What to know about CBD and Massage Therapy:

CBD seems like it is everywhere these days, and Massage Therapy is no different. This enhancement is definitely the one that gets the most questions. I’ve done my best to learn as much as I can about the efficacy and differences among CBD products, to ensure that high-quality, effective, and safe products are used in a way that adds significant value to your service. Here, I will explain some of the differences in the products available, how they interact with your body, and how they can add value to your service.

How does CBD affect my Massage and how does it work?

CBD is a cannabidiol that interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors in the skin, nerves and muscles that regulates pain, mood and inflammation. Applying CBD topically allows for targeted physical and mental relief without having to ingest as much CBD into your bloodstream.

Mental Benefits:

CBD interacts with serotonin receptors, which can help quiet the nervous system and lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and adrenaline. When the nervous system relaxes, your nervous system changes from “flight or fight” to “rest and digest.” When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, your body can begin the healing process.

Physical Benefits:

First, your breathing becomes deeper and more rhythmic. Then your heart rate will slow down. CBD also helps relax muscles in spasm and reduce inflammation. When your muscles relax, you can tolerate deeper pressure and work deeper muscles with less discomfort. Working through all the layers of muscle and fascia will help you achieve longer-lasting relief between massages.

Besides helping reduce inflammation, CBD, when combined with massage, also supports waste clearance in the body. When your body is less inflamed, it can clear waste products, such as built-up lactic acid and carbon dioxide. When your body clears waste, your muscle health and performance improve, leading to less soreness and fatigue in the long term.

What happens to your body after a CBD massage?

CBD has lasting effects after your massage and alters how your body recovers for the next 1 to 2 days. One of the first benefits you will notice is a lack of soreness for hours afterward. This is because CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors and actually dampens pain signals in your nervous system for much longer.

Have you ever had the massage flu? 1 to 2 days after a deep-tissue massage, many people experience a massage hangover or flu. This is because your body has an inflammatory response to bodywork. CBD continues to block inflammation, which means you will be far less likely to be sore the next day.

Skin Health:

CBD doesnt just work on your muscles, it also has wonderful benefits for your skin. Many common skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis, are caused by inflammation. CBD is also packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, such as omega-2 and -6, which calm and nourish the skin.

A tip for leveling up your experience is to wait 2-4 hours before showering so your skin can absorb the full effect.  

Enhanced sleep quality:

CBD already adds so much value to your massage, but there is one more amazing benefit to cover. The combination of CBD and Massage Therapy deeply activates the parasympathetic nervous system, an effect that often carries over into the evening. Many people have reported falling asleep faster and reaching deeper stages of REM sleep. REM sleep is when your body undergoes the most intense tissue repair and waste clearance, making it extremely important.

Are all CBD products the same?

With so many different products to choose from, there is a wide range in quality and potency. I considered several factors and tested several options before settling on one that works well for my clients.

First, I decided to go with a broad-spectrum product. A broad-spectrum product means that all of the THC is completely removed, while still releasing other cannabinoids and terpenes in place. This gives you the most effective product, without the risk of testing positive for THC.

Second, I wanted to make sure that the product used was strong enough to get the full effect. When giving a full-body massage, it is best to use 150-200mg per ounce. This helps ensure you get the full effect of CBD.

Finally, when using CBD, it is helpful to pair it with what we call “drivers,” or ingredients that help the cannabinoids penetrate the skin and reach the muscle more quickly. Without these important ingredients, the CBD gets trapped in the outermost layer of the skin and does not truly benefit the muscle. I chose a product that uses Eucalyptus as a driver and uses lavender to soothe and soften the mentholated feeling on your skin. To add more benefit, all my massage creams include Arnica, which helps reduce swelling and localized trauma, as well as ivy, which can help drain excess fluid, firm the skin, and reduce inflammation.

Does CBD pair well with other Enhancements?

CBD is wonderful on its own, but it is even more effective when you stack it with other benefits. Click Here to learn about the different aromatherapy scents offered to really boost your experience. Introducing Hot stones (Click Here to read about the benefits of Hot Stone Massage), for example, can help the lotion penetrate deeper into the muscle. The Gentle exfoliating effects of the Himalayan Salt Stones I include can also help remove dead skin and allow you to absorb more of the CBD where you need it most. Hot Stones and CBD are an amazing way to get a full, deep-tissue workout without suffering soreness or muscle spasms.

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