Using CBD for a Massage: Enhancing the Massage Experience
Summarize
The National Institutes of Health says that researchers have discovered that massage is more than just a pleasant experience. It may improve health by relaxing the nervous system, reducing blood pressure, slowing the heart rate and reducing discomfort. Massage therapists incorporate oil, lotions and creams into their practice, and many are choosing products infused with CBD. The CBD topical for massage enhances the effects of massage by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the skin, potentially contributing to improved sleep quality, enhanced muscle recovery, skin conditioning and increased relaxation.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
CBD massage enhances the benefits of traditional massage by working with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to potentially reduce discomfort and promote relaxation. Depending on the formulation, CBD oils, lotions and creams can also condition the skin, help neutralize free radicals and improve hydration. Combining CBD with massage may support more profound relaxation, better sleep, faster muscle recovery and improved circulation. While CBD massage oil is generally safe and non-psychoactive, it is best to review the ingredients and consult with your doctor.
Table of Contents
How Does CBD Enhance a Massage?
CBD may enhance a massage, whether using CBD body oils, lotions or creams as the lubricant. CBD massage oil has the slowest absorbance rate compared to lotions and creams.
You want to choose a CBD topical that best contributes to skin health and enhances the massage therapist’s techniques. For example, it could be a CBD oil with essential oils like jojoba oil and sweet almond oil that makes it easier to make gliding motions on the body. In comparison, a CBD lotion or cream blended with essential oils, botanicals and additional terpenes is ideal for making shorter, circular massage movements because it is thicker. The choice between CBD oil, lotion, and cream depends on the type of massage and the desired skin benefits.
In general, CBD enhances a massage by working with the skin’s ECS system and serotonin receptors. Applied to the skin, CBD may help calm the area and, in turn, ease sensitivity in the skin’s nerves.
1. Deep relaxation
CBD oil for massage promotes more profound relaxation by enhancing the ability to perform effective massage techniques. A CBD massage for relaxation helps reduce discomfort and ease muscle tension. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, which naturally improve mood.
2. Sleep support
Getting quality sleep is important to health, but is difficult to achieve. Many factors can contribute to sleep issues, including physical discomfort, tension, or recovery from injury. CBD promotes relaxation and may help ease the body and mind, supporting more restful sleep.
In yet another benefit, using a CBD topical coupled with massage may promote calm and relaxation. CBD topicals also interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the skin, potentially improving wound healing, reducing itching and providing comforting effects. Through its many skin benefits, it is easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
How to Use CBD Balm for Better Sleep?
3. Skin conditioning
CBD targets the components of the skin’s ECS, which include endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes. The ECS is crucial to maintaining homeostasis and the barrier function in the skin. CBD supports healthy skin, enabling it to function optimally and minimize the risk of developing skin disorders associated with environmental factors or microbiome imbalances.
CBD topicals also may reduce oxidative imbalance and boost hydration. Oxidative imbalance occurs when there are more free radicals than antioxidants available to protect cells from damage.
4. Muscle recovery
One study found that six weeks of a CBD topical treatment significantly improved muscle function and supported recovery in injured athletes. Combining the benefits of a CBD topical with the benefits of massage enhances muscle recovery by relaxing tight muscles and improving circulation.
CBD may also enhance muscle recovery due to the synergy between CBD and massage. CBD may accelerate physical relief, allowing the massage therapist to work the muscles more deeply.
Massage is increasingly incorporated into doctor-recommended therapeutic programs because it offers numerous physical and mental benefits. When CBD is added to a massage, the cannabinoids can enhance these benefits. Combining massage and CBD means that one enhances the other. For example, CBD may enhance general relaxation beyond what massage alone achieves, resulting in a greater decrease in inflammation or pain or improved blood circulation.
How is CBD Used in a Massage?
The therapists use CBD oil, lotion or cream the same way they would non-CBD products. The topicals enable the therapist to more easily glide their hands on the skin or enhance their grip to apply the correct amount of pressure, depending on the type of massage.
