CBD can be found nearly everywhere now. In addition to traditional cannabidiol products like tinctures, oils, capsules, and salves, it is popping up as a fresh new ingredient in a variety of goods. It is not hard to find novelties like CBD infused chocolates, eye cream, latte, intimate products, and more. It should come as no surprise that the compound has made its way into massage oils.
Salons and spas across the country are getting in on the action by offering CBD massages. Citing cannabidiol’s potential to relieve pain and inflammation without the buzz, wellness professionals are taking their offerings to a new level by infusing the compound into oils, muscle rubs, lotions, and more to help relieve their clients’ pain and soreness.
Does it work? Many who have indulged in the new therapy say yes. But how effective is it compared to a standard massage? Let’s take a quick look.
The Research
While much more research is needed on the benefits of both ingestable and topical CBD products, there is some evidence to suggest it may be useful for a number of applications.
Notably, an animal study conducted in 2016 concluded that the body’s cannabinoid receptors act as potential targets to relieve inflammation and pain resulting from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Moreover, it can be used without fear or any psychoactive effects.
At this stage in evaluation, a lot is happening in the science community surrounding CBD topicals, including other mouse model studies, double-blind controlled studies, and of course, anecdotal evidence and self-reporting.
So, if you overhear your elderly neighbor saying CBD works great for her chronic knee pain, there may be something to it. When it comes right down to it, people know what works and what does not work for them, after all.
Massage Therapy
Extensive research already exists on the benefits of massage therapy for a wide range of conditions. Lower back pain, osteoarthritis, lymphatic drainage, fibromyalgia, headaches, and more have all shown improvement through various forms of massage.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that those who opt for a CBD massage will likely experience some of the benefits they are seeking.
However, the inclusion of this exceptional compound could potentially improve results even further. The epidermis has been shown to contain many endocannabinoid receptors that could interact with topical products like CBD massage oil to increase the positive effects of massage. More research is needed, but we are headed in the right direction.
What to Look for If You Want a CBD Massage
If you do choose to indulge yourself in this latest trend, make sure you get your money’s worth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will naturally want to ensure you are working with a licensed and qualified practitioner.
Ask questions about the product itself as well. Find out where the CBD massage oil is sourced from, what its potency is, and whether it has been third-party lab tested for purity. Your massage therapist should be knowledgeable and well educated about the product so he or she can explain its benefits to you in a way you will understand. Above all, keep an open mind and enjoy the experience.
Sources:
Pubmed Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
Pubmed Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
