Bud & Blossom's 7 ECS & Wellness Pillars
My coaching foundation is that a healthy ECS (or endocannabinoid system) supports a healthy life! It turns out that the ECS, which is the body’s largest harm-reduction and homeostatic system, is foundational to human health. And when our ECS is working well, so is the rest of the body. A well-functioning ECS correlates to balance and ease in our day-to-day living.
And did you know? Along with using cannabis, there are other natural ways to support the health of your ECS!
By backing up your cannabis use with healthy ECS-supporting behaviors, you don’t have to rely on cannabis to do as much of “the work”. Cannabis and CBD simply work better when we are supporting our bodies with other healthy behaviors. This is about creating an environment for success within the greater endocannabinoid system.
As a cannabis & wellness coach, I have developed 7 ECS & Wellness Pillars that my clients can hold close and prioritize along their journey to better health.
Breaking Down the Wellness Pillars
1. Daily cannabinoid intake (to balance)
Daily cannabinoid intake (including cannabis and/or CBD) helps us to balance our endocannabinoid system. And… bring balance and ease into the rest of the body!
What do I mean by saying “cannabinoid intake to balance?” Well, two things!
Balance is the “why” behind cannabis use on a daily basis. We take in cannabinoids from the cannabis plant in order to balance our own endocannabinoid system and supplement the endocannabinoids that we make naturally in the body.
Taking cannabis “to balance” also indicates that we don’t necessarily need to take cannabis forever. Once we have successfully used cannabis (and other holistic methods) to restore ECS balance, then we can reassess our intake and even decide to discontinue cannabis use. Cannabis is a tool, and we can always decide to put this tool down once we have achieved our health goals.
Note: There are certain chronic conditions, such as cancer or those associated with clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD), where patients are likely better served if they continue to take cannabis for the rest of their life to prevent flareups or a resurgence of illness. That said, many people without chronic conditions will find that once they have used cannabis to restore balance in their body, they don’t necessarily need to continue use. Or, they might opt for continued low-dose consumption as a preventative or “maintenance” measure. This part is up to you!
2. Routine movement
Move your body! Movement can do wonders for your endocannabinoid system. When we move our bodies, the ECS releases endocannabinoids. This means that by engaging in movement that feels good – such as walking, yoga, spinning, or even dancing – we are supporting the health of our ECS. Everybody’s body is unique, but I suggest incorporating movement into your routine for at least 30 minutes 4-5 days each week.
Don’t forget: dancing to your favorite song is movement! Moving your body doesn’t have to be super hard; it can actually be amazingly fun. Dance, groove, vibe, and just move. Your ECS will love it!
3. Eating for the ECS
This is a nuanced topic and one that warrants a personalized approach (that’s why I love coaching!). Like many other things, nutrition is just one of those things that has some pretty broad tenets you can follow… but you have to personalize from there. What works for one person is not necessarily what works for the next person.
However, in general, I want you to know that nutrition can either support or detract from the health of your ECS.
Some research supports ECS benefits from reaching for foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, including hemp hearts, salmon, avocado, and chia seeds. You are also well served by limiting foods high in Omega-6 fatty acids, such as vegetable oils and seed oils, which detract from the health of the ECS.
Stay tuned for more on nutrition and the ECS… I’m going to be diving further into this discussion in an upcoming campaign!
4. Deep & healing sleep
When we sleep, we heal. Prioritizing deep sleep and a consistent sleep routine can be a pathway to better health.
One of the most common reasons people use cannabis/CBD is to help with sleep conditions, and it has been used successfully in this fashion for thousands of years. Many people report falling asleep more quickly and staying asleep through the night once they find the right type, dose, and ingestion method. When they start sleeping better, their physical and mental health improves.
5. Breathing for energy
How we breathe can actually affect the functionality of the endocannabinoid system! When we breathe deeply, we are able to generate endocannabinoids and pulse them throughout the body. There are many breathwork practitioners, including Wim Hoff, who like to remind us that through breath, we can truly get “high on our own supply”.
When you are stressed, you can return to your breath. Drop everything and breath deeply and audibly for at least 30 seconds. Can you feel the difference? I bet you can.
6. Exposure to nature
While this wellness pillar has less to do with the health of your ECS, this is one of my fundamentals to mental and physical peace in general. But, there is still an ECS component here: when we are in nature, we expose our bodies to the natural aromatic terpenes in our environment (and we know that terpenes have an impact on our endocannabinoid system!). When we are experiencing nature, it is also likely that we are getting in some movement, too – a benefit to your ECS. Finally, allowing the sunshine to hit our skin will help us to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels, an important aspect of overall health.
7. Powerful & positive mindset
It turns out that what we say to ourselves really matters. Our mindset – including how we see the world, how we see ourselves, and our perception of our personal capabilities – can really shape what happens tomorrow.
One of my favorite quotes about mindset is by Henry Ford. Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right.” This quote highlights the all-important power of the mind. Through a powerful and positive mindset, we truly have the power to shape the world around us – and our lives.
This means that to turn new behaviors into habits, we first need to BELIEVE that we can change our lives for the better. This is where the power of a powerful mindset comes into play.
There are many ways to enhance your mindset, including working with a coach (like me!), reading self-development books, journaling, vision boarding, stating daily affirmations, and more. I encourage you to work with the strategies and materials that will help you create the mindset shifts required to help you achieve your goals. Check out some of my favorite empowering books and download my Your Best Cannabis Week guide for empowering journal prompts.
Gain Natural Resiliency
If you can integrate these wellness tips into your life, then you are giving your body and your ECS the very best chance to succeed. This is about helping your body maintain natural resiliency… so your body can continue fighting to keep you healthy!
Turn Wellness Practices into Habits With a Coach
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone! I am a cannabis coach and I can work with you one-on-one to design the cannabis regimen for you. Beyond designing your cannabis regimen, we will also review natural methods you can use to strengthen your ECS.
I'd love to work with you to make these habits sustainable for your lifestyle... and guide you along the way!
To get signed up for coaching, book a discovery call with me!
Whether you sign up for my Balance Reset or Elevate + Transform Program, I will work with you to develop sustainable lifestyle changes that stick. And serve you for years to come!