Depending on the reason for the massage, CBD may be the better, more effective, and most rewarding oil to use in massage therapy.

Massages are methods that improve the flow of blood and lymph to reduce muscular tension, to impact the nervous system through stimulation and/or relaxation/sedation, and to heal tissue.

Massages are an integral part of healthcare; it is one of the oldest healthcare practices known. This form of healthcare is found in ancient Chinese medical texts written more than 4,000 years ago. Massages have been advocated in Western healthcare practices since the time of Hippocrates, the “father of medicine.”

As of late, with legalization of hemp and marijuana sweeping the nation, CBD massages are becoming very popular. Both massages and CBD date back thousands of years, so, combining the two seems perfect. Massage oils have generally been plant oils, however, cannabis is the new plant in massage therapy.

Massage Oils

Massage oils are used in massage treatments to lubricate the skin. This reduces friction while the massage therapist performs the massage. The oils are also a good way to keep warm and depending on the oil used, provide healing benefits absorbed by the skin.

Popular massage oils include:

•         Coconut oil 
•         Almond oil
•         Avocado oil
•         Grapeseed oil
•         Argon oil
•         Sesame oil
•         Jojoba oil 
•         Olive oil 
•         Bergamot oil
•         Tea tree oil
•         Jasmine oil
•         Lavender Oil

All of these oils, many considered essential oils, have therapeutic benefits. They are generally used as/for aromatherapy. These essential oils are plant oils that capture the scent and flavor of the plant extracted from.

Though they are commonly used in massages, there isn’t a lot of research confirming medicinal benefits. However, there have been some studies conducted and the results found that essential oils can aid in: stress relief, anxiety relief, and overall mood enhancement.

CBD Oil for Massages

There’s a new trend in massages: CBD oil. Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and other luxury spas have included CBD oil massages in their services.

It’s important to note that depending on the state of the business, a massage using CBD sourced from marijuana is likely not legal. Generally, spas use hemp-CBD massage oil.

Hemp CBD is the federally legal cannabinoid that contains 0.3% or less THC. Hemp CBD oil doesn’t offer a psychoactive high, though important to note, cannabis topicals do not offer a mental high, even if THC-based.

Though there isn’t a lot of research on CBD, studies have shown significant benefits of CBD. For instance, CBD can improve skin defense mechanism, its ability to reproduce, and is suitable for relieving and eliminating many skin issues. Health News USA reports the following:

•         A 2019 report from the Arthritis Foundation found that 79% of the 2,600 arthritis patients surveyed had considered using CBD or had already used it. 29% percent said they currently used it for arthritis symptoms; among those using CBD, 55% used a topical product applied to the joints.
•         Research done by Halpert, in collaboration with the company Medterra CBD in Irvine, California, found that CBD is able to turn down the production of inflammatory markers.
•         In a small study with 20 patients published in 2019 in Clinical Therapeutics, a CBD ointment used over three months for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and scars significantly improved symptoms and signs of the skin disorders.

It seems that depending on the reason for the massage, CBD may be the better, more effective, and most rewarding oil to use in massage therapy. If the goal is pain relief, inflammation relief, and/or skin repair, a CBD massage would be a great choice. Check in with your local spa for CBD massage options. You may find that spas are combining the two types of oil for ultimate benefits.