That knot in your neck just won’t go away, and no amount of heat, ice or shoulder shrugs can ease the discomfort. Fortunately, all you need is a bottle of CBD oil and two hands to promote relaxation and relieve muscle soreness.
There are several ways to perform a full-body massage using CBD oil much like massage oil to improve skin elasticity, as well as to hydrate and nourish the skin...
When it comes to CBD oil products, a CBD oil massage combines traditional massage techniques with the potential therapeutic powers of hemp extract to deliver several health benefits for a full-body refreshment. So, light a few candles, dim the lights and play your favorite meditative harmonies — we’re digging into everything there is to know about what does CBD oil do for massage therapy.
How to Perform a CBD Massage
Massage therapy dates back to 3000 BCE. Hindus in India practiced Ayurvedic medicine (and still do!), a type of “life health” healing practice that utilizes body massage to alleviate injuries and physical discomfort.
Today, many massage therapists follow the same ideologies that Ayurvedic practitioners do — massage therapy aims to restore the body’s natural balance, much like different types of CBDs.
What is a CBD massage? When applied topically, CBD can absorb into the skin and enter the bloodstream, where it’s dispersed throughout the body to help relieve stress, aches and feelings of restlessness.
There are several ways to perform a full-body massage using CBD oil much like massage oil to improve skin elasticity, as well as to hydrate and nourish the skin to attain a full CBD beauty boost. You can also target specific problem areas yourself, using CBD massage oil or a CBD balm to relax and soften your muscles as you knead or rub achy spots.
That said, many professional therapists also specialize in CBD massages to elevate traditional massage techniques, such as:
- Swedish massage – Gentle and meditative, Swedish massage uses delicate touch techniques, long strokes, deep circular motions and kneading to relieve tension and release muscle knots.
- Deep tissue massage – Deep tissue techniques incorporate strong strokes and deep finger pressure to ease tension in the muscles and connective tissues. It may be the best option for those struggling with long-term soreness, injuries or tightness.
- Sports massage – Those who are especially athletic and prone to injuries can enjoy the full-body relief of a sports massage. Using gentle strokes, massage therapists work to increase muscle flexibility, ease muscle tension and alleviate exercise-induced aches.
- Trigger point massage – Areas of tightness within the muscle are often referred to as trigger points, which are usually found in the head and neck and may contribute to headaches. During a trigger point regular massage, a massage therapist will apply varying strengths of pressure to the area to help relieve tension.
- Aromatherapy massage – CBD oils may be used in tandem with fragrant essential oils, such as lavender oil, chamomile oil and peppermint oil to promote relaxation, improve moods and ease soreness.
- Thai massage – Combining acupressure, Ayurvedic principles and assisted yoga postures, Thai massage is used to relieve discomfort and stress and improve flexibility, circulation and energy levels.
Benefits of a CBD Massage
No matter the massage technique used, CBD oils and CBD balms can deliver relief to sore or tense muscles. That’s because CBD works directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which functions to regulate processing pathways related to physical discomfort and inflammation.
As such, CBD may act as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, effectively providing a bounty of potential health benefits to those incorporating it into their CBD massage. Let’s explore these potential benefits below.
#1 May Help Ease Muscle Tension
There are a large number of cannabinoid receptors in the skin. When CBD massage oil or balm is applied topically, it can activate the ECS through these receptors.
More specifically, when CBD enters the body, it may bind with cell receptors in the ECS, which can help to reduce \ inflammation and physical aches that may contribute to muscle tension.
CBD oil has also been shown to have a relaxing effect on the body, which can help to alleviate soreness throughout your arms, legs, shoulders and neck to provide relief. It may even play a role in reducing oxidative stress and muscle damage, which could contribute to any strain felt throughout your body.
#2 May Improve Skin Health
In addition to CBD body oil, topical CBD products like lotions, salves, balms and face masks can be found in specialty shops and online storefronts across the country. And it’s believed that a CBD topical application may promote healing and help reduce:
- Blemishes and scars
- Inflammation
- Dryness
- The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
CBD oil may also be a powerful antioxidant, meaning it could protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, pollution and UV rays (learn more about CBD for sunburn support). It can also play a role in the production of sebum, the oily substance that lubricates and moisturizes the skin to promote skin hydration and elasticity.
