The more we know about the endocannabinoid system the more we realize how important it is to the overall health of all our other biological systems – and especially our nervous system.
That’s why research is discovering that supplementation of the chemicals in cannabis, called cannabinoids, is a vital support in quelling anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, shame (self-doubt) and other symptoms generally thrown-in to the catch-all term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
One of the star cannabis chemicals often cited for this symptom relief is cannabidiol, known simply as CBD. As a trained clinical nutritionist and licensed as a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, I am a long-time advocate of careful and targeted nutritional supplementation; CBD as a daily supplement can offer relief for the emotional “fire” of stress and the fight, flight or freeze syndrome.
Difficult emotions are rampant in our society – regardless of whether you accept the label of PTSD for yourself. Yes, some of us carry more of a trauma load than others but, make no mistake, we all have incurred trauma to a lesser or greater degree in our lives. The effects of trauma create self-limiting behaviors that often make it challenging for others to be around us or for us to be around ourself. Trauma is stored in the tissues of our body and my Emotional Liberation® work is focused on supporting people in releasing these energy blocks that underpin difficult emotions.
I am not a therapist. I work with a potent combination of expressive meditative movements, breath and sound that strengthens and conditions the nervous system in order for the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, which can lead to developing new patterns of thought and behavior. Chemicals in cannabis enhance this process of neuroplasticity. That’s why I find it especially potent to pair my Emotional Liberation work with CBD supplementation. The combination offers the opportunity to release distressing emotions and soften symptoms of hyperarousal. I used this approach to heal myself from my own trauma and I work with others in a group ceremonial dynamic as well as privately to effect these remarkable changes.
The market for CBD is exploding and, as with all nutritional supplements, it’s challenging to discern the differences in quality. So it’s important to make sure the product you’re spending good money on is highly bioavailable and physiologically active. I believe nourishing and irrigating the endocannabinoid system in this manner is establishing itself as a cutting-edge health supporting approach.
I invite you to connect with me for any questions you might have.
With Love, Becca
References of CBD’s physiological influences**:
• Cannabidiol disrupts the reconsolidation of contextual drug-associated memories in Wistar rats.
• Cannabinoids, Neurogenesis and Antidepressant Drugs: Is there a Link?
• Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on regional cerebral blood flow.
• Cannabidiol, neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Beyond the CB1 Receptor: Is Cannabidiol the Answer for Disorders of Motivation?.
* Thanks to the big brains behind ProjectCBD.org for their thorough scientific referencing of all things cannabis.