The Refreshing Benefits of CBD Massage

Massage therapy is of the oldest forms of holistic medicine—it's an intuitive act. Our first instinct is to rub the affected area for relief whenever we feel muscle or joint pain. Massage helps to circulate fresh blood to start the healing process, release tension, and reduce stress.

It turns out, combining the age-old practice of massage with cannabidiol (CBD)—a cannabis-based compound that also has a long history with humans for ceremony and healing—may provide its own set of wellness benefits too.

With CBD becoming more mainstream in health and wellness, you may have noticed CBD massage centers where registered massage therapists use CBD massage oil to rejuvenate the body and mind.

If you're interested in CBD massage, we'll guide you through what you can expect and after-care tips.

What Is A CBD Massage?

CBD massage is exactly what it sounds like—it combines traditional massage sessions such as deep tissue, shiatsu, sports massage, or Swedish massage with CBD-infused massage oil.

CBD is a cannabinoid harvested from hemp plants, and it's been extensively studied for a broad range of wellness benefits when taken internally and applied to the skin, including supporting health inflammation and relaxation.

Many massage therapists recognize the potential of botanical ingredients to support health and wellness. With a CBD massage, you enjoy the relaxing benefits of a traditional massage, plus the benefits of CBD.

Benefits of CBD Massage

Whether you're going into a spa for a CBD massage from a registered therapist or you got ahold of CBD massage oil to use at home, there are many potential benefits to look forward to.

1. CBD Massage Is A Relaxing Experience

People turn to CBD and massage separately for a relaxing experience, so why not combine both?

Touch induces a relaxation response. Your breathing slows, and your stress hormones decline, which may help alleviate feelings of anxiety [1].

When applied to the skin, CBD supports the endocannabinoid system's ability to maintain homeostasis (balance) of the skin organ functions, including regulating inflammation and pain perception [2].

2. CBD Massage May Support Muscle Recovery

Muscle aches and soreness are a part of regular fitness routines, but you can mitigate the severity and down-time between workouts with regular massage.

Massage helps to improve circulation for faster recovery, reduce inflammation, and support joint and soft tissue mobility. CBD, when applied to the skin, interacts with endocannabinoid receptors to provide its effects towards recovery.

3. CBD Massage May Support Better Sleep

Not getting enough sleep is a common problem in adults. Massage combined with CBD could help to improve your sleep habits by encouraging your body to relax without having to reach for sleep meds that leave you feeling groggy the next morning.

Massage helps the body release more serotonin, essential to producing melatonin—the primary sleep hormone. To get even more support for sleep, many people find that taking a high potency CBD oil an hour or two before bed also helps their mind and body relax to prepare for rest.

How To Prepare For A CBD Massage

If you're visiting a spa that offers CBD massage therapy, you're in for a treat.

Try not to feel anxious about your appointment for a CBD massage. It's just like going in for any other regular massage treatment. Only this time, the therapist is using CBD-infused massage oil, which can support the benefits of the massage towards reducing inflammation, relaxation, and pain management.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your CBD massage.

Stay Hydrated

It's recommended that you go into your massage therapy well hydrated, so drink plenty of water throughout the day and use the restroom before your appointment. The soft muscle tissue is much easier to manipulate when you're hydrated, whereas dehydrated muscles are rigid and stiff.

Have A Light Meal

You should eat a light meal about an hour before your appointment—nothing too heavy that you feel stuffed and sluggish, but enough to tide you over the 60–90 minute appointment. While it might not bother your therapist, it could be distracting if your stomach is making noises.

Give Yourself Enough Time

It's best if you show up to your massage therapy appointment 15 minutes early, especially if it's your first time. You don't want to feel rushed coming into your appointment, as it can take you longer to calm down and settle into the massage table.

There are often additional forms and questionnaires to fill out before your appointment, so coming in early will give you time to ask your therapist questions and discuss your concerns.

CBD Massage After Care Tips

Leaving the spa can have you feeling like you're walking on clouds. If you want to make the most out of your CBD massage, here are some after-care tips.

Rehydrate

Your massage therapist will advise you to drink plenty of water after your appointment to rehydrate your muscles to reduce soreness and stiffness after all that manipulation.

Stay Relaxed

After receiving a massage treatment, don't jump into any high-stress activities like drinking alcohol, exercising, or work. To make the benefits of your CBD massage last, consider light exercises like walking or yoga or enjoying a warm bath, reading a book, or meditating to keep your body in a state of relaxation.

Takeaway: Is CBD Massage Effective?

Whether you've picked up a CBD massage oil to soothe tired muscles at the comfort of your home, or you're visiting a registered massage therapist, your mind and body are in for a soothing experience.

CBD applied to the skin offers localized benefits rather than whole-body effects as it doesn't enter the bloodstream.

CBD massage oil focuses on the endocannabinoid receptors on the skin to comfort overworked muscles, enhance circulation, better sleep quality, and joint mobility. For the best results, it’s critical to prepare for the massage and speak with your massage therapist about your health and wellness goals before treatment.

Resources:

• Gagne, D., & Toye, R. C. (1994). The effects of therapeutic touch and relaxation therapy in reducing anxiety. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 8(3), 184-189.
• Sangiovanni, E., Fumagalli, M., Pacchetti, B., Piazza, S., Magnavacca, A., Khalilpour, S., ... & Dell'Agli, M. (2019). Cannabis sativa L. extract and cannabidiol inhibit in vitro mediators of skin inflammation and wound injury. Phytotherapy Research, 33(8), 2083-2093.
• Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., ... & Weller, A. (2020). The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for treating mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.