Everyone loves the relaxing feeling of a good, old-fashioned massage to release muscle tension and speed recovery. But what happens when you add the therapeutic, soothing benefits of CBD oil to the mix? You take an ordinary massage into something truly extraordinary!
Here are some of the many ways that CBD massage oil can help you to relax, unwind and recover, thanks to the cutting edge science and research into the benefits of the cannabis plant.
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound that comes from the cannabis plant and is well-known for its calming properties. In massage, CBD oil helps enhance the natural massage effects by working with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This internal system helps the body regulate mood and stress. While the CBD oil is massaged into the skin, it’s absorbed quickly and binds to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Thanks to CBD’s anti-anxiety properties, using CBD oil during a massage helps lower the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol. For those who suffer from high levels of stress or anxiety, CBD oil massages often promote a deeper, more lasting sense of relaxation than traditional massage alone.
One of the best reasons to enjoy a CBD oil massage is its potential for pain relief. Because CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory, it’s a great way to reduce inflammation and speed healing, particularly in painful muscles and joints. It offers localized pain relief of stiffness, soreness and chronic pain without the need for harsh medications that can come with a host of side effects.
One of the other major benefits of CBD oil massage comes from the makeup of the CBD oil itself. CBD oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it incredibly nourishing to skin. It can help moisturize dry, rough skin and help improve and volumize skin elasticity. Over time, the antioxidants can also help fight free radicals, which can damage and age skin. Regular CBD oil massages help skin stay supple and look youthful and soft.
We’ve already talked about CBD oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, but one of the other benefits of CBD oil massage comes from helping reduce localized inflammation. People living with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia may find that CBD oil massages alleviate their pain better than traditional massage techniques or other types of oils.
CBD oil massages can also help alleviate the pain of headaches and migraines. Tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp often leads to headaches. The combination of massage and the therapeutic effects of CBD oil help to relax these tense muscles while relieving the pressure that’s causing the headaches.
For migraine relief, topical CBD oil can be applied to the temple or base of the neck during a massage. The CBD oil’s natural analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects go to work, helping to reduce the intensity and frequency of the headache.
By reducing stress and anxiety, CBD oil massages can create the perfect environment for a restful night’s sleep. If you struggle to fall asleep due to physical pain or racing thoughts, a CBD oil massage can help promote relaxation and prepare your body and mind for a deeper sleep.
CBD oil massages go well beyond physical relaxation. Many people find that CBD oil massages contribute to emotional wellness as well, by helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Massage itself, along with the soothing effects of CBD oil, can trigger the body to release the “feel-good” neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. As a result, you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed.
When shopping for the right type of CBD oil, it’s important to know what, precisely, you’re buying. Here’s what to know when looking at the labels:
Now that you better understand the benefits of CBD oil massage, how do you go about making your own CBD massage oil? It’s a good idea to blend the CBD oil with a carrier oil to help it spread more easily across the skin. A carrier oil also helps ensure better absorption. Common types of carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil.
The amount of CBD oil to add to your massage oil will depend on whether or not you want mild, moderate or strong effects. Around 10-15 drops of CBD oil to 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil is recommended for beginners. For higher potency or more targeted relief, we recommend 40-50 drops (around 4 ml) of CBD oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil.
If you’re looking for ready-made CBD massage oil, check out our Spearmint CBD Massage Salve, made with uplifting ingredients that invigorate and refresh your body and mind.