Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old medical system, derives its name from the Sanskrit words meaning "knowledge (or wisdom) of living." It teaches us how to understand our individual constitutions and live in balance, guiding us to harmonize with the rhythms of nature. Often called the "Science of Life," Ayurveda is a holistic healing tradition rooted in ancient India. It recognizes that each person is unique, with their own constitution and balance of energies, known as 'doshas.' By understanding your specific doshic constitution and its interaction with the natural world, Ayurveda provides a personalized path to optimal well-being. There are three fundamental forces in nature, known as the Tridoshas, that help identify our physical and mental constitution. Vata (air) governs movement, Pitta (fire) oversees transformation, and Kapha (earth) provides structure. By knowing our prakriti (natural constitution) and identifying any vikriti (imbalance), we can determine the best approach to restore balance and health. Through the use of diet, herbs, meditation, music, sensory therapies, exercise, seasonal routines, and cleansing practices, Ayurveda enables us to honor our unique needs, maintaining balance physically, emotionally, and mentally. With nature’s guidance, we can harness our own ability to heal.

Jo believes that true health and wellness comes from the proper balancing of one’s energy with the energy of nature that exists all around us. We need proper detoxifying practices to cleanse the body of toxins, and rejuvenation therapies to nourish the body for balance and longevity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of hemp, a plant historically used as a medicine for thousands of years. A safe, non-addictive substance, CBD is one of more than hundreds of “phytocannabinoids,” which are unique to hemp and give the plant its robust therapeutic profile. CBD has significant wellness benefits, but does not make the user feel “high”. It can actually counteract the psychological effects of THC.

Hundreds of cannabinoids are found in hemp strains of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the star cannabinoids, along with CBN, CBG, CBC, and THC. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the plant that interact with your biological processes to produce a desired effect.

Full-spectrum CBD oil includes many other cannabinoids and terpenes (including trace legal amounts of THC – tetrahydrocannabinol) that combine to create the “entourage effect” of compounded benefits, activating the CBD for best efficacy in the body. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum except it does NOT contain any THC whatsoever. It isn’t recommended unless someone cannot have any THC in their bloodstream. Isolate is just what it sounds like: pure CBD, stripped of all the other chemical compounds. The removal of these other compounds means no entourage effect, and a noticeably reduced efficacy.

CBD helps to balance and maintain a healthy Endocannabinoid system, which for over one hundred years of prohibition has been deficient in humans across the globe. When we create formulas based on the science of Ayurveda, with the addition of organic hemp extracts, we find that true synergy happens. Cannabis sativa has historically been used as an ingredient in herbal preparations for thousands of years. We are just re-introducing an ancient concept.

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained Ayurvedic specialists also offer abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as is included in seasonal cleanses, or panchakarma.

Known as the Bliss molecule is a “naturally occurring arachidonic acid derivative, present in some foods in mammalian brains, where it acts as a messenger molecule and plays a role in pain, depression, appetite, memory and fertility”, according to the Oxford dictionary.

“Broad-spectrum” is a product with more cannabinoids than an “isolate,” but no THC whatsoever. Sometimes, broad-spectrum is “recombinant” — multiple isolates combined together in a lab. If this is the only choice, you may require more of a product that does not contain any THC in order to achieve enough efficacy. THC-free is NOT ideal unless you are regularly drug tested.

The accurate way to describe the cannabis plant. Cannabis is grown and bred into different cultivars with endless ratios of cannabinoids (the only legal difference being that “hemp” must contain 0.3% THC or less).

A chemical compound (such as CBD) either produced endogenously in humans and animals as endocannabinoids, or in plants as phytocannabinoids. Cannabinoids affect the release of neurotransmitters in our brains/bodies (whether intoxicating like THC or non-intoxicating like CBD). We have two cannabinoid receptors: CB1 is located in our brain, eyes, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, endocrine glands, GI and Urinary tract, muscles, circulatory and reproductive systems. CB2 is found in our bones, liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, lymphatic, and immune system (responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabinoids!). We do not have any cannabinoid receptors in the motor cortex region of our brains. People cannot “overdose” on cannabis, although they may ingest more than is comfortable and experience what is known as temporary “green sick”.

