CBD now available at Tree of Life Center for Wellbeing

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Natural Health Options, Uncategorized

 

CBD Hemp Medicinals from Wild Folk Farm are now available at the Tree of Life Center for Wellbeing and offered as a option during your massage.

 

I’ve been watching the progress of CBD Hemp in pain management and as natural support for healing injury, anxiety, inflammation, muscle tension/pain, and chronic health issues, for some time now. With the recent upsurge in public awareness and legalization across the US, suppliers of CBD have been abounding, bringing with it much confusion in regards to quality, processing and testing. I have spent the last several months looking at these issues as well as the different suppliers and their products. I’ve read articles and talked with other massage offices specifically regarding using CBD in a massage practice, effectiveness and client reviews, and became convinced CBD would be a helpful option to the therapy work I provide. It also provides  another option for my clients wishing natural pain relief instead of pharmaceuticals with thier many negative side effects.

Pharmaceutical pain relievers work by blocking pain messages to/from the brain, they do very little to help the body heal the injury or chronic pain. Whereas natural medicines, such as herbal and homeopathic, work with the bodys innate healing system to repair and rebuild, while at the same time helping with the pain and inflammation.

Why I Chose Wild Folk Farm CBD products

Wild Folk Farm CBD is full spectrum. Medicinal Hemp is much more than just CBD content. There are over 90 compounds in medicinal hemp beyond CBD and THC, a full spectrum of cannabinoids, fatty acids, terpenes, and other nutrients.It is this full spectrum of elements working in concert with sound growing and processing practices which enable the synergy that’s at the root of what can make CBD medicine a uncannily potent healing tool. (1)

Wild Folk Farm is 100% Maine grown and not tied to any corporate farm or business. They grow rice, hemp, vegetables and strawberries by implementing no-till permaculture and human power practices to ensure each plant gets the utmost care. Their hemp comes from some of the best genetics in the USA. Combined wit healthy soils and permaculture growing practices (MOFGA MC3 Certification) their plants have some of the highest CBD to THC (40:1) in the country. Their batches are third-party tested in Portland to ensure each batch meets their standards. Wild Folk Farm hemp is Maine State certified (MADCF) and tested below 0.3% THC.v. (1) (test reports: https://www.wildfolkfarm.com/test-results/)

Wild Folk hemp plants meet organic growing standards, however current USDA/DEA regulations do not permit organic certification of the crop. The Maine Organic Farmers’ and Gardeners’ Association(MOFGA) certifies Wild Folk Farm hemp with their Certified Clean Cannabinol (MC3) label, certifying organic cannabis growing practices. (1)

MCT Oil Tintures

Created with organic MCT coconut oil, alcohol, & glycerin. CO2 ethanol distillate of the whole plant material to provide a variety of CBD concentrations. (1)

Available in 15ml, 30ml, 60ml in mild (200mg CBD/oz), Medium (500mg CBD/oz) High (750mg CBD/oz.

Therapeutic Salves

Therapeutic salves are a mix of distillate with a infusion of raw plant materials and organic oils intended for the treatment of pain and tension in the joints, muscles, and nerves, as well as for providing relieft from cramps.

Produced directly from their flowers and leaves, higher strength salves are wonderful for treating skin issues and minor muscle and nerve pain. To create this salve they cook the plant materials in oils using the same extraction processes as most herbal salves. This porcess yields a dynamic product with takes advantage of all the full-spectrum medicinal benefits the use of the whole hemp plant has to offer. (1)

Available in 1oz, 2oz, and 4oz sizes. Mild (100mg CBDoz), High (200mg CBD/oz) and Extra (2oz only) (400mg CBD/oz)

 

Nervine Adapotgen Alcohol Tinture

Stress Support

Blend herbal allies (MC3 CBD/Hemp, MOFGA certified Holy Basil, Lemon Balm, and Milky Oat). organic glycerin to amplify and sweeten the flavorful, terpine rich bouquet of herbal flavors. In combination provide support for three bodily systems which are crucial to interanl physiological/hormonal balance.

