Most people agree that massage is the ultimate self-care bliss. And over the last couple of years, there has been a new massage style that’s been getting everyone excited: CBD massage. In this massage, a therapist performs a deep tissue, Swedish or sports massage using a CBD-infused massage oil or cream, which contains a certain concentration of CBD extract.
So What Exactly is CBD?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is one of the 80 known cannabinoids that is derived from the cannabis sativa plant. What makes CBD stand out is that it is the only cannabinoid that connects our central and peripheral nervous systems. Whether marijuana-derived or hemp-derived, the cannabis plant is the only plant that contains CBD at a high enough level to deliver the medicinal benefits of marijuana.
Does CBD (Or CBD Massage) Get You High?
No, you will not get high, stoned, or buzzed from using a pure CBD product. This is because CBD is different from THC, the intoxicating compound in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is typically farmed from a low-THC strain of cannabis. The oil is then processed to ensure a THC concentration of 0.3{6b2fa08d5993bc7e76ffaca7a3a295e96a3274ffb0576a302ceddffe26335ebd} or less—the legal allowance in the United States. With such a tiny amount of THC, there are no intoxicating effects of a pure CBD product.
What’s So Special About CBD Then?
When used in massage, CBD oil or cream can absorb through your pores to connect with cannabinoid receptors in your body. The body naturally creates cannabinoids that aid in the vital process of homeostasis, which ensures that all bodily systems are in balance. This includes the regulation of hormones, mood, body temperature, sleep cycle, appetite, pain management, memory, pH, and more. Homeostasis is prompted by two endocannabinoid systems: CB1 in the central nervous system and CB2 in the peripheral nervous system, digestive system, and immune system. CBD is the only cannabinoid that connects these two systems.
Therefore, CBD massages are touted for providing an extra special calming effect and serious relaxation for the body and mind as it regulates your bodily functions, alleviates stress, reduces anxiety and can be an excellent way to improve your mental and physical health.
In addition, CBD has been reported to alleviate inflammation, improve blood pressure, reduce pain, aid muscle recovery, and even improve the health and appearance of skin.
A 2020 study investigated the effects of a topical CBD on pain associated with peripheral neuropathy. In the study, 29 patients were divided into two groups: the first was treated with a topical containing 250 mg of CBD, while the second received a placebo for four weeks before transitioning to an active CBD topical. Researchers stated that when compared with the placebo, CBD provided a “statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, [and] cold and itchy sensations.” Another recent study involved 60 participants with myofascial pain due to temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which involves increased contraction of the muscles in the face. After 14 days of twice-daily applications over the masseter muscle, the patients in the active CBD group experienced less activity in the particular fascial muscle and reduced pain as well.
Topical CBD application even holds potential for those with more serious joint conditions like arthritis, as a 2016 study demonstrated in rats with the condition.
So Should You Try CBD Massage?
Every body responds differently to CBD, so try it for yourself and find out if it works for you. A 90-minute CBD massage is recommended for the full peak effect, but 60 minutes of topical application will surely infer CBD’s calming benefits, too! Some people report that they feel the benefits kick in after the massage is finished or up to a few hours later. Regardless, using CBD oils/creams for massage should only complement the relaxing and overall benefits of a massage—and may give you the added Zen you need!
If you’d like to incorporate CBD into your Zeel massage, you can add in your appointment notes that you’d like to use a CBD massage product. You will need to provide your own CBD massage products and confirm with your therapist that they are comfortable with its ingredients, too. Therapists are expected to follow state and local guidelines surrounding the use of CBD products.
Note that CBD is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as research on CBD’s safety among these populations is insufficient. And if you have any serious health conditions, it’s always best to speak to your doctor or health advisor before trying anything new.
Lastly, keep in mind that there is no federal regulation on CBD products nor consistency across different states. As such, it’s important to confirm the quality, safety, and third-party testing status of any CBD product you buy. Thankfully, trusted resources like Medical News Today and Healthline have already done much of that research for you!