Chances are, you know just how wonderful a massage can be. Whether you’re hoping to ease sore muscles, manage your pain, or simply relax and unwind, massage can be a powerful tool for helping you achieve these goals. But one type of massage you might not be as familiar with is CBD massage. Today, we’re going to tell you all about this option, including how it works and the benefits you’ll want to know about.
What is CBD?
Before we get into how it works with a massage, let’s first talk about CBD in general.
Let’s turn to this article from Harvard Health for a helpful definition that can also clear up some common misconceptions about the ingredient:
“CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, has derive directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufacturing in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a “high” by itself. According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health problems associate with the use of pure CBD.”
So, while there are no problems associated with the use of pure CBD, it’s also worth noting there are many benefits. In fact, studies have shown CBD can be beneficial for managing anxiety, depression, addiction, insomnia, and even chronic pain. Because of the role it can play in pain management, it didn’t take long for CBD to find its way into the massage industry.
And that’s where we’ll go next.
What is a CBD Massage?
A CBD massage combines the effects of CBD with the benefits of a massage. These massages do not involve smoking or ingesting anything. Instead, they work much like a regular massage…except the massage therapist uses CBD oil on your body throughout the massage.
CBD can be absorbed through the skin, but this works much differently than smoking or ingesting the ingredient by mouth. Unlike those methods, CBD oil applied to the skin is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, it travels through your pores to connect with cannabinoid receptors.
What are cannabinoid receptors?
To better understand how a CBD massage works, we should also discuss cannabinoid receptors and the role they play in this option.
Cannabinoid receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Along with the receptors, this system also includes endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids.
Here’s an easy-to-digest explanation from Healthline about cannabinoid receptors:
“Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system
- CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells
Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to.
For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain. Others might bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a common sign of autoimmune disorders.”
Benefits of a CBD Massage
Still with us? Now that we have some of the more scientific aspects of CBD massage out of the way. Let’s move onto the benefits!
Specifically, we’ll break down the benefits in terms of pain, immune function, and sleep.
Pain
One of the primary benefits of a CBD massage is how it can improve chronic pain for many people. Those cannabinoids we mentioned that are found in CBD oil can help reduce inflammation and ease sore muscles. This makes it a popular option for people with chronic joint pain. As well as those with tight, strained, or sprained muscles. Along with easing inflammation and pain. CBD can also help ease anxiety and depression which is often the result of the chronic pain itself.
Immune function
Another benefit of CBD massages has to do with boosting and improving immune function. Your immune system refers to all of the cells and organs in your body that work together to fight infections, viruses, or anything else that could pose a threat to your health. In times of stress, our immune system is prone to suffering. But it’s important to do whatever we can to keep our immune systems functioning at their best so we’re able to fend off whatever comes our way. And, as it turns out, a CBD massage is a helpful tool for doing so!
CBD has been shown to regulate a number of immune responses. It can help keep your immune system functioning optimally and boost its activity when it is underperforming.
While those who are generally healthy may not notice an improvement from the immune benefits of CBD. People with autoimmune diseases often do. That makes CBD massage a popular choice for people dealing with autoimmune issues. As well as those who want to boost their immune system to keep them as healthy as possible.
Sleep
Finally, let’s talk about how these massages help many people improve their sleep. One of the effects of CBD most people know about is that it can be calming and relaxing. As such, it’s no surprise it can be helpful for improving sleep. For example, this 2017 study reports: “Preliminary research into cannabis and insomnia suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia.”
What’s particularly interesting is that massage itself can also promote better sleep. When the benefits of CBD are coupled with the benefits of massage, the positive effect it can have on sleep is especially impressive.
Book a CBD Massage Today
Are you ready to try a CBD massage for yourself and experience these and other benefits? Don’t wait! Contact Anushka Spa & Salon in West Palm Beach to book an appointment with one of our skilled massage therapists.
CBD massage is the gold standard of deep relaxation, deep muscle and fascia release, injury treatment, pain relief, skin hydration, and more. By combining nature’s remedy with skilled massage techniques, CBD massage is a holistic way to heal and treat your body and mind. We look forward to sharing this, and our other massage services with you.
