The Endocannabinoid System

Well, we’ve arrived back at another Friday – and we’re feeling revitalized after that long weekend! We were all definitely feeling the call of summer – those long, sunny days and warm summer nights that will rejuvenate and re-energize us all in the months to come. From the mountains to the oceans, we’re getting ready for that well-deserved time for surfing, mountain trekking, breathtaking views, and all of the healing power, balance and well-being that come from good, old-fashioned earth medicine. 

Balance is an important part of this process. That includes work-life balance, a balanced diet, and the balance between the physical and the spiritual – all of these are keys to our general success. Today, we’re going to talk about the balance and well-being created within our own bodies by the Endocannabinoid System, also known as the ECS. 

The ECS is a system of receptors within our Central and Peripheral nervous systems that extend into other areas of the body, including the skin, the immune system, and the muscles. The ECS is responsible for maintaining a balance in the body’s core regulatory processes – a balance known as homeostasis. 

Homeostasis is achieved through the interaction of cannabinoids introduced either internally (endocannabinoids) or externally (exo-cannabinoids) to the body. The cannabinoids interact with two main receptors in the ECS known as CB1 and CB2. The interaction of the cannabinoids and the receptors helps to monitor the needs of the different parts of our bodies. CB1 is found in the Central Nervous System and influences emotion, motor control and appetite stimulation. CB2 is found in the Peripheral Nervous System and influences the immune system, inflammation, relaxation, self-repair, and pain.   

Cannabinoids work with the ECS in the way a key works with a lock. The cannabinoids attach to a receptor and help determine which parts of the body require action from the ECS in order to maintain homeostasis. CBD – as found in organically grown, pesticide free, full-spectrum CBD tincture or CBD oil – attaches to the CB2 receptor and allows the ECS to help the body where needed, especially in regard to immunity, relaxation and pain management. 

Although the ECS is an ancient system that has played a direct role in the development and evolution of life, there is still much to learn about how it functions. Understanding the exact potential for cannabinoids and their interaction with ECS receptors is a subject that continues to be studied with great interest and we look forward to knowing more.

And so, as we are ready to return to a more balanced life and a more harmonized version of ourselves, we remain mindful of our own internal biological balance. It’s important to consider how we can best help our bodies to maintain homeostasis and a mindfulness that our balance and well-being contribute to the balance and well-being of those around us. Have an excellent weekend, and keep your balance strong!