Yoga Articles Alternative Therapy and diseases

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There are many different types of yoga, Each one has its own characteristics and its particular audience:

Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Anusara, Restorative, Jivamukti, and Prenatal Yoga.

And now is time for another kind of Yoga to be added to them: The Ganja Yoga!

Simply put: Ganja Yoga classes combine cannabis use with yoga to enhance meditative practice.

Now that the medical benefits of Marijuana are getting the recognition they deserve, and legal frameworks become more relaxed around the world permitting Cannabis for medical use and in some cases for recreational use in Toronto, California and Seattle, Ganja Yoga classes are becoming a new trend. Combined with appropriate, relaxing music and a meditative atmosphere with candles and the aromas of essential oils, Ganja Yoga incorporates Cannabis to offer a mindful yoga session and a healthy – often ecstatic joyful yoga practice.

Many practitioners say that cannabis helps yogis better focus on the breath. After consuming cannabis, yogis begin their practice meditating and doing yoga poses. Some practice Ganja Yoga for pain-relief, the cultivation of inner peace, and well-being in general.

The feeling of mindfulness has been associated with cannabis for thousands of years. Many yogis describe the combinations of cannabis and yoga as a very deep and positive experience, recommending different cannabis strains for the different practices of yoga. A sativa strain is more energetic, and can be used easier just before the beginning of the session. For the end of practice, a relaxing indica strain may work best, in order to stretch and close their session fulfilled.

People who want to participate in the classes do not have to smoke cannabis at all; they can eat it or consume it as a tincture. There are different kinds of alternatives to the unhealthy habit of smoking. The most common way to take cannabis is vaping, as it is much easier to consume and works quickly and effectively in the body.

What makes Ganja Yoga special is the nice working combination of endorphins with the function of the cannabinoids.

There is a historical tradition in yogis of India documented also by the British during the colonial times. The British discovered the extensive use of cannabis, and had ordered a study on the topic in 1890. Shiva, the god, is associated with cannabis, referred to as bhang in India. Cannabis was consumed in a milky beverage by practitioners. According to the Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures detailing the Vedic religion, cannabis was considered one sacred plant among five and that in its leaves a guardian angel resided.

While the yogis use the sacred plant to deepen their meditation experience and gain physical, mental and emotional improvement, there is a big debate between the yoga community whether this is a good and beneficial practice or not. In either case, a lot depends on the taste and preferences of each yoga practitioner.

Cannabis has been repeatedly scientifically proven in the last decades to have a beneficial function when it is used in a healthy and conscious way. Its healing properties are getting worldwide renown and appreciation, and its mental effects are also being studied for its positive effects. 

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