Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis-derived compound with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been shown to have a positive effect on pain and anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound in cannabis, CBD is nonintoxicating. This means it won’t get you “high.”
First, let’s learn the basics concepts
- Cannabinoids: Cannabis-derived compounds, such as THC and CBD.
- Terpenes: Aromatic compounds produced by plants. The terpenes in cannabis are partially responsible for its distinct effects.
- Full-spectrum: Contains all compounds (that is, cannabinoids and terpenes) found in cannabis, including some THC. Federally legal products will still have less than 0.3 percent THC.
- Broad-spectrum: Contains all compounds found in cannabis except for THC.
- CBD isolate: Pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
CBD features many different types of products, including massage oils.
CBD massage oils have the same key benefit as other massage oils — reducing friction on the skin. As a bonus, they may also provide pain relief. Some people even have fun with them in the bedroom.
How to use CBD massage oils
Topical products are as easy to use as it gets. Simply apply CBD oil to the desired area and massage it for at least 30 seconds.
There isn’t currently a lot of information available regarding the onset and duration time of the effects of CBD topicals in humans. Many people who use topicals say they begin to feel the effects within a few minutes.
The overall duration time is variable, though some user reports suggest peak effects occur at 90 minutes. The short duration time is likely why instructions for topical use advise you to reapply as needed.
Benefits of a CBD Massage
Massage is part of integrative and complementary medicine and can be part of standard treatment for many medical issues. The primary benefits of massage include relief of pain, stress, and muscle tension. Many people also enjoy massage because it can create feelings of comfort, caring, well-being, and connection with others more generally.
CBD oil has natural anti-inflammatory effects that can more effectively soothe sore muscles and joints, which makes it great for massages. It encourages the body to speed up the healing process and is beneficial in relieving anxiety as well as gastric distress.
CBD helps you with:
- Calms inflammation
- Soothes anxiety
- Reduces chronic pain
- Melts tension
Health-wise, incorporating CBD into your routine via tinctures, oils, and lotions has been shown to have amazing anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and antibacterial properties, and lately, there’s been a boom of CBD products and treatments in the wellness space.
CBD Massage vs. Regular Massage
The biggest difference between a CBD massage and a regular massage is CBD oil.
CBD massage oils have all of the important benefits as other massage oils, plus their own added qualities. These oils reduce friction on the skin and improve the ability of the massage therapist to treat the muscles without stressing the skin. And while relaxation and pain relief are normal upsides of massage, CBD massage oils take both of these benefits to the next level.
The Endocannabinoid System
The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) moderates multiple important functions, such as body temperature, memory, mood, hunger, sleep, and pain. Cannabinoids send signals to nearby cells as they bind to specific receptors on your neurons to regulate these functions.
The body produces cannabinoids, of its own: endocannabinoids. When you use CBD massage oil, it is absorbed by the body, CBD circulates in the bloodstream until it locates cannabinoid receptors on the neurons and binds with them. This can cause multiple effects in your body, such as improved sleep, improved neuronal health or neuroprotection, pain relief, reduced anxiety and stress, reduced inflammation, and relaxation.
CBD Absorption Through the Skin
CBD absorbs gradually through the skin, and while it is slower to take effect this way, the benefits also last longer than faster forms such as sublingual tinctures or vapes. In fact, CBD topicals and massage go together well and create an efficient route for uptake, since rubbing the CBD in gently and slowly and then allowing it to absorb slowly is an ideal way to cover the skin with CBD oil and allow it to work.
The relaxing effects of CBD can also soothe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, especially in combination with massage. Additional ingredients such as chamomile, sweet almond oil, or lavender essential oil can enhance this relaxation experience.
Another benefit of using a CBD topical such as a massage oil is that you’ll be allowing the CBD directly into the bloodstream through the skin, bypassing the digestive system. This maximizes how much CBD you’re actually accessing.
Will CBD Massage Oil Make Me Feel High?
Although CBD is sourced from the Cannabis sativa plant, it does not produce any intoxicating or psychoactive effects. Those kinds of effects are down to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD will not cause these effects, whether taken internally or used in massage oil. For anyone who wants the benefits of cannabis without the high feelings, CBD is the ideal option.
