The endocannabinoid system. It’s a term that often comes up whenever someone attempts to describe cannabis’ relationship with the body on a molecular level. While it may have an intimidating name and sound difficult to understand, the endocannabinoid system isn’t that scary once you become familiar with it. That’s why in this post, we teamed up with a Toluca Lake cannabis dispensary to demystify the endocannabinoid system and help cannabis users understand it.

Toluca Lake Cannabis Dispensary Explains How It work

Below, we talked to the experts to learn the science behind cannabis to understand the endocannabinoid system, and how they interact. We also included information on the entourage effect, a phenomenon that plays a large role in the endocannabinoid system’s processes.

What is the Endocannabinoid System

Before we learn how marijuana can affect the endocannabinoid system, we need to know exactly what it is.

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a subsection of your central nervous system. Three main components make up the ECS. They include:

• Endocannabinoids: your body creates several endocannabinoids that act as triggers to cause various outcomes. For example, anandamide, an endocannabinoid, appears to be responsible for the sensation of a “runner’s high.”
• Receptors: receptors act as the “triggers” that endocannabinoids pull. Two types of receptors exist in the endocannabinoid system: CB1 and CB2.
• Enzymes: last but not least, enzymes come at the end of the ECS process. After an endocannabinoid triggers a receptor, enzymes break them down into their base proteins so the body can call upon them again later.

Essentially, the ECS acts as a signal pathway that helps your body maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis consists of all the unconscious subroutines that keep your body running. For example, heartbeat, temperature, and inflammation response all exist under the umbrella of homeostasis.

Usually, the ECS keeps these things regulated fairly well by itself. It controls inflammation in response to infections and injuries, helps regulate your sleep cycle, and more, all without ever having to pay attention to it!

Until, that is, someone decides to mix things up.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Endocannabinoid System?

Consuming cannabis can cause some interesting changes in your ECS. In simplest terms, cannabis exerts force on the ECS by impersonating endocannabinoids. Once a cannabinoid like THC or CBD reaches your bloodstream, it binds with receptors in your ECS. This “hacks” the ECS into triggering an effect, like reducing inflammation or soothing anxiety.

The Entourage Effect

One last important facet of the ECS is a phenomenon called the entourage effect. According to research, the entourage effect arises when multiple cannabinoids try to exert forces on the ECS at once. The theory postulates that multiple cannabinoids can enhance one another’s abilities, resulting in more powerful effects or new ones entirely. The entourage effect is a fairly recent discovery in comparison to cannabinoids and the ECS itself.

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Think you understand the intricacies surrounding the ECS and want to take control of it for yourself? This Toluca Lake cannabis dispensary has everything you need to harness the power of your endocannabinoid system.

Mental health is critical for functioning in society today. Though many of us go about our lives without developing any mental health issues, this is something that affects more people than what you might realize.

It’s evident that roughly one in six Americans deal with mental health issues in some form. This is a rather large percentage of the population, and this can be caused by many factors. And, while some of these factors can be internally manifested, most of them are brought on from external experiences.

Sexual abuse is by far one of the worst forms of abuse. The act of unwanted sexual advances, rape, molestation, and incest are all part of this horrible act, and can cause a person serious mental illness over time.

Here, we’ll explore how sexual abuse affects your mental health.

What Happens After a Sexual Assault?

When a person goes through the trauma of a sexual assault, whether in the form of molestation, rape, statutory rape, incest or an unwanted sexual advance, many things can manifest in the mind.

Often, after an instance of abuse, a person feels that their bodies are not their own. This is sometimes evident in a person withdrawing from social gatherings, or a sharp change in demeanor.

Survivors of sexual abuse often report feelings of shame and guilt, or may develop feelings of terror around members of the opposite or same sex. This is often the case in instances of abuse from elders, members of a church, or from family members.

Depression & Anxiety

Depression is typically the first tell-tale sign of abuse of any form. Once your body has been violated, this loss of autonomy can be difficult to cope with, and this can result in serious depression.

It’s not uncommon for a victim of abuse to withdraw completely, and stay away from any or all social situations due to the severe depression that can follow.

Like depression, anxiety is another immediate effect of sexual abuse. In fact, many survivors of sexual abuse develop a fear that the abuse can happen again. This can result in having random panic attacks when involved in intimate situations, or when being around members of a particular sex.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Most of us often associate post-traumatic stress disorder with members of the military who have survived the gruesome reality of military combat. While this is common in military combat veterans, this is also quite common with victims of sexual abuse.

Survivors of sexual abuse often report instances of intense memories of the abuse, and certain scenery or people can trigger the memory. These intense memories can sometimes be so disruptive that they may cause the victim to relive the abuse in their mind.

In other more serious cases, PTSD may be so strong that it causes the illusion of an alternate reality, in which a person believes that his or her surroundings have changed, causing the person to lose track of where they are.

Multiple Personality Disorder

During extreme cases of sexual abuse, where the abuse is physically painful or if it continues on throughout their early lives, a person may develop a way to cope with the abuse. Though these cases are most common with young children, a child may develop an alternate personality that is responsible for dealing with the trauma.

Split personalities or borderline personalities are most commonly associated with the most extreme cases of abuse and are thought to be a survival mechanism of a young mind.

Developing this disorder allows a child to cope with the trauma, in a way that the primary identity remains unaffected by the abuse, while the alternate personality suffers the trauma.

Though this may be a coping mechanism, multiple personality disorder is a debilitating condition that carries on into adulthood and requires long-term psychiatric intervention.

It’s important to note that abuse of any kind can cause serious mental health issues in people of all ages. Sometimes this can even result in the development of chronic pain and other health conditions that aren’t as easily recognizable.

Breast cancer is one of the most common in the female population. However, its prognosis is usually good.

Currently, it estimated that women over the age of 85 would have a 1 in 9 chance of developing breast tumors. This kind of cancer is the most common within this population group.

Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The cells of our body divide in a systematic and controlled way to replace the old cells with younger and more functional ones.

However, these cell division processes, which initially must be highly regulated, can be altered and generate uncontrolled cell division, thus creating a tumor. When this dividing mass of cells acquires the ability to invade and continue to increase in other tissues, in a process known as metastasis, we are talking about a malignant tumor or cancer.

Precisely, breast cancer in the form of a malicious tumor in the cells of the mammary gland. These cells, initially originating in the glandular tissue of the breasts, can invade and proliferate in the healthy surrounding tissue( metastasis ).

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of death in this population group worldwide.

However, breast cancer is one of the cancers with the best prognosis, its early diagnosis plays a vital role in the success of the treatment and prevent cancer with turkey tail.

The reasons for the form of breast tumor variety from hereditary issues to environmental reasons. In a low ratio of cases, its presence is due to a genetic transformation in a gene that causes a great tendency to feel pain from said cancer. However, in 90% of breast cancer cases, its appearance is sporadic and is not related to hereditary mutations of specific genes.

Then, we will conversation about the primary signs that can happen in breast cancer, as well as the features to take into reason to identify this pathology in time.

Risk Factor’s

Initially, it is convenient to know what are the risk factors for breast cancer :

Certain reproductive aspects such as the use of high doses of hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies, or late menopause may be related to the onset of the disease.

• Other factors that can influence its appearance are nutritional aspects, physical activity, the duration of breastfeeding, smoking, or alcoholism.
• As risk factors that we cannot change, we have a family history of breast cancer or inherited genetic mutations, such as changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• The threat of breast tumor rises with oldness. Maximum breast diseases detected after age 50.

Possible Symptoms

One of the complications when detecting the disease is that, sometimes, there are no symptoms during the early stages. Usually, women who suffer from it do not experience pain during the first phases.

Still, certain aspects have revealed that could reveal the presence of breast cancer. Some of them are:

• Nipple collapse.
• Nipple discharge.
• Pain in the breasts or nipple.
• Variation in the figure of the breast or nipple.
• Irritation, redness, or peeling of the breasts.
• The appearance of lumps around the breasts towards the armpit area.

It is essential to pay care about any type of tumor or deformity originating in this area. Although its appearance is not always due to cancer. Generally, painless, irregular, hard lumps are more likely to be related to cancer. However, in these situations, it is best to consult a specialist.

Early Diagnosis Tests of Breast Cancer

The most generally used method because of its high efficiency is the mammogram. It can detect the disease years before the development of packages or possible symptoms.

It is essential to have all screening mammograms recommended by your doctor. Typically, a mammogram is recommended one year after age 40 or 50. However, this age reduced in the case of people with a family history.

Another option is breast self-examination ( AEM ). Which consists of a regular self-examination of the breasts, to detect the presence of lumps or changes in the breasts.

However, the usefulness of this technique is somewhat controversial, as not all cases of breast cancer. It can be detected this way and should never replace mammography.

Seasonal Depression: There are some differences between depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While depression can occur at any point in a person’s life, seasonal affective disorder occurs during the gloomier months of the year, typically the Fall and Winter months. During these times, days are shorter, and the sky remains grayscale, with less sunlight.

Both forms of depression can result in profound and reoccurring feelings of dysphoria, sadness, and lack of hope. The critical difference between the two conditions is that seasonal affective disorder is consistent with seasonal changes only. Although seasonal affective disorder can be unpleasant, it can be effectively treated for symptom reduction and management.

Below, we discuss the general criteria for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to help you identify if professional help may be needed. Consider the following information and see if you identify with any of the following symptoms. If so, be sure to reach out to a trained medical professional who can determine whether seasonal depression may be something you’re dealing with.

Main Contributors to Seasonal depression  

One of the triggers of SAD is reduced sunlight. Lack of sufficient sunlight can result in a manifestation of biological and psychological symptoms that reflect depression. Environmental factors also shape these outcomes, contributing to SAD symptoms. Behavioral symptoms may also occur in response to these symptom onsets.

Some of the main identifying symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

• sleeping too much
• reduced energy levels
• chronic feelings of sadness
• lack of interest in activities
• negative feelings that interfere with daily tasks

Biological Factors Of SAD

The biological factors of seasonal depression are not entirely understood, but it is proposed that the condition is associated with reduced sunlight exposure during the fall and winter. These changes in sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal timing (circadian rhythm). For some people, a lack of the sun can cause chemical imbalances that impact mood.

Psychological Symptoms Of SAD

Experiencing consistent, negative thought patterns is another factor of seasonal depression, and some of these thoughts may be directed at the seasonal changes. However, depression as a general disorder can bring about negative thoughts from various aspects of life. Although persons with SAD may experience negative thoughts about more than changes in the season, they may not fall under the criteria for clinical depression. Diagnosis is unique to the individual; it is also possible to have both SAD and clinical depression.

Behavioral Symptoms Of SAD

Physical aches and pain, weight gain, and fatigue are additional symptoms that may occur from seasonal depression. Difficulty concentrating and irritability may also occur. If you notice you’re isolating yourself, engaging in technology more than usual, or having relationship difficulties, you may be struggling with SAD.

Getting Professional Help To Reduce Your Symptoms

If you are struggling with seasonal depression, reach out to a trained mental health counselor for an official diagnosis and the next steps for treatment. With coping tools and consistency, you can learn to manage your seasonal affective disorder and reduce your symptoms of depression as seasons change.

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, we are constantly evolving in how we approach wellness and healing. Holistic healing, a multi-dimensional approach to wellness, focuses on treating the entire person- the mind, body, and spirit.

This powerful healing philosophy bridges the gap between conventional and alternative therapies, empowering individuals to attain optimal health through a balanced lifestyle.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and techniques of holistic healing and how it can transform your journey to health and wellness.

Understanding Holistic Healing

To truly grasp the power of holistic healing, it is essential to understand what it entails. Holistic healing is an all-encompassing approach to wellness, recognizing that our physical, mental, and emotional well-being are interconnected.

It encompasses a variety of techniques and therapies designed to promote a balanced state of mind, body, and spirit. This may include energy healing, mindfulness, nutrition, and more. By addressing the root causes of ailments, holistic healing enables individuals to achieve lasting health and well-being.

Integrating Holistic Healing into Your Life

Embarking on your holistic healing journey doesn’t have to be daunting. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the various modalities and techniques available, exploring which ones resonate most with your personal needs and preferences.

From incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine to developing a personalized herbal remedy regimen, the possibilities are endless. Remember, the path to holistic healing is unique to each individual, so be gentle with yourself and enjoy the process.

Early Detection and Prevention

One important aspect of holistic healing is the focus on early detection and prevention of diseases. Being proactive about your health and well-being can help you address potential issues before they become more severe.

Learning about pre cancer and other early warning signs of illness can help you take appropriate action and seek the necessary treatment.

Combining traditional medical screenings with holistic wellness practices facilitates a comprehensive approach to your health and well-being.

The Benefits

• Focus on Balance and Wellness:Holistic healing recognizes that every aspect of our well-being is interrelated. By working to achieve balance in the mind, body, and spirit, individuals can journey toward optimal health and long-lasting wellness
• Preventative Medicine:By addressing underlying imbalances and promoting a proactive approach to health, holistic healing acts as a form of preventative medicine, reducing the risk of sickness and disease.
• A Personalized Approach:With a variety of modalities to choose from, holistic healing allows individuals to tailor their healing journey to fit their unique needs and preferences, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
• Empowerment Through Awareness:Holistic healing encourages individuals to become more aware of their own bodies and minds, fostering a deep understanding of personal well-being and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

Building a Support System

As you begin your holistic healing journey, it is important to establish a supportive network of practitioners, friends, and loved ones who understand and encourage your quest for whole-person wellness.

By seeking out like-minded individuals and wellness experts, you can share experiences and knowledge, assisting each other in achieving optimal health.

A strong support system can help you stay motivated, hold you accountable, and provide valuable insights along the way.

Holistic Healing Techniques

Holistic healing encompasses several proven techniques that address the various dimensions of overall well-being. Let’s explore some of the most effective modalities:

• Acupuncture:An ancient Chinese technique, acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body, helping to correct imbalances and promote overall health.
• Aromatherapy:Essential oils derived from plants can enhance emotional, mental, and physical well-being through inhalation or topical application.
• Energy Healing:Modalities such as Reiki, Healing Touch, and Chakra Balancing aim to clear energy blockages and balance the body’s natural flow of energy.
• Mindfulness and Meditation:Techniques like mindfulness and meditation help individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, promoting mental and emotional well-being.
• Yoga and Tai Chi:These ancient practices combine movement and mindfulness to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health.
• Nutrition and Herbal Remedies:Proper nutrition and the use of herbal remedies can support the body’s natural processes and prevent illness.

Embracing Continuous Growth

Holistic healing is a lifelong process that evolves along with your health, lifestyle, and personal experiences.

Embrace the concept of continuous growth by adapting your self-care practices and healing modalities to better meet your changing needs.

Stay open to new ideas and methods, continually expanding your holistic health toolbox. By keeping an open mind and a willingness to learn, you are better equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healing and wellness.

The Importance of Self-Care

At the core of holistic healing lies the concept of self-care, which involves recognizing and addressing your own emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

Taking time to engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit is essential for maintaining balance and fostering overall well-being.

Self-care practices might include regular exercise, journaling, indulging in creative hobbies, spending time in nature, or simply getting a good night’s sleep.

Prioritizing self-care empowers you to take charge of your own health and wellness journey.

Final Thoughts

Holistic healing is an empowering approach to wellness that encompasses the entirety of an individual’s being.

By understanding the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, and by integrating holistic healing techniques into our daily lives, we can unlock the power of optimal health and well-being.

The journey to holistic healing is personal and diverse, making it an ideal approach for those seeking balance, wellness, and vitality.

As we embrace these powerful practices, we continue to transform the landscape of health and healing in our ever-evolving world.