However, you can learn how to use CBD for massage at home. Caring for your skin in between massages is important. Doing a CBD massage for self care on a routine basis will help you promote relaxation while maintaining healthy skin.
Some of the popular areas for a self-care massage include the temples, shoulders, neck, legs, lower back and feet. With the right massage tools, such as a foam roller and a massage ball, you can even give yourself a full-body massage.
How much CBD oil to use?
There are no guidelines. The same recommendations apply to using CBD oil for massage as those for taking CBD as a beginner. Start with a low-potency CBD massage oil and test it on a patch of skin. If there are no reactions, you can increase the potency until the desired results are achieved.
What Types of CBD Massage Products Are Available?
You can enhance your self-massage routine by using CBD oils, body oils, lotions or creams. There is a wide array of CBD massage products to choose from, empowering you to tailor your self-massage routine to your specific needs. Whether you are targeting specific areas like sore muscles in the lower back or achy neck and shoulders during a home massage, or enjoying a full-body massage from a professional therapist, there is a CBD oil, lotion or cream that’s perfect for you.
CBD body oils and lotions developed for skin health are rich in ingredients like vitamins, fatty acids and minerals.
Various CBD products are formulated to address specific benefits, allowing you or your massage therapist to choose one that targets desired outcomes, such as relaxation, muscle recovery and general skin wellness.
You can also mix CBD oil into your favorite massage oil, lotion or cream. Note that a CBD tincture is often thicker than CBD oil and should not be used alone; it should be mixed with a regular massage oil or carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
Is CBD Oil Massage Right for You?
There are several points to consider when determining if a CBD oil massage is right for you. The following CBD massage tips will help you avoid potential issues.
When choosing a product for a massage, be sure to review the ingredients and product features. Products are available that are all organic, GMO-free, vegan, preservative-free, paraben-free and wax-free.
➥ You also want to ensure there are no botanicals that may trigger an allergy. Before using a CBD product for massage for the first time, consult a doctor, especially if you have any kind of skin disorder or issue.
➥ If pregnant or breastfeeding, CBD oil should not be used with a massage.
➥ If you have sensitive skin, a wound or a skin rash, CBD should not be applied without first consulting a doctor.
➥ If on certain medications, consult a doctor before getting a CBD oil massage.
How Can You Prepare for Your CBD Oil Massage?
An expert massage therapist is a trained professional who knows how to ensure the massage is as effective as possible by using various hand movements coupled with the right pressure. There are some steps you can take to support optimal results.
The first step is to arrive at your massage appointment at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time to minimize stress.
• Do not hesitate to let the massage therapist know what benefits you hope to experience from massage.
• Drink at least eight cups of water every day.
• Avoid drinking alcohol regularly because alcohol will cause skin dryness.
• Do not eat heavy meals before a massage.
FAQs
Is CBD Massage Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
A CBD massage may be suitable for sensitive skin. Clinical researchers have reported that CBD supports skin balance, and massage has shown promise as a therapeutic for certain skin diseases. More research is needed, but the potential is there. Eight percent (8%) of CBD users are interested in skincare products, which equates to millions of users.
Will CBD Massage Make Me Feel “High”?
CBD is not psychoactive, so you will not experience a high. Even if the broad spectrum CBD oil has a trace of THC, the CBD oil cannot penetrate below the upper skin layers.
Can I layer CBD oil with regular massage oil?
You can layer massage and CBD oil, which enhances the benefits of each type of oil. Massage oil lubricates the skin, while CBD oil offers potential skin wellness benefits. Together, the oils create a more effective massage experience.
A CBD Product to Meet All Skin Needs
Adding a CBD massage routine to your schedule will enhance a healthy lifestyle. A massage therapist can customize your massage treatment to meet your wellness needs, combining CBD with massage oil to address your specific requirements. You can also use CBD body oil or a mixture oil and massage oil when doing targeted massage therapy at home.
Sources
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