Fortunately, there is a low chance that you may be allergic to CBD. However, some people are allergic to some terpenes like linalool and D-limonene. If that’s the case, replace your full spectrum CBD oil with isolate CBD oil, a pure crystalline CBD product that contains no terpenes, flavonoids or cannabinoids besides CBD.
#3 Can Relax The Mind
Massages are naturally relaxing, as they can trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin — natural chemicals that can improve your mood and ease feelings of stress or nervousness. And CBD oil may enhance these feelings.
When absorbed through the skin, CBD oil interacts with CB1, one of two cannabinoid receptors within the ECS that are found in large quantities in the brain. Here, they help regulate stress responses and emotions, as well as the release of certain neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters include Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which can produce a calming effect.
CBD oil may also regulate cortisol levels to help keep feelings of stress low.
#4 May Provide Aromatic Benefits
Full spectrum CBD oil and broad spectrum CBD oil both contain terpenes from the hemp plant. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds that give many plants and botanicals their unique scents and flavor profiles.
The hemp plant contains several terpenes, including myrcene, limonene and linalool. Inhaling the scent of CBD during a massage may promote relaxation, reduce stress and support overall well-being.
#5 May Improve Sleep
As you relax into a CBD massage, you may also drift into a deep sleep. That’s because CBD oil can relax the mind and body — and it may also help regulate your sleep-wake cycle by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Additionally, CBD oil may curtail vivid dreams by reducing the amount of REM sleep you get each night, thereby providing a more restful slumber.
How To Optimize Your CBD Massage
A CBD massage can provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience by combining the benefits of massage therapy with the potential effects of CBD. And there are several ways to enhance your experience:
- Choose a high-quality CBD oil – Your skin is highly absorbent. As such, you should be careful of the ingredients you put on it. Incorporate a CBD oil that’s made with premium organic hemp extract and purchased from a reputable source. To ensure your CBD product is up to standard, check that it comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA confirms that the product was tested by a third-party lab. It will verify the level of cannabinoids present and the absence of certain additives or contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
- Practice relaxation breathing techniques – To ease mental and physical stress before or throughout your massage, use deep breathing to calm yourself. As you lie down, place your arms by your side and position your feet hip-width apart. Start by emptying your lungs, then breathe in through your nose for five seconds. When you feel your lungs fill, take one more breath. Then, exhale through your mouth and repeat as needed.
- Take the time to meditate – As your massage therapist kneads into your sore muscles, stay in the present moment by practicing mindfulness. You may place your awareness on the five senses — inhaling the scent of hemp extract, feeling the sensations throughout the body and noticing what you taste, see and hear. You can also conduct a full-body scan or put your attention on your breathing.
- Incorporate aromatherapy – As previously mentioned, terpenes in certain herbs and botanicals can help promote deep relaxation. To sink into a state of complete bliss, add additional oils and scents to your massage. You can apply essential oils like lavender oil and peppermint oil directly to your skin or opt to diffuse them throughout your space.
Enhance Your CBD Massage With Zebra CBD
A CBD massage is any type of massage therapy that incorporates topical CBD oil to help loosen the muscles and promote full-body relaxation. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to your self-care routine can help ease mental and physical tension and may provide a bounty of sleep and skin benefits.
At Zebra CBD, we provide full spectrum CBD oils packed with terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids to support stress relief, whether you’re placing a few drops under your tongue or incorporating it into a full-body massage.
We also offer a full spectrum CBD balm and CBD rub to support joint health and relieve aching muscles — whether you’re on-the-go or on the massage table.
Source:
Florida Academy. History of Massage Therapy. https://florida-academy.edu/history-of-massage-therapy/
Healthline. Massage Types and Benefits. https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-massage
Medical News Today. 6 Best CBD Massage Oils. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-cbd-massage-oil#what-is-cbd
WebMD. CBD For Skin. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cbd-for-skin
Healthline. CBD For Allergies. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-allergies#other-treatments
Cleveland Clinic. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22857-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-gaba
