Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A CBD Massage
Over the last few years, people have been learning about all the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil, a derivative of the marijuana plant. While the THC part of the marijuana plant produces that feeling of being high and is still illegal on a federal level (with 18 states legalizing it recreationally as of this writing) (via US News and World Report), CBD offers pain relief and anxiety relief while also benefiting the heart and skin, according to Healthline.
CBD oil has now become one of the more common oils used for massage therapy and can be added on to many massages for a nominal fee of around $15, according to Byrdie. Essential oils in general are popular with massage therapists and can be used in a diffuser for aromatherapy or as part of the actual rubdown, with different oils having different healing properties. Some popular massage oils include lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and chamomile (via Healthline), but now CBD oil has entered the fray — and it can leave you feeling better than you ever imagined.
How to prepare for a CBD massage
When you've scheduled that CBD massage, prepare for it the way you would any other massage. Remember to hydrate well in the day leading up to the massage, as well as use the bathroom before your session begins. Hydration is key because a massage is meant to break down and release toxins from the body, and having adequate water in your body helps flush the toxins, according to CBD Bonuses.
Also, wear loose and comfortable clothing as this allows you to dress and undress easily and also be comfortable when the massage is over. CBD Bonuses also recommends that you remember to breathe as you normally would, pointing out that many people come into a massage session so nervous and tense that they often hold their breath. This leads to muscles that are tenser and a less effective massage. So, just inhale and exhale at your normal pace and the massage will be much more beneficial.
What a CBD massage can do for you
While there isn't much difference between the techniques used for a CBD massage and a traditional oil massage, it's the CBD that makes a difference and provides an exceptional massage experience.
"CBD oil has natural anti-inflammatory effects that can more effectively soothe sore muscles and joints, which makes it great for massages," Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, founder of Chillhouse, a New York wellness center, told Byrdie. "It encourages the body to speed up the healing process and is beneficial in relieving anxiety as well as gastric distress. Our CBD cream also has arnica and lidocaine, which allows for additional anti-inflammatory benefits."
Byrdie writer Faith Xue gave a first-person account of her experience getting a CBD massage and admitted that she emerged feeling more relaxed than she had in ages after falling asleep during the experience. "The last thing I remember was feeling a slight cooling, chilly feeling on my shoulder blades. Then, the next thing I knew, my masseuse was gently shaking me awake and telling me she was done," she wrote. "A full hour had passed. It felt like minutes. Slightly surprised at just how quickly it had gone by and how the tension in my shoulders seemed to have all but melted away, I floated out of the room in a hazy cloud. I felt inexplicably calm and, yes, relaxed."
What to do after a CBD massage
Just like before your CBD massage, you should also keep well hydrated after the massage is over to keep flushing out those toxins. However, stick to water, as soda, coffee, and tea do not hydrate. If you notice yourself going to the bathroom more in the hours after your massage has ended, this is normal. You might also want to bathe with Epsom salts to soothe the body and prolong the relaxing experience. The bath helps you detoxify just as drinking water does (via CBD Bonuses).
Also, pay attention to your body. If you feel pain, discuss that with your massage therapist during your next session and they can change their technique a bit. Finally, relax as much as you can as you may also be tired, so make sure you've blocked some added time to take a nap if need be, post-massage. There's nothing wrong with prolonging that relaxing, tension-free feeling.