The Science Behind CBD Oil Massages
Scientific studies have proven that CBD eases symptoms of ailments such as chronic pain and anxiety, and when paired with the benefits of massage therapy, CBD actually enhances its effects. Although CBD oil has grown in popularity due to its many health benefits, most people don’t know the specifics of how CBD oil works within your body.
In this blog, we are breaking down the science behind CBD massages, specifically how CBD oil is absorbed into the body when applied topically, and how it reduces symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain.
HOW CBD OIL WORKS WITH YOUR BODY
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a natural remedy that has gained popularity in the holistic community. Unlike THC, CBD oil doesn’t contain any psychedelic properties. In fact, when applied topically, CBD oils work with naturally occurring molecules and receptors in your body to restore biological harmony when it has become out of balance.
Scientists have discovered a direct link between CBD oil’s calming effects with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for helping maintain many important functions in the human body, such as memory, mood, hunger, sleep, pain, and even body temperature. When CBD oil is used on the skin, it locates natural endocannabinoid molecules in our system, then binds with them and activates receptors in the ECS system to help stimulate the effects of pain relief and relaxation, ultimately calming the nervous system.
This process of CBD oil absorption into the body is called micellization. Once the oil is massaged into your body during the treatment, your skin’s molecules form a barrier around the CBD compound. The fat-loving end of your skin molecules attach themselves to the fatty side of the CBD molecule. This process allows the CBD molecule to pass through your skin membrane and enter the targeted area.
HOW CBD OIL HELPS CHRONIC PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
A massage with CBD oil is ideal because of its natural anti-inflammatory effects, which help calm sore muscles and joints. Although there is still much research to be done, a recent case study has shown CBD reduces inflammation due to its activity with endocannabinoid receptors, which can act as the pathways in the body for inflammation.
Massage therapy itself assesses a number of chronic pain ailments such as muscle fatigue and inflammation but combining it with the natural benefits of CBD oil ensures that your body’s pain receptors are directly targeted through the process mentioned above. As a result, massage therapy is a powerful tool to help you manage your chronic pain, but when supplemented with CBD oil, you will be able to feel more relief in chronic pain areas and walk out of the studio feeling deeply relaxed.
HOW CBD OIL IMPACTS ANXIETY
Anxiety, the body’s natural reaction to stress, can cause fatigue in both the mind and body for many individuals on a daily basis. For most people, anxiety can manifest itself as tension in the neck, shoulders, head, hips, feet, and hands. The physical tension produced by anxiety can be decreased with the use of CBD, as it encourages your body to speed up recovery times in these areas during and after massage treatment. According to another recent case study, 79% of participants experienced a decrease in anxiety levels after treatment with CBD.
While classic massage therapy can remedy these symptoms, CBD’s natural relaxation properties enhance the benefits of the massage. Implementing topical CBD oil into massage therapy will ensure you are able to enter a deep relaxation mode.
TRY CBD OIL IN YOUR NEXT MASSAGE
Optimize the benefits of CBD massage oil and consider adding it to your next treatment. CBD Oil can be added on to any of our massage specialties for $20. Book your appointment today and to learn more about CBD massage therapy, check out our other blog posts below: