Prioritizing Wellness

We Can All Feel a Little "OFF"

It's not only robots and computers that have glitches.  Our bodies can also malfunction in a variety of ways – from trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, irritability, inflammatory disorders, GI dysfunction, skin conditions, overall malaise, perimenopause symptoms, and so on.  When it comes to addressing these symptoms, many are are all too often overlooked or passed off as “a natural part of aging,” particularly for women.  But there are reasons other than aging that contribute to these symptoms, and there is a safe, non-prescriptive option to help ease them.

Nearly all of the above listed symptoms can be caused by inadequate cellular communication or inflammatory processes that occur throughout the body.  This internal dysregulation can contribute to the development or progression of certain conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, as well as autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.  A relatively unknown system in our body is already at work combating these effects, sharing the responsibility of decreasing inflammatory processes and regulating our internal balance.  This system is called the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, and was discovered in the early 1990s.

Wellness & the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

This topic requires a deep dive, therefore it will be revisited in future blogs.  For now, let’s start by understanding the science of the Endocannabinoid System.  This is a complex cell-signaling system comprised of a network of messengers, receptors, and enzymes.  Similar to the digestive and immune systems, the ECS is something that we are all born with, which functions specifically to restore harmony from within.  With receptors throughout the body - from the brain and central nervous system to internal organs and the skin - its primary role is to maintain internal stability...physically, mentally, and emotionally.  When this system fails to function properly, we can experience a plethora of dysfunctions.  But just as we are encouraged to regularly support and supplement our digestive and immune systems, we can also help support healthy ECS function by providing it with necessary elements to restore its ability to function at its peak.  It is truly the core of the mind-body connection, and we all have the ability to care for it.

Endocannabinoids & Cannabidiol (CBD)

There are a variety of natural cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) produced by our body that affect ECS receptors, regulating how cells communicate and behave.  The first, and most prominent, endocannabinoid discovered in the ECS was anandamide, which was named after the Sanskrit term for bliss, endowing this compound with the nickname "the bliss molecule".  Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters, and when our body fails to produce an adequate amount of them, the function of the ECS gradually declines and loses its ability to maintain or regulate many of the body’s physiological processes.  This is where cannabidiol (CBD) comes into play.

As one of the most popular cannabinoids, CBD is a safe, natural, hemp-derived, non-THC molecule that also interacts with ECS receptors and has no known psychoactive effects.  It promotes homeostasis (internal balance) and may have therapeutic value for treating a variety of diseases and disorders, including anxiety, pain, high blood pressure, arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasticity, Crohn’s, and neurodegenerative disorders.  When CBD molecules encounter ECS receptors, they stimulate the body to create more of its own cannabinoids, which then get to work alleviating pain, anxiety, and inflammation, amongst other things.

Is it Safe?

CBD is not the same as THC; although they are both cannabinoids, CBD is a completely different compound and has zero psychoactive effects, meaning it does not cause the "high" associated with THC.  In fact, 3-in-5 Americans consider CBD a valid medical therapy, with 1-in-4 actively using it.  But with the innumerable amount of CBD products on the market, how do you know what is safe?  This is an incredibly valid concern.

At Inner Vision Aesthetics, we prioritize patient safety, education, and satisfaction, developing customized treatment plans for everyone’s unique needs.  For those interested in pursuing natural wellness options such as THC-free CBD, we are proud to announce that we have partnered with Corganics.  Corganics is an American company that produces a variety of clinical-grade CBD products in an FDA regulated facility.  They stand behind their product purity, safety, and efficacy, and test every single batch for harmful heavy metals, pesticides, mold/microbes, and various toxins.  Having performed a multitude of studies on dozens of over-the-counter retail CBD products, they discovered that 88% of products tested were mislabeled, and 21% were found to contain detectable THC (of which had claimed to be THC-free).  It’s no wonder that there’s so much confusion and misinformation about the safety of CBD.

Historically (and unfortunately), there has been a noticeable lack of involvement from healthcare professionals when it comes to addressing cannabinoid therapy...a fact that we at Inner Vision Aesthetics & Wellness intend to change.  We are working to promote open conversations about self-care and wellness, including interest in CBD products.  In collaboration with Corganics - an American company that distributes only to healthcare providers - we are now able to confidently recommend safe, THC-free cannabinoid therapy for patients wishing to pursue it.

It's time to learn more about the possible benefits of incorporating cannabidiol into your routine as a way to care for your entire body, from skin to general health to mental health, it is all connected.  Read more about our partners at Corganics and view their clinical-grade CBD product options with provider code INNERVISION.  For more information about CBD safety or recommendations, you may also contact us directly.

Please note that oral CBD may interfere with certain prescriptive medications, increasing or decreasing their efficacy.  It is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider before starting CBD therapy.