You may have heard that CBD and yoga has become a popular pairing.
But this isn’t just another industry jumping on the CBD bandwagon - cannabis and yoga have been intertwined since antiquity.
In India, the birthplace of yoga, the sacred status of the cannabis plant (or "ganja"/"hashish") was revered and celebrated as an integral part of culture for millennia.
Yoga with CBD
Both yoga and cannabis have been closely tied to meditative processes in India for thousands of years.
While the original connection between cannabis and yoga is not exactly known, different historians have tied the two together in various events, ceremonies, and religious significances.
It is believed that the Lord Shiva (the destroyer & creator god in Hinduism, who also happens to be the god of yoga) was rejuvenated from injury after consuming cannabis.
Some people believe this religious connection is actually what incorporated cannabis into yoga practice in the first place.
Cannabis was also present when many of the modern yoga positions were created. Many of the yoga positions we know of today were created in the 7th century by tantric cultures, who practiced a combination of Shaviaite Hinduism & Tibetan Buddhism.
Many of these religious cultures used cannabis regularly as part of their practice while they developed aspects of modern Hatha yoga.
The Yoga Sutras, which were compiled in 400 CE, outline the 196 main principles of yoga. The Sutras mention the use of “herbs” to help with subtler pose attainments, and it has been argued by some people that "herbs" means cannabis - though others refute that fact.
Many Sadhu’s (or Hindu holy men) however, use cannabis today for spiritual purposes. The Sadhu’s believe that cannabis allows them to liberate themselves from perceived existential limits. They use cannabis in all aspects of their prayer, including during yoga.
And regular people are now recognising that yoga and CBD have some truly complimentary effects, with the compound helping to bring goodness to your mat, your mind and your muscles.
Try taking a dose of CBD oil 20 minutes before your practice to provide a sense of calm and focus, and to diminish any lingering pain or anxiety.
If you're ready to get started, find the best yoga apps for you.