CBD for massage

Incorparating CBD into a massage treatment, whether through a balm or oil, is proving to be a highly effective method of utilising CBD for its relaxation and anti-inflammatory benefits.

When CBD is added to a topical massage product, it can be used to target specific areas in need of treatment. CBD Studios have formulated a Recovery Balm, made with all-natural ingredients for its healing properties. It is a natural approach to relieve inflammation and to calm muscle pain or aching joints. It can be applied to knees, shoulders or wherever needs that extra relief.

What is CBD made from?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in and derived from the hemp plant. It will not get you high and is not intoxicating. It is important to emphasise that CBD is made from hemp, which does not contain THC. THC is the compound found in marijuana, which is known for the psychoactive effects whereas CBD is a “non-psychoactive” compound.

How CBD works in the body ?

First and foremost, cannabinoids are compounds naturally present in your body. Scientists have pinpointed the existence of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), responsible for regulating neuronal activity.

The ECS is a complex signaling system, plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis—ensuring balance across various physiological processes.

CBD is a phytocannabinoid, meaning it is derived from plants.

When CBD is extracted and taken as a supplement it interacts the endocannabinoid system by modulation of receptors and enzymes, affecting the activity of endocannabinoids like anandamide.

Anandamide is involved in various physiological processes, including mood regulation, pain perception, and immune response. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are part of the ECS. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more prevalent in the peripheral tissues and immune cells.

Why is CBD beneficial for massage

CBD is considered beneficial for massage therapy due to its potential to enhance the overall experience and effectiveness of the massage. Here are several reasons why CBD is often used in massage:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in muscles and joints. This makes it particularly valuable for massages targeting areas with tension or discomfort.

Muscle Relaxation: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, influencing CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. This interaction may promote muscle relaxation, helping to release tension and knots during a massage.

Pain Relief: CBD has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. When applied topically during a massage, it may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with muscle tension, soreness, or specific conditions.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction: CBD has been reported to have calming effects on the central nervous system. Incorporating CBD into massage oil may contribute to a sense of relaxation and reduce stress or anxiety levels, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.

Enhanced Skin Health: CBD has antioxidant properties and can help nourish and moisturize the skin. When incorporated into massage oils or lotions, it may promote skin health and contribute to a soothing sensory experience.

Targeted Application: CBD-infused massage products allow for targeted application to specific areas of the body. This targeted approach can be beneficial for addressing localized issues, such as joint discomfort or muscle soreness.

Using CBD for massage

CBD for Massage and Inflammation

Studies are revealing the intricate relationship between CBD, and the impact on the body’s inflammatory response.

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, which make it valuable for massages targeting areas with tension or discomfort, are due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its influence on various signaling pathways.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Interaction:

– The ECS is a cell-signaling system in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including inflammation.

– CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to CB2 receptors, which are primarily found in immune cells and tissues associated with inflammation.

Modulation of Inflammatory Signaling:

– Inflammatory responses in the body involve the release of signaling molecules called cytokines.

– CBD has been shown to modulate the activity of immune cells and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

– By influencing the ECS and the immune response, CBD helps regulate the inflammatory process.

Reduction in Pro-Inflammatory Mediators:

– CBD may inhibit enzymes responsible for producing pro-inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins.

– Prostaglandins play a role in promoting inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing their production, CBD contributes to an anti-inflammatory effect.

Balancing Oxidative Stress:

– Inflammation is often associated with oxidative stress, where there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.

– CBD has antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and balance oxidative stress.

Local Application:

– When incorporated into massage oil or balm, CBD is applied topically, allowing for targeted and localized effects on specific areas of the body.

– This targeted application enhances the anti-inflammatory benefits in the areas where the massage is performed.

CBD to Relax and Soothe

CBD is also widely recognised and studies show its potential in promoting relaxation and alleviating anxiety, both are qualities that can make it beneficial in the context of massage therapy. CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors found in high concentrations in the CNS.

Influence on CB1 Receptors:
CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and spinal cord, key components of the central nervous system.
CBD’s interaction with CB1 receptors modulates the release of neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.

Promotion of Muscle Relaxation:
GABA is known for its calming and inhibitory effects on neuronal activity. When GABA binds to its receptors, it generally reduces neural excitability.
CBD’s influence on CB1 receptors may enhance GABAergic transmission, promoting a state of relaxation and reducing muscle tension.

Reduction in Neuromuscular Excitability:
CBD’s modulation of neurotransmitter release may also result in a reduction in the excitability of motor neurons that control muscle contractions.
This reduction in neuromuscular excitability contributes to muscle relaxation, making it easier for massage therapists to address tension and knots.

Pain Modulation:
Muscle tension is often associated with pain. By promoting muscle relaxation through CB1 receptor interaction, CBD may indirectly contribute to pain relief during and after a massage.

During a massage treatment, the use of CBD has shown the capacity to effectively alleviate stress and elevate relaxation, resulting in a heightened state of ease.

Recovery Balm for massage

Recovery Balm with CBD is a perfect medium for different massage techniques (incl sports massage, reflexology) as it has the ideal grip. It reduces friction on the skin and improves the treatment of muscles without stressing the skin.

It can be used all over and massaged into the body, or it can be rubbed and worked into problem areas where extra relief is needed.

As CBD is a completely natural plant compound we only use 7 other natural plant ingredients in the formula. As we believe (where possible) nature is the best fix, we want the massage balm to remain as natural as possible without any unnecessary additives.

It also means that the many healing properties of the CBD will be experienced fully without interactions.

The balm will also help soothe and repair areas of dry skin by the virtues of the coconut oil and Shea butter.

This pure formula gives remarkable results that are invaluable to many people’s lifestyles.

CBD for massage therapists

Massage therapists who use CBD Studios Recovery Balm, now find it an essential part of a treatment to target specific problem areas, as well as calm overall stress of body and mind.

As relaxation and pain relief are normal after a massage, CBD Recovery Balm takes both of these benefits to the next level.

It is perfect to use for sports injuries or on-going aches and pains that require specific attention. Inevitably, the relaxing feelings from CBD are enjoyed by everyone.

Ruth Martin at Equilibrium Massage used Recovery Balm for athlete workshops and massage clinics at the prestigious UTMB trail-running event in Chamonix this year (2023). She is a professional Sports Massage & Myofascial Release Therapist who finds that targeting tense areas of muscle and fascia with Recovery Balm produces effective results quickly. Ruth prefers CBD Studios over other products for massage professionals.

Ruth is interested by Recovery Balm’s component CBD ingredient as it mimics the endocannabinoid effect on the soft tissue, reducing pain and inflammation. The fact that Recovery Balm is 100% natural – i.e. no added artificial chemicals – means she feels comfortable working with it regularly, and she finds that her clients often ask to buy their own pots of Recovery Balm for home use.

“Most of my clients are pretty health conscience people and they enjoy this natural, chemical-free massage balm which they find helps to reduce pain and tension. It smells really lovely too, so it’s a great product to work with. I always discuss the Recovery Balm and its CBD component, before I use it. The subtle lavender tones make the smell a great introduction to the product. A little goes a long way, so it’s a really useful product for massage professionals.”