Coining a New Term: Canndiculation (part 1)
Article Written by Dr Stephen Gipps
Read time: 7-8 mins
An enhanced method of voluntary pandiculation, facilitated and guided by the use of cannabis. Part 1
Do you recall that moment upon first waking up and instinctively stretching your body? This organically arising movement is called pandiculation. Now, what if cannabis could enhance this process, unlocking deeper relaxation and pain relief?
Pandiculation is a term I have been throwing around, in conjunction with canndiculation, in an attempt to explain it. However, nearly everybody I encounter does not seem to recognise the word pandiculation (and neither did I until relatively recently!), let alone canndiculation, so in this article, I have my job cut out for me, surely!
So, let’s start with a definition of pandiculation: Pandiculation is a specialised type of movement that all vertebrates do. It occurs commonly involuntarily upon awakening or when tired at the end of a day, but it can be mimicked voluntarily and making it a very useful tool in therapeutic contexts. Simply put, pandiculation is a yawning-like contraction followed by a relaxation.
Canndiculation then, is basically pandiculation under the influence of cannabis, not as an essentially involuntary action but rather an augmented voluntary activity. I consider it a therapeutic modality within the realm of self-help physical therapy for musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia, PTSD-related muscle tension and any simple muscle tension imbalance.
Most notably, I consider it of great value for a common condition - Osteoarthritis of the spine, or otherwise named spondylosis, whereby muscle tensions and imbalances are common, whether they be primary or secondary.
This article will focus on the application towards spondylosis.
Explaining Canndiculation mechanistically: A Cannabis Enhanced Tool for Muscular Tension
More fully, and in its purest sense, pandiculation is an involuntary contraction combination followed by relaxation that just happens upon awakening - the yawn component (which can also occur in isolation upon fatigue) not being our point of discussion here.
Pandiculation prepares our neuromuscular system for activity, having been in a relatively dormant and inactive state while asleep or simply in a fatigued state. It appears to be a nice big stretch. But in reality it's an opposite direction contraction primarily. And the endocannabinoid system is as likely to be involved in this innate, chiefly involuntary, cranio-axial, homeostatic manoeuvre as it is in many other homeostatic physiological mechanisms.
I want to acknowledge at the outset that there are already many therapy advocates in the realm of “Somatics” who represent the use of voluntary pandiculation. And I agree, however, in my opinion, the addition of cannabis to pandiculation amplifies the benefit greatly and it is towards that emphasis that I want to explain canndiculation.
Have you ever tried to do a voluntary yawn? It just doesn’t quite “cut the mustard”, does it. Similarly, voluntary pandiculating without the use of cannabis can seem rather forced and of limited effect. With it, however, a fully authentic therapeutic and satisfying pandiculation sustained therapy session can be had.
I am not suggesting one cannot or ought not paniculate voluntarily without cannabis. There is still some benefit to be obtained by doing it periodically throughout the day, even without cannabis. However, when augmented by cannabis, one can be effectively guided to achieve a similar sense of authenticity and effect as that of a genuine involuntary pandiculation, which is innately guided. This equivalency to innate guidance, brought on by the effects of cannabis, is a key point in my estimation.
The cannabis-induced modulation of receptor tone, combined with the enhancement of a mysterious flow-like yet conscious focus, can indeed be harnessed for significant musculoskeletal benefits.
I postulate that cannabis sensitises both centrally and peripherally.
Centrally: It heightens awareness in the emotional centres, directing attention to associated somatic regions that are experiencing tension via their neuromuscular receptors.
Spinal Cord Loop Feedback: Enhanced feedback mechanisms increase awareness of muscular tensions and facilitate an augmented or hyper-focused voluntary pandiculation.
Sensory & Motor Cortex Involvement: As we perceive and in response then voluntarily contract, both sensory and motor cortices engage, which in turn heightens proprioception which in turn is important for maintaining restored posture and alignments.
