 What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been called one of the single most important scientific discoveries of modern time. So why is it so significant? It does so much more than allow our bodies to interact with THC and feel the mind-altering effects of cannabis. As one of the 12 major systems in our body, it is highly involved in maintaining the homeostasis, or balance within the body’s systems as well as physiological functions such as modulating pain and inflammation. Why Is Homeostasis Important? Homeostasis refers to the body’s process of maintaining balanced conditions for the cells in our bodies to live and function. This is critical for the proper functioning of our bodies as a whole to keep conditions stable enough for all of our cells to thrive and do their jobs. To better understand the importance of homeostasis, think of it as needing our body systems to stay in the Goldilocks zone. For example, our blood sugar shouldn’t be too low or too high, but just right. The same thing applies to many other conditions within our body such as temperature, blood pressure, and more. The endocannabinoid system does just that! How Do CBD and the Endocannabinoid System Work Together? Plant cannabinoids are able to affect the body medicinally because of our endocannabinoid system and the interactions that happen there. Like some other neurotransmitters, cannabinoids such as CBD, interact with many different receptor types. This means that while the CBD is activating certain cannabinoid receptors, it may be interacting with other receptors as well. CBD has the ability to affect the overall levels of endocannabinoids in the body. This is referred to as endocannabinoid tone. CBD can increase the levels of anandamide by preventing the FAAH enzyme from breaking it down. Inhibiting the FAAH enzyme in this way has been shown to improve anxiety disorders. When the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or is unable to regulate them properly, it becomes more susceptible to health issues that can manifest as anxiety, inflammatory diseases, or skin disorders. However, research has shown that CBD can directly activate serotonin (the feel good neurotransmitter) receptors that may decrease anxiety. Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system. This system is affected by internal and external factors, as it relates to inflammation, injuries, and balancing homeostasis. It also protects against cancers, diseases, and nerve damage. The ECS also balances and protects our Central Nervous System and Immune System responses. In return, when this system is activated properly it initiates pain control and calms inflammation. The ECS is critical to the life cycle of skin, fighting against skin cancers, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and internal/external inflammation. Psychologically, the ECS allows us to experience new perspectives. Evidence suggests that the ECS helps with subtle yet therapeutic shifts in the brain in the way we perceive the world. This allows us to relate to our internal bodily landscape, the way we think and feel about ourselves, and the way we interact with the people around us. CBD is a non-psychoactive part of the hemp plant. CB2 receptors communicate with our bodies when CBD is inhaled, ingested, or applied topically. This allows the CBD to work through healing pathways in our body. Note: Not suitable if you are pregnant or nursing.  On Meditation
What is meditation? How can meditation help us master our mind & emotions? Why bother committing to a meditation practice? In this Mind the Gap Podcast Episode Stephanie discusses the 3 myths of meditation and why having a consistent practice is transformational and life changing. She also gives an example of how to use meditation as a tool to turn negative / destructive thoughts into positive / empowering ones. Let's Go! >>>Listen Here.  Summer Self Care
Nourish Body, Mind & Spirit Summer is the perfect time to notice where you need to be "fed", aka, practice self care. Nobody can do this for us. If we don't do this for ourselves, we risk becoming resentful, contracted, and unhappy! We must feed (give to) ourselves in order to feed (give to) others. We are in charge of our own happiness and this includes on going self care. Give yourself permission to do what makes you feel good. You're worth it. Top 3 Sanctuary Picks to Nourish Body, Mind & Spirit: Massage - From therapeutic and deep tissue massage to relaxing massage, it's one of the oldest healing modalities. Massage helps relax muscles, soothe aches and pains, release energy blockages, rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Facial - Deeply nourish your skin! Next time you book a BWS Signature Facial, consider adding on a custom jelly mask to give your skin a healthy boost! It's great for super hydration or exfoliation, depending on skin type. Great for brightening, tightening and restoring that youthful glow! Shamanic Energy Healing - Energetic healing works holistically on the body, mind and spirit from the inside out. We dive into heart to set intentions for our life that align with present moment; clear obstacles / blockages that keep us stuck; uncover things in shadow; heal and integrate "lost/forgotten" aspects; create action plan to align soul with divine soul blueprint. Powerful for walking your path with truth, peace, joy, love, and grace. >>>View Our Services To Support Your Self Care >>>Book Now  "Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life." -Rumi
When we focus on what is working in our life, and we are grateful for it -- we gain the energy to do more of that...and less of what isn't...think self-care 101 :) Here’s a simple 2 step gratitude meditation: 1. Invest 5–10 minutes at the start or end of your day writing what you’re grateful for. For example: What great things happened today? What are you thankful for in your life right NOW? Who are you thankful for? Maybe you are grateful for your morning cup of coffee, a hug from a loved one or furry friend, even hitting only green lights on the way to work. It doesn’t matter how big or small; find as many things as you can to be grateful for and write them down. 2. Next, feel in your body NOW the experience of gratitude. Maybe it feels open, expansive, joyful. Set a timer for 2 minutes. Continue focusing on these feelings during your 2 minute meditation. Practicing gratitude will make you healthier and happier, and it will be easier to focus on what’s good rather than what’s not working in your life. Looking for support with meditation? Contact Stephanie here.  What have you done lately to nourish you?
At the Sanctuary our mission is to give you an experience of deep nourishment for body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are coming for massage, energy healing, or a yummy facial, we LOVE supporting you in re-filling your well. Maybe you want to try a new service, or combine them? Whatever you decide, we are here to answer any questions and guide you on your path to Sanctuary. >>>Explore Sanctuary Services >>>Give the Gift of Sanctuary with a Gift Certificate |
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