CBD/Hemp provides support to the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for choreographing the functions of nearly all processin in our bodies. Oat and Lemon Balm both act on the nervous system, supporting and nourishing the nervous systems work o f maintaining a calm and relaxed state. Tulsi, aka Holy Basil, which is classified as a “Adaptogen”. Adaptogens are a class of herbs which help regulate processes in the body by acting on the endocrine system, rather than performing a uniform “one size fits all” action, adaptogens instead support the action needed to address the specific circumstances called for to maintain hormonal balance hence the root of the word “adapt”. (1)

CBD, THC, and the Endocannabinoid System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 1990’s, scientists discovered endocannabinoids, the natural cannabis-like molecules produced by the human body. Scientists began to realize cannabis exerted its effects, in part, by mimicking our endocannabinoids. It appears the main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain bodily homeostasis—biological harmony in response to changes in the environment.9 Taxonomic investigation revealed that the endocannabinoid system is incredibly old, having evolved over 500 million years ago. Moreover, it is present in all vertebrates—mammals, bird, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc, all produce endocannabinoids!10 

Research initially suggested endocannabinoid receptors were only present in the brain and nerves, but scientists later found that the receptors are present throughout the body, including our skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract.11 We now know the endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide variety of processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function.12,13 Endocannabinoids are arguably one of the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules known to man. (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly the body uses both CBD and THC receptors, however CBD has many of the benefits for pain and healing, and since CBD itself is non_psychogenec (does not produce a “high”), and since it CBD does not require a medical card and is legal most everywhere, it is the choice of many.

Many producers extract and manufacture CBD only, however since our body has receptors for many types of CBD, including THC, and since a product high in CBD with minimal THC is still legal most everywhere, and since we are still in the early stages of understanding how these work in the body, the choice of many is a full spectrum product that includes both but is in a high ratio of CBD:THC.

Online searches in PubMed.com (government website for published studies) will turn up hundreds of studies and additional info. Also, below are some links of intest for you to check out.

(1) from company litiature www.wildfolkfarm.com

(2) UCLA Health  https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system

The Endocannabinoid System. A Beginners Guide https://www.leafscience.com/2017/03/17/the-endocannabinoid-system-a-beginners-guide/

Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/

Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for lessening the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21238581

Cannabidiol reduces intestinal inflammation through the control of neuroimmune axis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22163000

Medical Cannabis Superior To Opioids for Chronic Pain, Study Finds https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/medical-cannabis-superior-opioids-chronic-pain-study-finds

Is Cannabis an effective treatment for join pain? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28967368-is-cannabis-an-effective-treatment-for-joint-pain/?from_term=cbd+pain&from_pos=1

Muscle Spasms and CBD Oil: Relief from Cramps and Pain https://cbdoilreview.org/diseases-conditions/cbd-oil-for-muscle-spasms/

Spinal Cord Injuries & CBD Oil: Addressing Chronic Pain & Depression https://cbdoilreview.org/diseases-conditions/cbd-oil-for-spinal-cord-injuries/

The Endocannabinoid System: What You Should Know  https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/endocannabinoid-system/

CBD and Inflammation Studies – Summarized List https://cbdstasis.com/cbd-inflammation-studies-summarized/

Cannabidiol  in anxiety and sleep disorders https://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/cannabidiol-may-hold-benefit-anxiety-related-disorders

Cannabidiol induces rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects and enhances cortical 5-HT/glutamate neurotransmission: Role of 5-HT1A receptors. https://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/cannabidiol-could-represent-novel-fast-antidepressant-drug-enhancing-both-sero

Low Level Laser for Musculoskeletal Pain and More

Low Level Laser for Musculoskeletal Pain and More

by | Nov 10, 2018 | Holistic Living, Massage, Natural Health Options

90% or more of my clients come to me for help with acute and/or chronic pain. Though I have a broad range of skills within the framework of massage therapy, I have, from early on in my practice, been committed to learn as many adjunct therapies and techniques to enhance the healing process as possible. I have found in practice there is not simply one way that works for everyone or in every situation. The body is complex and the healing process is complex. One modality may achieive a certain level of healing and another modality or technique will take it to the next level of healing, with the goal being complete resolution of the condition and underlying issues keeping it active.

