How CBD Can Benefit Your Yoga Practice

The ancient practice of yoga helps many people worldwide achieve a balanced state of mind and body. Some people practice it to lose weight safely, while others do yoga to improve their sleep at night. Most often, regular yoga is part of a multifaceted journey of holistic healing and lifestyle. No matter what intention someone holds in their practice, the cannabinoid CBD is widely considered an ideal complement to yoga, and the two share a connection stretching back to ancient times.

What is CBD?

CBD and THC are the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, each with different effects and benefits. Cannabinoids are the components in cannabis that interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. In humans, the endocannabinoid system is a complicated network of neurotransmitters that affect many of our major organs and systems. Healing and caring for our endocannabinoid system can bring many health benefits and may improve our overall quality of life.

THC is the better-known cannabinoid, thanks to its association with recreational cannabis use. CBD is an effective cannabinoid in many ways similar to THC, but without the psychoactive effects that make THC users feel “high.”

Known for its preventive effects on seizures, CBD is an ingredient in the first-ever FDA-approved epilepsy medication, Epidiolex. As scientists and doctors continue to research CBD, various studies suggest it may also be effective for reducing anxiety and treating insomnia.

How Can CBD Enhance Yoga?

Cannabinoids like CBD and a mindful yoga practice complement each other perfectly, having similar effects on the body-mind while still giving everyone a unique experience. Cannabis use (spiritual and recreational) and yoga practice have common, ancient roots in the Indian subcontinent, and both can help people find calm, enlightenment, and a sense of wellbeing.

The soothing, relaxing qualities of CBD are perfect for yoga practitioners because they allow us to focus more energy on engaging spiritually with yoga since we don’t have to exert as much effort to soothe or quiet ourselves before our practice begins. When it comes to quelling negative thoughts and feelings, CBD and yoga can work together to help us achieve greater calm.

Many people who use CBD while practicing yoga say CBD enhances focus, mindfulness, and awareness. Because they don’t feel numb or sedated, CBD yoga practitioners report they’re more present during yoga and more open to the mind-expanding nature of their practice.

Though it helps us achieve mental equilibrium, yoga is a demanding physical practice. The more we can increase our capacity for comfortable movement, the more beneficial our practice becomes. CBD can help meet that goal since it can significantly relax tense muscles and relieve muscle pain.

Another benefit of CBD for yoga is its enhancement of the effects of anandamide. A neurotransmitter that brings feelings of bliss or happiness, anandamide's name comes from the Sanskrit word for joy. Studies suggest CBD keeps enzymes from breaking down anandamide, prolonging the state of bliss achieved after a good yoga session.

All these factors considered CBD promises to be a useful supplement for yoga practitioners, with many mental and physical benefits. In addition to being all-natural, it’s not known to have any adverse effects, nor does it cause addiction after prolonged use. As more and more yogis try to take their experience to the next level, CBD proves itself worth trying time and time again.

Other Natural Ways to Enhance the Yoga Experience

If you seek to enhance your yoga experience, CBD is not the only way to go. You can experiment with the variants of THC in the form of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, two of many new products seeking to provide people with a controlled, lucid cannabinoid experience to boost their mood no matter what they’re doing.

Natural products containing kratom, a medicinal herb related to coffee plants, also offer yogis mental stimulation and enhanced awareness. It’s long-known throughout southeast Asia for inducing a feeling of well-being and is commonly used for its stimulant properties.

Many more natural products are available to yogis who seek to expand their minds and find the perfect balance. We wish you the best as you find the best supplement to your yoga practice.