If you’ve ever suffered from sore muscles or just wanted to indulge in some much-deserved self care, you’ve probably turned to massage therapy. Whether deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, trigger point, or sport, you know a good massage can do wonders for body, mind, and spirit.
Massage therapy has been around for over 6,000 years, with its roots in the Hindu healing art of Ayurveda. Despite these ancient origins, massage is as popular and in-demand as ever, a trusted option to relieve pain, stress, and tension. You can find it offered everywhere from chiropractic and physical therapy practices to high-end spas, retail settings, and even at busy airports.
Why is massage so overwhelmingly popular? Because it works. But for a modality that’s been around for literally thousands of years, it is incredibly adaptable to keep up with the times. A perfect example? The CBD oil massage.
You might have seen a local massage place offering CBD massages. But why should you get one? In this article, we’ll look at how CBD massage works, what kinds of massage you can get, how it’s different from a normal massage, and how you might try it at home.
How CBD Massage Works
To understand how CBD and massage work together, it’s necessary to understand just what CBD is and how it interacts with the body when applied topically.
What exactly is CBD oil?
CBD oil is the CBD pulled from the hemp plant through CO2 extraction and then diffused into a carrier oil. Because massage incorporates some form of oil to make the therapist’s hands glide more easily over the skin, CBD oil makes the perfect addition to this deeply healing practice.
How CBD Is Absorbed Through Skin
So why is CBD oil so beneficial for massage? Your skin is the largest organ of our body, and like the rest of your body, it has cannabinoid receptors, which are part of your body's endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is integral to keeping all of your body's systems in balance, including mood, temperature, digestion, immunity, and even sleep.
Because CBD has shown to interact positively with the ECS and cannabinoid receptors, it can help to support balance and to ease stress. And since pure, hemp-derived CBD products are formulated to contain minimal or no THC, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without any psychoactive properties.
A CBD oil massage combines the best of science and self-care to provide a deeply soothing, relaxing, and therapeutic experience.
Types of CBD Massage
Massaging is good for so many things: sports recovery, injuries and sore muscles, general health and wellness, and relaxation and stress relief. CBD oil massage is becoming a popular option, especially when added to the most common types of massage:
- Swedish is a more gentle, full-body massage good for those with a lot of tension or who are sensitive to touch.
- Hot stone involves placing heated stones on different areas of the body or using a stone to massage specific muscles.
- Deep tissue applies more pressure than the Swedish technique and is suitable for chronic issues such as injury recovery or muscle soreness.
- Sports massage can help address repetitive stress issues common when playing sports and can be of light or more intense pressure on affected areas or the whole body.
- Trigger point massage combines a robust and deep pressure on specific muscle tissues or trigger points that can radiate pain to other parts of the body.
Whatever your preference or need, a massage is a go-to solution for soothing tired and sore muscles and promoting a sense of well-being.
How CBD Oil Massage Is Different from a Normal Massage
So what is the difference between a CBD oil massage and a regular massage?
The Oil Is Different
The main difference is the use of CBD oil in place of the usual carrier or massage oil. The therapist will still use the same massage and manipulation techniques as with a regular massage so that you will feel the same pressure and effects.
It’s Extra Relaxing
Even if you regularly have massage therapy, you may notice CBD massage benefits can include an added level of calm, relaxation, and tension relief as the CBD oil sinks into the skin and begins to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.
It Soothes Skin
Another added CBD massage benefit is how good CBD oil is for the skin. The balancing effect of the ECS helps to keep your skin calm and radiant while receiving the moisturizing benefits of the oil.
What to Expect from a CBD Oil Massage
As noted above, the only difference with a CBD oil massage is that the therapist is using CBD oil. You can expect the same process and experience as with any massage, and you won’t need to do anything differently than you usually do before, during, or after the massage.
What you can expect is that the addition of CBD oil to your massage may help you relax more deeply and feel more restored than perhaps you have in the past.
CBD massage benefits can vary depending on the person, but if you are open to trying a CBD oil massage, you may be pleasantly surprised at how CBD oil can enhance the experience.
Are There Any Risks From a CBD Oil Massage?
A few users have reported diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness after ingesting CBD oil products, but no such effects are associated with topical use.
Pure CBD oils are typically a mix of hemp-derived CBD and a carrier oil, like MCT, without additives or other ingredients. Any CBD oil product used should be of high-quality and lab-tested, with ingredients and CBD concentrations clearly and accurately listed on the label.
The only caution is if the therapist is adding in scented essential oils, so let them know if you have any skin sensitivities or allergies. And, as with any physical treatment, discuss any health conditions or concerns you may have with your massage therapist or doctor.
Other CBD Massage Options
Looking to experience the CBD massage benefit for yourself but can’t make it to a massage therapist any time soon? If you want to soothe aching muscles, ease tension and stress, or pamper yourself at home, here are a few easy options to add CBD oil for relaxation or restoration to your routine.
CBD Massage Oil
cbdMD now has CBD massage oil for sale on our website that you can use at home. With 50 mg of CBD per ounce, it’s made with jojoba and sunflower seed oil infused with rosemary leaf extract to soothe and moisturize skin, but no perfumes or harsh chemicals.
Other CBD Topicals
CBD topicals come in a variety of options to best suit your needs. Light moisturizing formulas nourish your skin, leaving it hydrated and soft. Heavier creams also add moisture, while penetrating deeper to revive and restore the body while reducing inflammation. Freezing gels combine CBD oil and menthol to offer targeted pain relief. Made with pure CBD oil, these topicals provide the perfect option to provide the soothing benefits of CBD where you need it most.
Relaxing CBD Bundles
CBD bundles are a fun way to explore your CBD options and try out different pampering products. Consider treating yourself to a combination of CBD oils, topicals, and bath bombs for our at-home escape. Try a new flavor of CBD oil tincture, luxuriate in a warm bath with a scented, soothing bath bomb, and then apply the topical of your choice to finish off your CBD for relaxation routine.
CBD Oil and Massage: The Perfect Pairing
A massage is an amazing way to help take care of yourself. Whether you use it to combat the aches and pains of an active lifestyle, recover from an injury, ease daily stress and tension, or give yourself some much-needed me-time, this healing practice with ancient roots provides wellness and balance for modern life. Much like massage, CBD oil can offer a wealth of benefits for both body and mind. You may already be taking CBD oil for relaxation. Why not add it to your next session for a next-level CBD massage benefit?