By Kyona,  Board Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and Cannabis Educator

Ayurveda is an ancient, complete system of holistic medicine that addresses all aspects of health. It teaches us to pay attention to our (whole)selves, respect nature, and appreciate all qualities of life.

I am a self-care facilitator. I see the world through an Ayurvedic lens, always looking to define the qualities of what is. Ayurveda teaches us that like attracts like, and opposites cultivate balance. There are actually 10 pairs of opposite qualities that we can all learn to recognize in ourselves and our environment that allow us to play an active role in our health and well-being. Awareness is key.

Suffice it to say that my wellness plan is a lifestyle of preventative care modalities. I will share with you my top five. 

Breathwork

Focusing my attention on my breath is one of the first tools I use when in distress. Most likely I am not breathing fully, and bringing my awareness to the quality and the length of my inhale and exhale inform me of what I need at the moment.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) (1) plays a vital role in regulating your breathing patterns. It helps maintain by modulating the activity of neurons involved in controlling the rate and depth of your breaths, ensuring proper oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange in your lungs to support overall respiratory function. It's important to note that while the ECS can support the benefits of breathwork, the practice primarily involves conscious control of breathing patterns, directly affecting the nervous system and leading to various physiological and psychological benefits.

The sympathetic nervous system is activated with each inhale, and our parasympathetic nervous system is activated with each exhale which encourages a state of relaxation. Nervous system regulation could be as simple as practicing lengthening the exhale beyond the length of the inhale.

• Another practice I use for overall balance is alternate nostril breathing (2) 

Cannabis Therapeutics

I have been using Cannabis for decades. Intentionally. When I am anticipating or experiencing imbalances rooted around stress and anxiety, I reach for a therapeutic blend of cannabinoids to supplement my Endocannabinoid System and regulate my mental-emotional well-being.

A few years ago I had colorectal surgery and experienced successful post-surgical pain management only using inhaled CBD flower instead of the prescribed narcotics.

Cannabis salve is a simple DIY topical I keep on hand to relieve acute pain and skin irritations.

• I like to combine CBDA, CBD, and THC in various ratios for daily support tinctures

Auriculotherapy

The ear is a microsystem of the body. There are over 200 auricular points on the surface of the ears that when stimulated send messages from the brain through nerve pathways to the corresponding area(s) of imbalance to promote healing. While this modality is most widely known in association with acupuncture, it is actually rooted in Ayurveda.

Applying ear seeds to specific points is my go-to treatment for injuries, aches, emotional stability, and prevention of anxiety.

• My first-aid kit consists of Cannabis salve, essential oils, and ear seeds 

Restorative Yoga

Yoga is another way of life for me. My personal and professional practices downshifted over the past few years to a nurturing pace. Restorative Yoga is a practice for nervous system regulation that can promote relaxation and support healing.

Incorporating Cannabis into my Yoga practice is a conscious ritual. Cannabis inspires me to explore breath-based movement and a deeper sense of embodiment. I often find relief by inhaling a blend of cannabinoids (like a 1:1 or a 1:2 ratio of CBD + THC) in my favorite dry flower vaporizer while gathering blankets and bolsters and retreating to the ground for an intuitive session to restore a healthy breathing pattern and release tension or fatigue.

Learn more about Yoga and the ECS here (4).

• A complete restorative practice (5) may include only a few supported postures.

Vibrational Sound Therapy 

The application of sound and vibration to the subtle and physical bodies opens energetic pathways to increase our natural life force. And we can experience physical pain and emotional disharmony when these pathways are blocked. 

In Ayurveda, there are specific marma points on the body similar to acupoints in Traditional Chinese Medicine, that provide symptomatic relief. In fact, more than 80% of the points in these holistic medicine systems converge.
My sound therapy practice has also recently evolved. Self-care maintenance treatments now fluctuate between tuning fork application on marma points, crystal singing bowl sessions, gong play, and a therapeutic harp.

• Investing in a set of ohm tuning forks is a good place to start your sound therapy journey

References:

1. Wiese, Beth M et al. “The endocannabinoid system and breathing.” Frontiers in neuroscience vol. 17 1126004. 18 Apr. 2023, doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1126004

2. “Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.” Alternate Nostril Breathing Instructions | Nadi Shodhana | Banyan Botanicals, 16 May 2023, www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/yoga/nadi-shodhana-pranayama/

3. Grinspoon, Peter, Dr, “The Endocannabinoid System: Essential and Mysterious by Dr. Grinspoon.” The Endocannabinoid System: Essential and Mysterious by Dr. Grinspoon, www.effectivenewsletter.com/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-by-dr-peter-grinspoon. Accessed 20 July 2023. 

4.  Scherer, Liz. “Yoga and the Endocannabinoid System.” EverydayHealth.Com, 30 Jan. 2020, www.everydayhealth.com/marijuana/feeling-blissed-out-after-a-yoga-session-the-reason-may-lie-within-the-bodys-endocannabinoid-system/.

 5. “Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy.” Kyveda Academy, kyveda-academy.teachable.com/p/ayurvedic-yoga-therapy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023. 

About Kyona:

Kyona is a Board Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Auriculotherapy Practitioner, Vibrational Sound Therapist, Entheogenic Support Guide, and Cannabis Educator specializing in women’s health. With a passion to share over two decades of immersive study in holistic self-care and preventative health management, Kyona educates and empowers women in their middle essence to take an active role in their health by elevating awareness and restoring balance through appropriate foods, herbs, and lifestyle routines. Kyona is the founder of kyveda and a professional member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, National Ayurvedic Medical Association, California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, and California Massage Therapy Council. 

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Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.