CBD Massage: A New Way to Experience Massage Therapy
by Taylor Hogan
It's estimated that more than 47 million people enjoy massages each year. And if you've ever treated yourself to one, you know how relaxing it can be. Releasing tension and easing sore muscles leaves you feeling like a new person. But did you know there's a way to get even more vital benefits from massage therapy?
By adding a CBD-infused rub or oil, you can tap into CBD’s therapeutic effects and enhance your typical massage. Whether you prefer Swedish, shiatsu, hot stone, deep tissue, or Thai massage, you can easily incorporate CBD into any massage style.
If you already take advantage of regular massage therapy or are looking to upgrade your at-home self-care routine, a CBD rub can help you feel your best. Whatever your preference, this guide will help you understand how topical CBD works. You’ll also learn how you can benefit from massage therapy and determine if CBD massage is right for you.
What Is CBD Massage Therapy?
CBD massage therapy involves the topical application of a lotion or oil infused with CBD. Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp plants that interact with your body through your endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Researchers are still learning about the ECS, but they've discovered it influences several functions in your body, such as memory, sleep, mood, mobility, and stress management. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not cause psychoactive effects. By law, hemp products must not contain more than 0.3% THC, so you can take advantage of CBD without experiencing the sensation of feeling "high."
CBD massage is a great way to introduce CBD into your wellness plan. It merges a form of self-care that stands the test of time while benefiting from new developments in the rapidly advancing world of hemp products.
As always, when choosing your CBD oil or lotions for massage therapy, always buy from companies that value transparency and quality. Populum ensures the quality of its CBD products with third-party lab results, ensuring you know how much CBD you're getting in each bottle.
What Are the Health Benefits of CBD Massage?
Massage therapy dates back thousands of years and was practiced by civilizations in India, China, Egypt, and by ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, there are different techniques and massage therapy styles to choose from. Swedish massage is the most popular and the basis for several other styles. Depending on your goals or needs, you might want to look into other types of massage, such as deep tissue, hot stone, or sports massage. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common massage styles:
- Swedish Massage: Swedish massage uses less pressure than other massage styles and incorporates both long and short strokes with light to medium pressure. A Swedish massage can provide pain relief, lower your blood pressure, and manage stress (which can adversely affect your immune system if it runs unchecked).
- Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massages are just like they sound. A massage therapist uses slow, firm strokes to reduce pain from tight muscles. They may also apply pressure to specific areas to release muscle knots, which can form if you lead an active lifestyle or have poor posture.
- Sports Massage: While sports massage will help relax muscles, it will also tackle other soft tissues such as fascia, tendons, and ligaments. If you’re athletic, a sports massage can help prevent or recover from injuries, enhance your performance, and manage imbalances before they become an issue.
- Hot Stone Massage: During a hot stone massage, the massage therapist works with basalt stones. These stones are warmed in hot water and placed at various points on your body to release muscle tension and encourage relaxation. Your therapist may use hot stones in addition to a Swedish massage or combine several techniques from the above styles.
Aside from being a pleasurable experience, numerous scientific studies support massage therapy as a useful pain management tool. Massage therapy may give you relief from chronic pain, manage stress and anxiety, increase your athletic performance, assist with cancer management, and rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery.
According to research by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, scientists have discovered massage therapy may also act as an anti-inflammatory. Based on athletes' tissue samples, there's evidence massage reduces inflammation and even promotes the growth of mitochondria in your muscles. (Your mitochondria are the energy-producing unit in your cells).
Also, studies from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and the Journal of Clinical Medicine found topical CBD applications may complement the anti-inflammatory benefits of regular massage. While research and clinical trials with CBD is still ongoing, hundreds of testimonials show how customers are using CBD topically.
Enhancing Your Massage Experience
Be sure to choose a licensed massage therapist and double-check if it's alright for you to bring CBD massage oil or lotion for your appointment. It might be worth considering one made with gentle, natural ingredients such as hemp oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
As always, when choosing your CBD oil or lotions, buy from companies that value your well-being and clearly show all the ingredients in their products. All of Populum’s CBD products are tested by a third-party lab and screened for more than 80 harmful compounds. As a result, you’ll rest easy knowing your CBD oil or rub is safe from pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, or microbials. Look for a copy of your lab results with every order.
Populum's Cold Therapy Hemp Rub is a natural fit for massage therapy. It features Populum's full spectrum CBD oil, so you get the benefits from a range of cannabinoids and terpenes along with the skin-soothing qualities of aloe vera, arnica's anti-inflammatory properties, and chamomile's complementary terpenoids and flavonoids.
What’s more, the Cold Therapy Hemp Rub is vegan and free of parabens. Try using it to soothe achy muscles and problem areas or to help ease post-workout soreness.
You can turn CBD massage into a full-body experience by incorporating a lavender CBD facial oil into your skincare routine. Lavender essential oil is packed with antioxidants that can soothe your skin, reduce signs of aging, and leave you with a glowing complexion.
Pairing your moisturizer and other skincare products with facial massage can boost circulation and help you peacefully wind down at the end of the day. Settle into an evening routine with a cozy cup of tea and prepare for sweet dreams.
Relax With a CBD Massage
CBD massage is a wonderful way to enjoy the beneficial effects of CBD and turn a regular massage experience into one that’s even more relaxing and soothing. And if you’re managing chronic pain conditions or living an active lifestyle, getting regular CBD massages could be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine.
While you can always take advantage of CBD with tinctures, gummies, or capsules, topical CBD gives you another way to support and balance your body. Several studies demonstrate the benefits of massage therapy, and as the popularity of CBD and hemp products grows, we can expect to see more evidence of CBD's positive effects on the human body.