Intuitive & Subconscious Guidance: This combination limbic and cortical central activation along with peripheral sensitisation allows for an integration of volitional with intuitive and subconscious guidance of our pandiculating activity towards the musculoskeletal release that our mind/spinal cord loop/body is calling for.
This is much like we do involuntarily upon awakening, but in this intentional mode it is induced by exogenous cannabinoids - principally THC I suspect - augmenting and guiding the individual’s musculoskeletal perceptions to create a useful therapeutic modality.
This all may sound a bit theoretical and difficult to follow. I get it, so in Part 2 I will describe the practical application, and with personal experience the understanding will be much clearer.
Canndiculation: Potential Benefits for Musculoskeletal Pain
This guided and enhanced pandiculation represents another valuable therapeutic utility of cannabis.
To summarise the utility of cannabis (in its various forms) thus far: Cannabis is useful for musculoskeletal pain management and overall well-being through at least four broad mechanisms:
Pain Mitigation: Cannabis modulates various well-known pain-associated sensory receptor neurotransmitters and pathways, both central and peripheral, including mechanisms related to opioid analgesia.
Although much remains unknown and it is under increasing scientific study and documentation, the existing knowledge indicates that cannabis definitely has analgesic effects.Distraction from Pain: There is a recognised effect of cannabis in lessening pain through “distraction” also. Patients often testify that their “pain is still there but it doesn’t bother them nearly as much.” This phenomenon, referred to as “less catastrophising”, relates to the inhibition of neurophysiological pathways in specific anatomical regions in the brain, notably including limbic system function in the anterior cingulate cortex and anterolateral prefrontal cortex.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The natural anti-inflammatory constituents of cannabis offer significant benefits, as inflammation is a significant feature of spondylosis and other sources of musculoskeletal pain. This anti-inflammatory effect can be enhanced and synergised with the judicious use of other anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.
Enhancement of Physical Therapies: When used in conjunction with various physical therapies, cannabis enhances relaxation and bodily awareness, resulting in a positively augmented experience and therapeutic outcome. This accounts for its popularity in activities such as yoga, dance, playing musical instruments, and certain exercises. This is where “canndiculation”—pandiculation under the influence of cannabis—fits best as a modality.
It is noteworthy that THC at higher doses may negatively affect muscular coordination and strength, which would be counterproductive. This is not significant at normal therapeutic doses, and ensuring moderation of cannabis dosing while engaging in these activities is recommended for a positive outcome.
Canndicultion: Specifically addressing Spondylosis
Four factors to note in considering the specific benefit of cannabis for spondylosis, all which contribute to restoration of function and reduction of pain:
Range of Motion Maintenance: Spondylosis pain and dysfunction are associated with hypomobile and variably inflamed joints that produce extra bone formation (osteophytes and hypertrophic pedicles, etc.). This condition is best managed by maintaining the range of motion of as many joints/facets or sub-joints as possible. When canndiculating, joints are actively and safely taken through more full ranges of motion in a consciously controlled manner.
The well-known “use it or lose it” adage applies well. Here indeed we are using it!
Neuromuscular Awareness and Treatment: Contributors to pain and disease progress include: muscular tension, contraction, opposing muscle groups imbalances, and protective muscular reactivity to disarticulated joints compounding the dysfunction with the potential for subsequent neural irritation at foraminal outlets also. Therefore, awareness and treatment of the neuromuscular components associated with the disorder of spondylosis is very helpful.
Canndiculation works towards correcting muscular dysfunctions, tension, and imbalances. The joints concurrently become more amenable to mobilisation and realignment, thereby releasing “pinch points” at facet joints and neural outlets.Sensory Enhancement: Cannabis is known to enhance sensory amplitude. It makes many sensory experiences more intense and enjoyable. This relates classically to taste, smell, sight, sound, and touch. Intensification of ordinary experiences is referred to as “savouring” (to quote Dr Dustin Sulak of healer.com) and might include: extraordinary appreciation of music and beauty, appreciation of food, enjoyment of movies, emotionality and sex. (In addition: enhanced creative mind activity with revelatory ideas and thoughts - which leads me to another topic, for another time.)
