I just had my second ever CBD massage — an 80 minute deep tissue one at that. My Burke Williams membership (a crucial part of my mental health routine) just got 100 times better thanks to this new offering on the menu. Have you had one before? If not, you might be asking some (very expected questions). How does a CBD massage work? What is it like? Can you even absorb CBD through your skin?
Sit tight partner, and get ready to unwind because we’re about to explain exactly how you’re going to reach peak relaxation mode. Need more tips? Read my Top 7 Things That Helped Me Reduce Stress.
Before we get specifically into CBD massages, let’s get to a brief overview of the benefits of a regular massage. It’s not just a luxurious spa treatment, but an excellent healthcare treatment (and a proactive one at that).
Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Reduced stress and anxiety (through activating the parasympathetic nervous system)
- This can also help with hypertension, digestive, issues, heart health, fatigue, and potentially immunity as well.
- Reduced pain
- Relieved tension
- Improved circulation
- Improved lymphatic drainage
- Improved sleep
- Improved flexibility
- Improved alignment and posture
- Less frequent headaches (specifically tension headaches)
A CBD massage can potentially heighten these effects. For the purpose of the refresh, some potential benefits of topically applied CBD.
Potential Benefits of Topical CBD
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced pain
- Improvements to skin health, including increased moisture, and decreased redness and irritation
- May also reduce symptoms of eczema and other inflammation-based skin ailments
How does a CBD massage work?
There are peripheral CBD receptors throughout the body. While the CB1 cells are primarily in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors are in immune tissues like the tonsils and white blood cells. However, both receptors have been found in the skin.
In theory, the topical CBD is absorbed into the skin, binds to the receptors, and can locally target pain and inflammation. Combined with the powerful physical and mental effects of massage, this dynamic duo hoas the potential to be exceptionally healing and profoundly relaxing.
What does a CBD massage feel like?
Great! It feels very much like a regular massage. Everyone’s experience will be a little different, and you might feel more effects if you are particularly sore, stiff, or in pain. Some people might feel the usual relaxation of a massage with not much else until later (latent effects). Some might feel intense relief, or heightened relaxation. I would recommend taking some internal CBD so you can decrease inflammation from the inside out and vice versa. Learn about how to take sublingually and how CBD works to reduce anxiety.
All in all, a CBD massage with CBD Body Oil or even a CBD Massage Oil with Arnica is an incredible way to add incredible healing into your wellness routine. If you have a spa near you that offers the service, definitely take advantage. If not, consider bringing your own CBD cream to a local masseuse and experiencing the effects yourself.