What Is a CBD Massage?

For good reason, CBD has been making waves in the wellness industry. The all-natural compound, derived from the hemp plant, is gaining recognition for its potential to support balance and relaxation and ease feelings of tension.

One exciting way people incorporate CBD into their wellness routines is through CBD massages. But what exactly is a CBD massage, and how can it support relaxation and comfort?

What Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in abundance in the hemp plant, where it is most commonly extracted from. It's one of the many cannabinoids, or unique compounds, found in cannabis plants like hemp. However, unlike THC, another well-known cannabinoid, CBD doesn't produce any psychoactive effects, which means it won't get you “high.”

Instead, CBD subtly interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network that influences various functions like mood, sleep, and digestion. The ECS’s main function is to encourage homeostasis.

Consisting of endocannabinoids, naturally produced chemical messengers within the bodies, and receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors that our endocannabinoids can bind with, the ECS can trigger biological responses that help support balance.

What Forms of CBD Are Available?

When it comes to CBD, several forms are available, each with its own benefits and uses. The most common forms are oils, gummies, and topicals.

CBD oils and tinctures are well known for their versatile and customizable approach. When taken sublingually by placing a few drops under your tongue, CBD oil is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, offering full-body support. The effects of CBD oil can typically be felt within 30 minutes and can last for several hours.

CBD gummies, meanwhile, offer an easy and discreet way to consume CBD. Gummies are ingested, so they take longer to work as they must pass through the digestive system, generally kicking in between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion. However, the effects of CBD gummies tend to last longer than oils, providing sustained support.

CBD topicals include a wide range of CBD products that can be applied externally. Topicals include lotions, creams, balms, and salves applied directly to the skin to offer fast-acting localized support, typically within a few minutes, for sore muscles or tired joints.

Rather than entering the bloodstream, CBD topicals work with CB receptors beneath the skin right at the area they are applied to. This makes them ideal for massages as they can help soothe and relax specific body areas.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Massage?

While often considered a lavish indulgence, massages are a wellness tool that can help you feel your best. A good massage can help support relaxation, ease feelings of tension, maintain emotional wellness, and support your body's response to stress. They don’t need to be expensive — even a gentle self-massage can support a calm mind and body.

Masseuses use various techniques to manipulate your body's soft tissues. This can help support healthy blood flow and relaxation, easing feelings of tension in the muscles. They will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

Different massage techniques can provide different forms of support. For example, a Swedish massage, known for its long, flowing strokes, is often used for relaxation. On the other hand, a deep-tissue massage uses more intense pressure to help ease feelings of tension in deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

Massages can include add-ons like hot stones, aromatherapy, or CBD oil. These extras are meant to support the effects of the massage and provide additional benefits. For instance, hot stones can help warm up tight muscles, aromatherapy can engage the senses and enhance relaxation, and CBD can provide its unique benefits, bringing us to CBD massages.

What Is a CBD Massage?

A CBD massage is just like a regular massage but with the addition of CBD-infused products. A CBD massage can include the use of CBD oil, cream, or lotion to massage your body. The CBD is applied topically, meaning it is placed directly on the skin and can provide localized support.

The goal of a CBD massage is to combine the benefits of a traditional massage with the potential benefits of CBD. By combining the relaxing effects of a massage with the potential calming support of CBD, a CBD massage can provide a unique and comforting wellness experience.

How Does a CBD Massage Work?

When you get a CBD massage, the CBD-infused oil or cream is applied directly to your skin. From there, the CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your skin, which are part of your body's endocannabinoid system.

During a CBD massage, the localized application of CBD can interact with the ECS in the specific area it's applied to. This means that CBD can work where it's needed most, from the back to the neck to the legs, helping to support relaxation in that targeted area.

What Are the Potential Benefits of a CBD Massage?

While everyone's experience with CBD massages can differ, several potential benefits might make this massage appealing.

One of CBD massage's most frequently reported benefits is that it helps support relaxation. Combining a soothing massage and the potential calming effects of CBD can help you unwind, making a CBD massage a great option if you're looking for a way to calm your mind and body.

CBD massages may also help maintain healthy stress levels. The physical manipulation of the body during a massage, combined with the potential benefits of CBD, can offer a unique way to help your body respond to stress. The ECS also influences our body's emotional response.

Another potential benefit of a CBD massage is its ability to help soothe feelings of tension and discomfort. The direct application of CBD to specific areas of the body can help maintain comfort levels, especially when combined with the skilled hands of a massage therapist.

What Type of CBD Should I Use for a CBD Massage?

Choosing the right CBD for your massage can significantly impact your experience.

Here are a few things to consider:

Texture: The texture of the CBD product can affect how it feels on your skin. Some people prefer a smooth, creamy lotion, while others prefer a thicker balm. The texture can also influence how the product is absorbed and how long it stays on your skin, which can affect the duration of the benefits.

Bioavailability and Absorption: Look for a product designed for optimal absorption. This means the CBD can effectively interact with your skin and the localized area. Products that absorb well can provide more consistent results, ensuring that the CBD is fully utilized where it's needed most for maximum potential benefits.

Ingredients: Consider other ingredients included in the product. Ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and arnica can provide additional benefits. Menthol can offer a cooling sensation, eucalyptus can have a calming aroma, and arnica is often used for its potential soothing properties. Remember, the more natural the ingredients, the better for your skin and overall wellness.

If you're looking for high-quality CBD products for a massage, our Restore CBD Lotion, Activate CBD Balm, and Recovery CBD Balm are great options.

Restore combines CBD with nano-silver technology for skin-supporting benefits and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Activate is a revolutionary CBD heating balm made with arnica and camphor oil, and our Recovery Balm includes a blend of CBD, menthol, tea tree, and eucalyptus, ideal for soothing feelings of discomfort.

The reason for your massage can also guide your product choice. For example, if you're dealing with muscle soreness following overexertion, you might find the cooling Activate CBD Balm beneficial to your massage. If you're looking for a relaxing massage to release feelings of tension, a soothing product like Restore Lotion might be a better fit.

Is CBD Safe To Use?

CBD is generally considered safe to use. Side effects are rare and typically minor, such as nausea or lethargy. Topical CBD is even less likely to cause side effects, as it isn't absorbed into the bloodstream or digested.

The best way to avoid side effects is not to exceed the suggested dosage and use high-quality products. We're committed to safety and quality at Muscle MX. We use no parabens or harsh chemicals, opting for only clean, natural ingredients. Our products undergo rigorous third-party lab testing, with the results easily accessible to ensure safety and transparency.

Depending on your sensitivity to other ingredients, some topical CBD products can cause irritation or allergic reactions for certain users. It's important to read the ingredient label and avoid anything with ingredients carefully you're sensitive to. We also recommend doing a patch test to ensure your skin reacts well to the product.

While CBD is generally safe, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. Your wellness is our top priority.

The Bottom Line

CBD massages combine the soothing benefits of a traditional massage with the potential to support relaxation and soothe feelings of tension and discomfort. Whether new to CBD or a seasoned user, a CBD massage could elevate your wellness routine. Experiment with different CBD products to find what works best for your body.

From lotions to balms, there's something for everyone. Explore our full range of CBD products at Muscle MX to find the perfect fit for you.

Sources:

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health

Endocannabinoid Binding to the Cannabinoid Receptors: What Is Known and What Remains Unknown | PMC

Directions on How to give yourself a massage | Piedmont Healthcare

Effect of massage on blood flow and muscle fatigue following isometric lumbar exercise | PMC

Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol | PMC