You’ve probably heard of CBD oil, or cannabidiol, because everyone from yoga moms to dorm room stoners are using it.
Although we all know it’s somehow related to marijuana, not many people actually know what CBD is. There is a lot of hesitation around using CBD because of its association with drugs and the lack of understanding around the benefits of CBD.
Don’t worry, we’re here to give you the low-down so you can impress all your friends at the next book club and maybe even host your own CBD massage night.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiols is a cannabis compound responsible for many of the health benefits associated with marijuana, but it’s use does not give the user the “high” feeling you get from smoking weed.
It is non-psychoactive and is even thought to counteract the psychoactivity of THC, the cannabis compound that is responsible for making you feel lethargic, paranoid, and hazy.
This makes it a preferred pain reliever to traditional, THC-rich marijuana for those users who want to avoid the “head high” of smoking pot.
The science behind it
Your body naturally produces a chemical called cannabinoids through the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for sleep, memory, appetite, and immune function. CBD, a type of cannabinoid, can produce similar effects within the body. Stefan McKeller, CEO of Nanocraft Sciences explains the different effects THC and CBD have on the body:
The endocannabinoid system includes two specific types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are more predominantly found in the brain, CB2 receptors are found in abundance all over the rest of the body.
so what’s the difference between CBD & THC?
Unlike THC, which binds to CB1 receptors and inevitably causes a “high” as a result of its psychoactive properties, CBD has an indirect effect on both receptors without actually binding to them. This is why it doesn’t cause any mind-altering effects while still offering a wealth of benefits.
Project CBD, a nonprofit educational news service founded to spread awareness of the benefits of CBD (and not associated with any CBD sales or profits), states the compound provides “relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures and spasms, among other conditions, without disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria.”
what forms does CBD take?
It can be used in many different forms and within the last few years products have been made that allow users to consume CBD in whatever method they prefer.
You’ll find it in drinks, supplements, oils, and of course traditional, smokable marijuana that has been bred to be high in CBD rather than THC.
CBD Massage Oil Benefits
However, the only way to pinpoint the relieving effects of CBD is to use it as a topical treatment. With CBD oil the benefits are concentrated to the areas in which you apply it.
Reduce Pain
Massages feel amazing on their own, but when you add CBD oil into the mix, they become transcending. CBD oil can be used to soothe acute pain and even chronic pain.
Pain from a current injury or any physical trauma to the body can be targeted through CBD massages. Chronic pain can be a symptom of a number of things like overuse, a medical condition, or an injury that never properly healed. People who suffer from chronic pain know how debilitating it can be and any amount of relief is a saving grace.
the numerous relaxing benefits
CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory effects will ease swelling, redness, and soreness. Massaging joints or sore muscles with CBD oil will penetrate the pain-points and reduce inflammation to lessen the pain.
CBD massages also enhance the blood flow to the a focused area, which helps relieve muscle tension.
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
A good massage will relieve stress by soothing muscle tension, but a CBD massage offers longer-term effects. The CBD oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure which helps with stress, anxiety and panic attacks.
how it works
It’s believed that the drop in blood pressure lasts well after the massage is over. When your body is in a calmer state it is able to heal damaged or sore muscles and joints better.
By relaxing your muscles to the fullest effect you can reduce headaches, joint pains, and even digestive issues. Any form of muscle cramping can be soothed with a targeted CBD massage.
Improve Skin Health
Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD oil, it can help with acne when applied directly to the skin. Soothing the skin by reducing inflammation will help to ease the effects of acne and reduce the redness and irritation of the blemishes.
The linoleic acid in CBD also helps your body regulate oil production which can prevent breakouts and help with overall skin complection.
level up your self care
CBD oil is taking massages to a whole new level of relaxation and wellness. If you haven’t tried incorporating it into you self-care routines you should start immediately and experience the health benefits of CBD.
Have you tried CBD massages? Share your experience in the comments below!
I tried CBD oil for the first time this year, and it really does work. I tried it first by ingesting it, per the directions, and it soon after produced a marked calm, taking away all anxiety I had been feeling, and cleared my head — the “brain fog” I had been experiencing disappeared, too. However, unfortunately, soon after I began taking it (after using it several times on different occasions), it began to bother my stomach; I guess it was too acidic for me in the end. So, I can only apply it topically now. Its effects are not as strong or quick as taking it orally, but it does definitely help when applied to the skin, too — it’s slower, and less dramatic, but you do begin to feel calmer and more relaxed, and, as this article discusses, it does seem to help with inflammation in the area where you apply it. I think topical CBD is a great way to go!
I have heard great things about CBD oils and creams but have also heard that they leave you “smelling like weed”. Is this true of all types or can it be avoided?
Are you selling this CBD massage oil? Where do you get it?
I’m a massage therapist and CBD massage is one of my most requested massages. I have been using it on myself for years and I highly recommend it. It is very effective is applying to affected areas first to penetrate prior to muscle and soft tissue manipulation. I hope you make a face oil or serum using cbd because I love your line so much! I’m sure it would be the best.