One key aspect of good health and overall wellness is ensuring every process in the body is working well. This job may fall on the shoulders of an often-overlooked body system. We are referring to the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Did you know that the ECS is a crucial aspect of human physiology? Before it was discovered in the 1990s, this system was already busy balancing the body’s internal environment. Today, researchers have written several articles explaining how ECS helps the body attain homeostasis.
Understanding and effectively explaining ECS to patients can help healthcare providers address a wider range of health concerns. These may include pain management, quality sleep, inflammation alleviation, mood regulation, and more.
This blog explores the essential components of the ECS. As you continue reading, we’ll explain how it influences overall health. Most importantly, you will discover how influencing the ECS through CBD can improve your chiropractic and massage therapy practice.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system might be new to everybody. Based on studies, it is a complex biological network within the human body. Some call it the human endogenous cannabinoid system.
The ECS was discovered in the 1990s. Several researchers have been identified as its discoverers: Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat, along with NIMH researchers William Devane and LumÃr HanuÅ¡.
Their studies regarding the health effects of certain compounds from the cannabis plant led them to discover ECS. Today, the ECS is recognized as an essential regulator of many physiological processes. Some experts often label it as “a house manager.” As such, the ECS ensures various systems in the body function in harmony and stay in balance.
What Comprises the Human Endocannabinoid System?
Being a recently discovered biological system, ECS is crucial in regulating various physiological processes. These may include pain perception, sleep quality, and mood. Like a well-oiled machine, the ECS consists of different parts that work together to achieve their ultimate objectives.
Endogenous Cannabinoids
The primary endocannabinoids of the endocannabinoid system are:
- Anandamide (AEA)
- 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Endogenous cannabinoids, also called endocannabinoids, are naturally occurring compounds produced within the body. The molecules are similar to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. Since these come from an outside source, they are also called exogenous cannabinoids.
Anandamide (AEA)
AEA is often called the “bliss molecule.” Research suggests that Anandamide is important for regulating mood, appetite, and memory.
From what we know, it is believed to bind primarily to CB1 receptors. The latter are abundant in the central nervous system. AEA can also modulate various neurological functions. This effect has been the subject of several studies.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
The next endocannabinoid is 2-AG. What makes it interesting is that 2-AG is more prevalent than anandamide. Also, this endocannabinoid has a broader role in maintaining homeostasis.
Unlike anandamide, 2-AG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. When this happens, the special molecule does the following effects:
- Influences pain management
- Affects the function of the immune system
- Regulates inflammation throughout the body.
The ECS goes into endocannabinoid production as a response to physiological needs and bodily functions. This means that ECS allows the body to fine-tune its interactions with various stimuli.
Cannabinoid Receptors
Cannabinoid receptors refer to specialized proteins found on the surface of certain cells. They have an important role in the body’s endocannabinoid system. The mentioned endocannabinoids bind to these receptors. Eventually, they can trigger various physiological responses.
The receptors are needed for the ECS cannabinoid signaling system to work. They can regulate numerous bodily functions. The two primary cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2.
CB1 Receptors
CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system. You’ll find them in the human brain and spinal cord. A CB1 receptor is heavily involved in regulating functions such as pain, perception, mood, and appetite. Plant compounds from nature (CBD and THC from hemp plants) bind with these receptors from the endogenous cannabinoid system. One result of the interaction is modulating specific neurotransmitter release. Eventually, the interaction affects how messages are sent between nerve cells.
CB2 Receptors
Aside from the CB1 receptors, the ECS also has CB2 receptors. These specific receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system of the human body. One of their specific locations is within the immune cells.
CB2 receptors are pivotal in managing inflammation and immune responses. Similar to CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors are some of the locations where CBD attaches itself. The interaction between the two reduces inflammation and supports immune function.
Enzymes
The next component of the human endogenous cannabinoid system is the enzymes. These special molecules regulate the levels of endocannabinoids. How? They essentially break them down once they have completed their signaling tasks. The two main enzymes of the endocannabinoid system you have to meet are —
- Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH)
- Monoacylglyceride Lipase (MAGL).
Now, let’s discover what they are and what they do.
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH)
The FAAH is directly related to anandamide. This enzyme breaks down anandamide. Here is how it happens:
- Anandamide binds to and activates CB1 and CB2 receptors.
- Once it’s done, FAAH rapidly degrades anandamide.
- Thus, FAAH ends the effects of anandamide.
FAAH’s process is important because anandamide can accumulate. If left on its own, anandamide over-activates endocannabinoid receptors and, eventually, the balance of the endocannabinoid system.
Monoacylglyceride Lipase (MAGL)
The MAGL interacts with 2-AG. MAGL is responsible for breaking down 2-AG once it has accomplished its role. As it degrades 2-AG, MAGL helps regulate endocannabinoid signaling. Doing so helps maintain homeostasis within the endocannabinoid system.
What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do to the Body?
Although researchers are still learning the full extent of the endocannabinoid system’s functions, consensus tells us it is engaged in maintaining homeostasis. The latter describes the stability of the body’s internal environments.
Below is an overview of the range of therapeutic benefits that the endocannabinoid system does to the human body:
- Appetite and Digestion
- Metabolism
- Relieve Pain
- Immune System Responses
- Mood
- Learning and Memory
- Sleep
- Stress Response
- And others
All of the above functions contribute to the overall goal of homeostasis. Now, external factors may disrupt the body’s internal balance. These could be injury, stress, or illness. The endocannabinoid system steps up to help restore stability.
Let’s give an example. Suppose you just had an injury; the endocannabinoid system works on different levels to achieve homeostasis.
