is slower-paced and more focused on stretching.
Power Yoga is a more active approach to traditional yoga poses, focused on building more strength.
Bikram – Also called Hot Yoga, a prescribed set of 26 postures and breathing exercises is done in a heated room.
Ashtanga – Same as Vinyasa yoga, but it follows a prescribed sequence of poses.
Restorative yoga – This style uses a few gentle poses that are held for extended periods. It also includes gentle stretches that many people find very relaxing.
Benefits of Yoga
Physical Benefits
Movements, poses, and relaxation techniques in yoga provide several physical benefits to your body. These include:
- Increased muscle strength– There are specific poses designed to build and strengthen muscle
- It can help improve breathing – Most forms of yoga incorporate breathing exercises and techniques. Several studies have found that these could improve breathing. One study on students who took a 15-week yoga class found a significant increase in their vital capacity.
- Improve energy
- Weight reduction – Practicing yoga may help you lose weight.
- Improve cardio and respiratory health.
- Improve flexibility and balance – Studies suggest that practicing yoga can significantly increase flexibility and balance.
Mental Benefits
Besides the physical benefits, yoga incorporates meditation and breathing techniques to improve your mental health.
Regular practice provides mental clarity, calmness and promotes concentration.
CBD for Yoga Practice
CBD, or Cannabidiol in full, is one of the cannabinoids present in the cannabis Sativa plant.
Cannabis and yoga is an age-old combination that was separated by the laws and public attitude towards marijuana.
However, due to recent legalization efforts and hemp legalization by the 2018 Farm Bill, the combination is now making a comeback.
Cannabis is considered one of the five sacred plants in the Vedas, and there is evidence of it being used in yoga practice.
CBD works by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This is the complex system responsible for maintaining homeostasis in our bodies.
The best part about CBD is that it’s not psychoactive, which means it won’t get you high.
These are some of the reasons why it may be the perfect ingredient to improve your yoga experience.
How CBD Can Improve Your Yoga Experience
Most benefits of yoga and CBD overlap or complement each other. That means combining them may lead to more substantial outcomes and make your experience smoother.
Here is why CBD and yoga are the perfect combos.
Improve Recovery
Yoga can be very relaxing, but it also involves hard work. A yoga session may include physical activities such as planks, push-ups, and other movements aimed at increasing body strength.
Clear Your Thoughts
A large part of yoga involves getting in tune with your inner awareness. You can’t do that if there are thousands of thoughts running through your mind, distracting and disturbing your peace.
Yoga requires you to fully reclaim your mind, although it is not that easy.
Improve Mind-body Connection
Yoga is more than exercise. It requires a more profound mind-body connection. This requires practitioners to allow their thoughts to influence their bodies positively.
Positive thinking is essential when connecting with your mind and body, and it can be marred by anxiety and even depression.
Improve Sleep
Sleep is crucial in maintaining focus and concentration as well as recovery. During sleep, the body can repair itself, especially after strenuous activity. Sleep is, therefore, crucial if you are to practice yoga effectively.
Reduce Pain
Injuries can occur during a yoga class. Common injuries include wrist pain, neck tightness, and lower back pain.
Take Away: CBD and Yoga
CBD makes an important addition to your yoga practice, and whether you are a true master or a beginner, you can always use a little help.
However, CBD isn’t a cure-all, there are other factors to consider if you are to get the most out of your yoga practice, but it is a useful tool to help prepare your body and mind before and after a class.
CBD also has other features that are not relevant to yoga. If you are unsure of its effects or dosage, ensure that you consult your doctor.
A BETTER WAY TO GOOD HEALTH