CBD Massage Therapy

What is CBD and how is it different from THC?

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol which is the second most prevalent active compound found in cannabis that is non-psychoactive. This means that it will not get you “high” like the other common active compound in cannabis, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC and CBD both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa, but there is a difference between a hemp plant and a marijuana plant. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which contains less than 0.3% THC, whereas THC is derived from the marijuana plant, containing 0.3% and higher of THC. (Webmd.com)

How is CBD used for massage?

CBD can be used like any other massage oil, cream, or lotion. There are different concentrations available of CBD that can be mixed in with the massage lotion. Your massage therapist will knead the CBD infused lubricant to increase the absorption using a variety of massage techniques. This can be used all over the body for a massage or just for a focused session to address certain problem areas. (www.spasolai.com)

What are the benefits of CBD?

CBD is most commonly taken orally as an oil or tincture for its benefits. However, there is also CBD that can be infused with massage oils, creams, and lotions that may help with muscle soreness and inflammation. CBD is thought to enhance massage by increasing pain relief at a potentially faster rate and allowing the massage therapist to work deeper in the muscles (AMTA.org). Its most common benefits include improving skin health and helping to reduce anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and inflammation. (Healthharvard.edu)

What contraindications are there? 

The contraindications for a CBD massage are thought to be the same as general massage contraindications. It is not recommended to use CBD while receiving chemotherapy, unless specified otherwise by your doctor. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid CBD, along with those with seizure disorders. (AMTA.org.)

Who is a good candidate for CBD massage?

Those who have chronic pain and muscle soreness would be considered a good candidate for a CBD massage. CBD helps decrease inflammation which is great for dealing with aching muscles without pain medication. It has also been known to promote relaxation by helping to stimulate endorphins. Endorphins are a natural hormone from our brain that act as a natural painkiller and mood elevator. 

(www.spasolai.com)

Bibliography:

CBD massage FAQs. Spasolai. (2021, September 27). https://www.spasolai.com/cbd-massage-faqs/ 

News: Experts weigh in on CBD and massage: Amta. American Massage Therapy Association. (n.d.). https://www.amtamassage.org/about/news/cbd-massage/ 

Peter Grinspoon, M. (2024, April 4). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don’t.

Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 

WebMD. (n.d.). CBD massage: Is it effective for pain relief?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cannabinoids/cbd-pain-relief-massage