Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound derived from cannabis. It has anxiolytic and analgesic properties, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and mood-enhancing effects. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most well-known compound in cannabis, CBD does not get you high and is not addictive.
CBD is an important ingredient in a range of topical products, including massage oils. These oils offer all the benefits of other massage oils but with their own unique properties. They reduce friction on the skin and enhance the skin’s ability to heal muscles without irritating it. And while relaxation and pain relief are standard benefits of massage, CBD massage oils take both of these benefits to the next level.
In this article, we'll explain why massages are great for your muscles and how CBD massage oil could help you relax even more.
What are the benefits of getting a massage?
Massage is a basic concept that involves rubbing, pressing, and manipulating the muscles, skin, ligaments, and tendons. Massages can vary. There are different styles, ranging from light touch to deep pressure. Here are the common types of massage:
Swedish Massage
This gentle massage style is the most common and involves kneading, long strokes, vibrations, deep circular movements, and tapping. It helps patients feel both more energetic and relaxed.
Sports Massage
Similar to Swedish massage, this style helps prevent or treat injuries in athletes and others who participate in sports.
Deep Tissue Massage
It is often used to treat muscle damage caused by an injury. Deep-tissue massage targets the deeper layers of connective tissue and muscles using slower, more forceful strokes.
Massage of Specific Points
After overexertion or an injury, areas of tight muscle fibers may form in the muscles, and trigger point massage focuses on these areas.
Massage is part of integrative and complementary medicine. It can be part of the standard treatment for many conditions. The main benefits of massage include relief from pain, stress, and muscle tension. It can also help treat anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, migraines and other headaches, stress-related insomnia, and myofascial pain syndrome. It can also provide relief for sports injuries and other conditions such as soft-tissue strains and temporomandibular joint pain.
Many people also enjoy massage because it can create a sense of comfort, care, well-being, and a deeper connection with others.
Why is it worth using CBD massage oil?
If you're wondering why you should try CBD massage oil, start by learning about the health benefits of topical CBD.
CBD
Before we dive into CBD massage oil, let's first take a look at what CBD is. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in cannabis. In recent years, it has been recognized in some countries for its medicinal potential.
CBD comes in many forms, from oils to edibles, and may be used to relieve a variety of conditions, from anxiety to anorexia. It may even help relieve pain symptoms. For years, this cannabinoid has been associated with psychoactive THC, another chemical found in hemp. However, CBD does not make you feel “high.”
So, how do you go from CBD to CBD oil? In short, you have to extract the CBD from the hemp plant before diluting it with another oil, often coconut oil or hemp oil. Due to the growing popularity of CBD, topical cannabinoids are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to target problem areas.
The Endocannabinoid System
The human body's endocannabinoid system regulates several important functions, such as body temperature, memory, mood, hunger, sleep, and pain. Cannabinoids send signals to neighboring cells by binding to specific receptors on neurons to regulate these functions.
It’s important to know that the body produces its own cannabinoids. These are called endocannabinoids. However, if it doesn’t produce enough cannabinoids, it can also use phytocannabinoids derived from plants, such as cannabidiol (CBD).
When you use CBD skincare products, the CBD is absorbed by the body. The CBD travels through the bloodstream until it locates the cannabinoid receptors and binds to them. This could have many effects on your body, such as:
- improved sleep,
- improved neuronal health or neuroprotection,
- pain relief,
- reduction in anxiety and stress,
-
reduction of inflammation and relaxation.
CBD Absorption Through the Skin
CBD is gradually absorbed through the skin. Although it works more slowly this way, the benefits also last longer than with faster-acting forms such as sublingual oils or vaporizers. In fact, topical application of CBD and massage go hand in hand and create an effective route of absorption. Gently rubbing in the CBD and then allowing it to absorb gradually is the ideal way to apply CBD oil to your skin and let it take effect.
CBD is believed to be helpful in relieving a wide range of conditions, primarily due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. CBD balms and massage oils may help relieve inflammatory pain or sore muscles.
Topical CBD products are said to be particularly effective at relieving several types of chronic pain, including joint pain, muscle pain, and neuropathic pain.
The relaxing effects of CBD may also help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, especially when combined with a massage. Additional ingredients such as chamomile, sweet almond oil, or lavender oil can enhance this relaxing experience.
Another benefit of using CBD topically—such as in a massage oil—is that it allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream directly through the skin, bypassing the digestive system. This maximizes the amount of CBD that your body actually absorbs. People with inflammation in a specific area or other localized pain symptoms may really prefer topical CBD application.
What are the benefits of CBD massage oil?
As you might guess, CBD massage oil combines all the benefits of CBD, topical CBD, and massage. It’s one of the most comfortable and luxurious ways to experience pain relief and relaxation with CBD.
When purchasing CBD massage oils, keep in mind that the rest of the formula is also important. Different CBD massage oils contain unique ingredients that add texture and aroma, as well as pain relief, hydration, a warming sensation, or a cooling sensation. For example, arnica is a natural pain-relieving and cooling ingredient found in many topical CBD products. The right combination depends on your preferences and needs, so be sure to read the labels carefully.
The benefits of CBD massage are said to include reducing inflammation, relieving chronic pain, and alleviating tension and anxiety. CBD massage oil is also said to have natural anti-inflammatory effects that could help relieve joint and muscle pain more effectively. As an antioxidant, it may relieve stomach discomfort without serious side effects and speed up the healing process throughout the body.
What Can You Expect from a CBD Oil Massage?
A CBD massage works just like a traditional massage by targeting specific areas or aiming to achieve specific goals (for example, relaxing a painful, knotted area).
You'll often experience an extra cooling sensation with CBD massage oils—which usually come from natural sources like eucalyptus or arnica—as well as a sense of relaxation. Don't forget to prepare for your session and make sure the room is warm.
Who can benefit from CBD massage oil?
Ultimately, virtually anyone can benefit from the soothing and non-invasive properties of CBD massage oil. However, while anyone can benefit from a CBD massage, pregnant and breastfeeding women, minors, and people undergoing medical treatment should avoid it.
This list is not exhaustive. However, we always recommend that anyone considering a CBD massage for the first time consult a healthcare professional first. This will help ensure that it is the best option for you.
Plus, massages can be a great way to relax, so adding CBD to the mix can be a real treat!