Reducing Activators and Sensitizers
At the site of the injury, cannabinoids decrease the release of specific substances. These would otherwise increase pain sensitivity and inflammation.
Stabilizing Nerve Cells
Cannabinoids also help stabilize nerve cells to avoid excessive firing. Otherwise, it could lead to intense pain.
Calming Immune Cells
Another effect of the cannabinoids from the ECS is to modulate over-excited cells. By doing so, the natural plant compounds prevent the release of pro-inflammatory substances. These innate chemicals could worsen any injury.
The mentioned mechanisms explain how the endocannabinoid system minimizes pain and damage as well as, promoting healing and recovery.
Bridging the Mind and the Body
The endocannabinoid system is more than just a regulatory body system. ECS plays as a bridge between mind and body. The operation of the endocannabinoid system gives us a clue as to how mental states can affect physical health.
The ECS can potentially modulate neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons). It may also help with neuronal plasticity (neuron’s ability to change) and learning. These features indirectly suggest that ECS can influence how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
CBD and the Human Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is gaining significant attention today. Emerging research studies conclude that CBD can be a key player that enhances the effects of the endocannabinoid system.
CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS. The interaction usually results in profound therapeutic effects on the body. For this reason, CBD products are some of the most sought-after items that can help with pain and sleep. It may also improve one’s overall mood.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD indirectly interacts with each ECS cannabinoid receptor. This unique mode of interaction enables CBD to enhance certain body functions related to homeostasis and wellness.
CBD and Fatty Acid Binding Proteins
CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system involves the role of specific transport molecules. These are known as fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). These proteins act as shuttles for endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-AG.
FABPs ferry cannabinoids through the body’s aqueous environment despite being fatty lipids. This means they do not mix well with water.
When CBD is inside the body, it competes with the existing cannabinoids for a spot on FABPs. This competition effectively slows down the transport and metabolism of the mentioned cannabinoids.
Because of the delay mentioned, anandamide and 2-AG can linger on the surface of the cells longer. Thus, they are still interacting with the body’s innate cannabinoid receptors, producing their therapeutic effects.
CBD as A Reuptake Inhibitor
CBD, being a reuptake inhibitor, only means it slows down the reabsorption of specific endocannabinoids. These would include anandamide and 2-AG. Thus, CBD allows these chemicals to remain active longer, improving their ability to regulate different physiological processes such as pain, mood, and sleep.
Moreover, the extended interaction enhances the overall tone of the ECS. This may be compared with consistent exercise and how it strengthens muscle fibers. CBD’s ability to boost endocannabinoid activity helps the ECS to maintain homeostasis more effectively.
Incorporating CBD with Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy
Incorporating CBD with chiropractic care and massage therapy leads to a potent synergy that can improve the therapeutic effects of such treatments. As chiropractors and massage therapists work to address discomfort and promote overall wellness, CBD can be a valuable tool that amplifies the mentioned benefits. Here’s how:
Enhancing Pain Relief
Many patients seek chiropractic care and massage therapy to relieve pain, including recurring discomfort, intense injuries, and major tensions. CBD can help with such treatments, for it contains pain-relieving properties.
CBD comes in topical products such as lotion, cream, and roll-on. These products are directly applied to the human skin. Through this means, CBD effectively targets areas of discomfort. Based on users’ testimony, CBD naturally reduces pain and inflammation. This is because the active ingredient interacts with local cannabinoid receptors present in the skin and tissues.
Chiropractors using CBD products can help relax muscles and alleviate pain during their chiropractic adjustments. Similarly, massage therapists who introduce CBD oils into their sessions to help alleviate tension and enhance relaxation
Promoting Relaxation and Stress Relief
Chiropractic care and massage therapy are not just about physical health. These treatments play a significant role in mental and emotional well-being. CBD’s ability to promote relaxation and reduce overthinking may enhance the calming effects of such therapies.
Many patients are experiencing stress and mental strain. CBD provides a natural means to relax more deeply during chiropractic and massage therapy sessions. Thus making them more enjoyable and effective. Such a feature particularly benefits patients who may be tense or nervous about chiropractic adjustments or deep tissue massage.
Supporting Recovery and Wellness
CBD assists the endocannabinoid system in maintaining homeostasis due to its indirect interaction with cannabinoid receptors. We all know that this is essential for recovery and overall health. When you incorporate CBD into your practice, you are supporting your patients’ recovery processes. By so doing, you are helping their bodies heal more efficiently following injuries, surgeries, or extensive physical activities.
Reducing Inflammation
Swelling is a common issue that contributes to various types of discomfort, from joint pain and muscle strains to sports injuries. Both chiropractic care and massage therapy often focus on treating swelling joints and muscles to alleviate these discomforts.
CBD, known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, can be a valuable addition to these treatments. Chiropractors and massage therapists who incorporate CBD into their practices may enhance their ability to manage inflammation. For example, applying CBD topically can help reduce inflammation in specific areas. Taking CBD orally also helps for more widespread anti-swelling benefits. This combined approach can potentially speed up recovery and improve mobility for patients.
Maximizing Revenue
In addition to enhancing patient outcomes, adding CBD into one’s practice may also be a strategic business decision. Offering federally-legal CBD for sale in your office provides an additional stream of revenue stream. This happens while you are ensuring your patients have access to the highest quality supplements and topicals that complement their treatment plans.
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References:
Grinspoon P. The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious. August 2021. Harvard Health Publishing. [Blog]. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569. Accessed Dec. 1, 2023.
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep22-06-04-003.pdf from USA’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Russo EB. Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Reconsidered: Current Research Supports the Theory in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel, and Other Treatment-Resistant Syndromes. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016;1(1):154-165. Pub Med. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28861491/. Accessed Dec. 1, 2023.
Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