So it is within this context I am thrilled to have another tool to enhance the healing process, the Low Level Light Laser.

For over forty years, low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) and LED (light emitting diode) therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) has been shown to reduce inflammation and edema, induce analgesia, and promote heling in a range of musculoskeletal pathologies. (1)

Inflammation certainly has a role in healing, but when not properly resolved in a appropriate amount of time, inflammation can be a double edged sword causing pain (thus creating a self-perpetuating cycle of pain-inflammation-pain) and eventually creates a build up of scar tissue (that in itself causes restriction-pain-inflammation cycle). Left untreated the resulting biomechanical compensations for the pain (limping, altered posture, using other muscle groups not specifically intended for the task) lead to further pain and restrictions. The use of pain killers over an extended time adds another layer of self-perpetuating issues.

So what is LLT and how can it be of help?

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) sometimes known as Low Level Light Therapy or Photobiomodulation is a low intensity light therapy. The effect is photochemical not thermal. The light triggers biochemical changes within cells and can be compared to the process of photosynthesis in plants, where the photons are absorbed by cellular photoreceptors and triggers chemical changes.

LLLT is the application of light (usually a low powered laser or LED typically power range of (10mW-5oomW). Light with a wavelength in the red to near infrared region of the spectrum (660nm-905nm), is generally employed because these wavelengths have the ability to penetrate skin, and soft/hard tissues (see graph in referenced article) and are proven in clinical trials to have a good effect on pain, inflammation and tissue repair. The power density (irradiance) is usually between 5W/cm² and is applied to an injury or to a painful site for 30-60 seconds a few times a week for several weeks. The result is a reduction of inflammation, pain relief and accelerated tissue regeneration. (1) (Note: I highly recommend reading the full article referenced for the list of conditions and treatment of pain with references)

To simplify (for the sake of this post) some of the conditions LLLT has been shown helpful in resolving:

The Allergy AntidotesTM lasers contain light emitting semiconductor chips, driven by a low voltage power supply with a wavelength of 635nm or higher. These lasers are used in low level laser therapy (LLLT) to accelerate tissue repair, including wound healing, and for the alleviation of skin conditions such as acne, scarring, and wrinkles.

The essential feature of healing lasers is the refined, single wavelength of the light beams. The wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm). Shorter wavelengths have lower nanometers, such as those in x-ray equipment, which have nanometers in the single and double digits.  Alternately, the higher the nanometers, the longer the wavelength. In lasers with a wavelength above 600nm, like the SL50 Home Laser, SoftLaser Plus, and e-Tox laser, the light will not damage DNA and is extremely safe for therapeutic uses – Low-Light Laser therapy is also used successfully on animals (dogs, cats, and horses), both at home and in veterinary treatments.

Furthermore, healing lasers at 635nm are the exact vibration of a healthy living cell. In acupuncture, lasers with a beam at 635nm are the equivalent to using a needle, and they have been used in acupuncture for years. Using a laser beam at that frequency heals the cells of the body and easily stimulates acupuncture points (Meridian Points).

Remarkably, LLLT can also reduce both acute and chronic pain.  Although many of the reports of pain relief following exposure to LLLT are anecdotal, there have been a number of reports based on trials aimed at assessing LLLT as an analgesic modality.(Excerpted from, Low Level Laser Therapy, Mary Dyson PhD, FCSP;Softlaser Guide: p.23, 2011) (2)

 

 

 

 

Other interesting info and resources:

(1) The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Musculoskeletal Pain: Howard B Cotler, Roberta T Chow, and James Carroll. https://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/

(2) Sandi Radomski, Allergy Antidotes: https://www.allergyantidotes.com/about-healing-lasers/

Photobiomodulation Lecture 2015 (Low Level Light Therapy) https://youtu.be/46oBjzW5OJM?list=PL3T11MDoeflaIxYT8inKQ0lrOa569jFpL

Mechanism of action; chart; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4639680/figure/F1/

Pub Med; US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health; 6478 articles with a simple search: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=low+level+laser+therapy