Yoga and CBD: a perfect combination to reduce anxiety
International Day of Yoga is celebrated every 21 June and aims to highlight yoga as a practice that helps people achieve a balance between body and mind, foster peace and harmony, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
In this post, we take a closer look at how yoga can improve anxiety, and we pair it with another topic on the rise: CBD, a component of cannabis that also has effects on wellbeing. A possible combination with benefits for body and mind.
The role of yoga in reducing anxiety
Yoga is an ancient practice that combines postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation to improve health and wellbeing, and it is a powerful tool for anxiety. Through the asanas, this ancient discipline stimulates the nervous system and improves body posture, which benefits both our physical and mental health.
Yoga means union
The term “yoga” comes from Sanskrit, an ancient language of India. In its most basic sense, “yoga” means “union” or “connection”. It refers to the union or integration of body, mind and spirit, as well as the union of the individual with the divine or the supreme.
Benefits of yoga for anxiety
The benefits of yoga go beyond improving flexibility or physical strength. Neuroscience has shown that yoga has a direct impact through physical changes in our brain. One study observed that yoga could increase grey matter density in areas of the brain linked to self-perception and stress management, which suggests long-term benefits for mental health and emotional wellbeing.
What’s more, regular yoga practice stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system responsible for relaxation and the body’s regeneration. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2017 showed that just 10 yoga sessions brought significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
When you’re on the mat, stress seems to melt away, or at least ease off, and the moment lets you focus on a space of intimacy and reconnection between your body and your mind. But not everyone finds it easy to set aside the thoughts and noise of the daily routine and relax on a yoga mat. And this is where CBD comes in, which is becoming more and more popular for its calming and relaxing properties.
What is CBD and how does it work?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD doesn’t get you high, which means it has no psychoactive effects.
CBD acts on the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which we could describe as the body’s “control centre”, regulating functions such as sleep, appetite, pain and mood. Its effect is subtle, bringing a feeling of calm and comfort and helping to promote wellbeing.
This natural compound derived from cannabis can be the perfect complement to your yoga sessions, helping you to relax more deeply and find greater inner peace.
How can CBD reduce anxiety?
CBD acts on the central nervous system, reducing activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain linked to anxiety. Numerous scientific studies have shown that CBD can help improve anxiety and some of its symptoms, such as insomnia.
However, it’s important to buy high-quality CBD oil from reliable sources. One of the most recommended extracts is what’s known as full spectrum CBD, which contains the full range of cannabinoids and components found naturally in the cannabis plant.
You may also be interested in: Types of CBD oil explained
Combining yoga and CBD to reduce anxiety
If you struggle to switch off from your daily tasks, keep checking your phone every five minutes, or can’t sleep well, a little extra help to relax might be useful.
The combination of yoga and CBD can be a tool for people with anxiety who struggle to find the time and space to switch off and find their own moment of intimacy. However, it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Tips for anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s normal response to a one-off stressful or pressing situation, but it shouldn’t be chronic. If you suffer from anxiety and it affects your daily life, talk to your doctor. Psychotherapy can also be a good approach in this kind of situation.
CBD should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and it can interact with medications. Talk to your doctor before using CBD.
Thinking of taking up yoga?
Although you can practise yoga whenever and wherever you like, we recommend starting at a specialist centre where you can get some guidance to take your next steps and refine your technique. Throughout its history, the practice of yoga has gone through various transformations and given rise to different styles and approaches. For example, Hatha yoga focuses on physical practice and controlled breathing, while Kundalini yoga seeks to awaken inner energy and spiritual awareness... There are many types of yoga to suit everyone’s needs and preferences.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the benefits of yoga for anxiety, and how it might combine with the benefits of cannabidiol for wellbeing. We encourage you to give it a try, and we hope the mat becomes your wellbeing space, where you can be at peace, look at yourself and feel yourself every day.