Non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing, and mood-lifting effects. CBD helps create more anandamide in your system, partially by keeping the anandamide you already have from degrading.

CBD Isolate is exactly what it sounds like — the CBD molecule has been chemically separated from the original composition of the plant, often using solvents like butane, resulting in a crystallized powder devoid of any other cannabinoids (including THC). THC-free is NOT ideal. Isolate is NOT ideal, unless used on top of a full-spectrum or whole-plant routine. Your body just doesn’t know what to do with an isolated CBD product.

One of three functional energies in nature: vata, pitta, and kapha. In the body, it is the unique ratio of these three humors that determines an individual’s prakriti (constitution). When the doshas are present in appropriate quantities, they support the health and integrity of the body; when they are out of balance, they can cause illness and disease. Vata Vata, also referred to as wind, is the dosha of air and space. It’s responsible for all movement, and governs sensory and mental balance, adaptability and comprehension. Vata types are quick moving free spirits. When in balance, they are energetic, creative and flexible. When Vata is out of balance, it typically manifests as anxiety, insomnia, constipation, nervous system and mental disorders, pain and arthritis. Pitta Pitta is the dosha of fire and water, though fire is its main element. It’s responsible for digestion, transformation, and metabolism, and governs our capacity to perceive reality. Pitta types are very passionate, motivated and driven, and prone to perfection. When Pitta is out of balance, it manifests as fevers, infections, inflammation, red and inflamed skin, acid reflux, and fiery-tempers. Kapha Kapha is the dosha of earth and water. It is responsible for stability, lubrication, and substance, and provides emotional support and positive emotions. Kapha types are patient, loving, gentle and calm. When Kapha is out of balance, it manifests with excessive mucus, slow digestion, weight gain, edema, lung and sinus congestion, excessive sleep, lethargy and depression.

It is an established scientific fact that cannabinoids and other components of cannabis can modulate many physiological systems in the human brain and body. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that trigger cannabinoid (and other) receptors. More than 200 cannabinoids have been identified in the marijuana plant. Of these marijuana molecules, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been studied most extensively. ~ from project CBD The ECS includes a network of neuro-modulation receptors within our brain, immune system and the body. It is a homeostatic regulatory system that is essential for key processes in the brain and body. The ECS is responsible for two basic activities: to modulate pleasure, energy and well-being; to slowly nudge the body back to health in the face of injury and disease. All humans and animals are born with an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), including women, men, children and pets. This system controls some of our most vital life functions, including our immune system, memory, appetite, sleep patterns, mood and pain sensation.

Hemp is considered a bioremediator, meaning it draws toxins and chemicals from contaminated soil and water, which is great when grown for that purpose only. However, most hemp grown in poor soil is turned into extracts with compounded levels of heavy metals and poisons.

CBD is a lipophilic compound, meaning it needs oil to be properly processed (broken down & absorbed) by your body. Fatty oil is necessary for transport and absorption.

One’s personal constitution, or state of balance for their unique ratio of biological humors, or energies. Ones doshas of vata, pitta and kapha are established at conception and create a personally unique set of physical, emotional, and mental tendencies, strengths, and vulnerabilities.

The molecular fingerprint of a plant that gives it its unique scent and characteristics. Certain terpenes in nature have been associated with a boost in well-being. For example: the sweet, floral scent of the terpene linalool, found in lavender, has a calming sedative effect. Limonene, a terpene found in citrus fruits, has a mood-elevating effect, while pinene, found in sage and conifers, can aid in memory retention and alertness. Some of the health benefits associated with various terpenes, which are also all found in varying composition in the cannabis plants are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, anti-bacterial, analgesic properties, and so much more.

An often intoxicating (when used in high enough concentration, often requiring levels above 10% to “feel high”, this cannabinoid, known for its anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, analgesic , and anti-tumoral (and many other) qualities. THC supports the creation of endogenous anandamide in the body.