So, accompanying cannabis’ pain mitigation qualities, there is also the effect of a “savouring” type of increased awareness of physical areas needing attention and self-help. A kind of sensory awareness enhancement that involves central and peripheral receptor heightening as mentioned earlier, which is utilised to pandiculate with targeted heightened and savouring regional awareness. It feels good. It feels therapeutic and restorative. And it is.Ownership and Enhanced Awareness: To take advantage of this increased awareness, one needs to have a mindset of ownership of one’s body and a capacity to work with the heightened awareness of the affected region calling for attention, rather than considering it as something external or separate. A proactive and integrated approach to body awareness is key.
Spinal dysfunction interplay
What we are discussing here may not be entirely new to many people working in the physical healing modalities and arts who engage in muscle release techniques, active stretching, and the mobilisation and manipulation of joints.
Symptoms associated with spondylosis are related to malalignment, bony overgrowth, cartilage loss of joints/facets, and compensatory muscle tensions that seek to accommodate and mitigate the dysfunction and related pain potential. The interplay between muscle tensions and joint dysfunction is closely related. It’s not one or the other, but both—plus some degree of inflammation.
Dysfunction may affect the whole spine or limited regions, which may still have more generalised implications for muscle tensions and imbalances throughout the body. From the cranial muscular attachments, spondylosis can impact the entire spine, from the atlantoaxial C spine region on down.
Malalignments above and below the thoracic paraspinal and periscapular muscles, including shoulder/arm and scapular dysfunction, can affect the thoracic paraspinal and periscapular muscles. There are also direct effects from spondylotic changes in the thoracic spine itself, including the costovertebral joints.
Continuing down, the lumbar spine, with its propensity for spondylotic changes, especially in the lower segments, and the lumbar-sacral interface and sacrum itself continue the interplay. This is further impacted by the pelvic joints, including the symphysis pubis and notably both sacroiliac joints. Additionally, lower limb dysfunction and gait disturbance affect spinal balance and health generally.
Spondylosis notably causes a combination of joints to be affected, with compounded muscle tensions and imbalances associated. The therapeutic goal is to address these “wrongs.” Every individual’s particular cluster of compound effects is somewhat unique, and fixing it cannot be done all in one go either.
Sometimes, therapists such as osteopaths, massage therapists, physiotherapist, can greatly assist. Availing oneself of their healing touch helps us learn more about where the “pinch points” are, what seemed to help the most, what pivotal release then affected other parts of the body etc.
This knowledge can be used to help ourselves in our own canndiculation sessions, which may offer keys to unraveling a veritable “knotted yarn” of muscle tension imbalances and disarticulations. Bit by bit. Session by session.
Knowledge is gained and brought into our self-healing canndiculation sessions. The process of undoing the “knots,” improving function, and reducing pain is within grasp, beyond reliance on the therapists' treatment alone, by utilising canndiculation. Of course the more advanced and severe the spondylosis, the longer the path of restoration, whilst early intervention may help prevent the pathology from advancing.
And we will dive into a demonstrative explanation in part 2.
End Part 1
Dr. Stephen Gipps is a seasoned medical practitioner with over four decades of diverse experience since 1984. His expertise spans general practice, natural and alternative medicine, occupational medicine, musculoskeletal injury and degeneration, and pain management. Dr. Gipps holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from UNSW and completed additional medical training in the USA, achieving high percentiles in USMLE exams. Currently serving as the Managing Director and CEO of CannAgeWell.com, he has a particular interest in medical cannabis, offering advisory services to emerging companies in this field. Dr. Gipps' broad experience includes roles as a medical advisor for various health-related companies and a stint as a licensee for Exclusiv Brigitte Kitchens.
Disclaimer: This information is shared with a global readership for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or business advice. All patient-related information has been de-identified OR fictional to protect privacy. Nothing in this article is intended to promote the use or supply of medical cannabis to members of the public.
