Human studies show that running, biking, and hiking increase anandamide levels in the blood. The ECS system is primarily responsible for “runner's high” (to a much larger degree than endorphins).
Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture has been shown to activate the ECS. This helps to explain why people receive benefits from acupuncture treatment.
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In a recent study, researchers found that repeated treatment with electroacupuncture resulted in an increase in cannabinoid receptors in a part of the brain called the striatum.
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In another study, researchers found that electroacupuncture reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in inflamed skin tissues through activation of cannabinoid CB2 receptors.
Aerobic exercise helps to activate the ECS.
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Male and female runners significantly increased their AEA levels after 30 minutes of moderately intense treadmill running.
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The increased levels of AEA occurred between 70%-80% of the age adjusted heart rate.
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Very high or very low level intensity exercise did NOT produce increased levels of AEA.
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Endurance Exercise
Yoga Exercise
Let's connect the dots below:
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Anandamide (AEA, endogenous analog of THC) has been shown to be boosted by doing yoga.
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Yoga has been shown to significantly decrease hand pain and increase hand flexibility and function in osteoarthritis patients.
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Yoga has been shown to improve bronchial asthma, coronary atherosclerosis, chronic lower back pain and depression.
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Yoga has been shown to improve mood, cope with stress and increase extroversion.
Do you see the benefits of yoga lining up with the benefits of medical cannabis?