How To Give a CBD Massage

How To Give a CBD Massage

If relaxation was a contest, CBD and massages might be in a close showdown for the grand prize. Their forces combined are a double-threat to chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and aching joints. 

As the name likely implies, a CBD massage isn’t too far off from a traditional massage. What makes it unique is its inclusion of CBD-infused products like creams or oils. But before you warm up your massaging fingers, there are some basics you’ll want to become familiar with.

What Is a CBD Massage?

A CBD massage is simply any type of massage that’s performed using CBD products. In fact, it may be more accurate to think of one as a CBD oil massage instead; the most popular CBD topical option for things of this nature is, without a doubt, oil.

Transdermal CBD products like oils allow CBD to absorb into the skin to work its magic. That means you can deliver localized treatment to the areas that need it most. 

Do CBD massages actually work?

For more reasons than one, the answer is a resounding yes – like other product options, CBD massages can and do actually make a difference. Massages themselves can be great for relieving chronic pain, and transdermal CBD can help reduce inflammation or melt away the stress of the day. 

Experts are already aware that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but exactly how it might function on the skin is a bit unclear. Research into the way CBD and other cannabinoids interact with receptors in the skin is still developing, but what we already know shows a lot of potential. For example, one study found that transdermal CBD could help lower inflammation and pain levels in a rat model. 

While we certainly aren’t rodents, our endocannabinoid systems aren’t too far off from those of other animals. It stands to reason that what works for Remy and friends might work for us, too.

Currently, more studies examining the bioavailability of CBD for human skin and other unanswered questions about unconventional CBD use are being conducted. Within a few years, it’s likely we’ll know a lot more specific details about how to best use transdermal products as a form of pain management. 

How To Give a CBD Oil Massage, Step by Step

So, you’ve decided to roll up your sleeves and get to work – luckily for you, giving a CBD massage is pretty straightforward. You’ll want to follow the same basic procedure you might for any other massage. But, because you’ve got a secret weapon, you’ll probably find that technique is far less important than the CBD product itself.

Let’s take a quick look at the fundamentals of any good massage:

1. Grab your products and tools

Before you do any actual massaging, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly set up. Choose or make your massage oil, grab a few towels, and find a good place to perform your massage. Keep in mind that some oils may stain certain surfaces, so choose wisely. 

Next, it’s time to set the vibe. How you do this is up to you, but we recommend turning to things like ambient lighting, candles or essential oils, and your favorite music. Finally, settle into your ideal set-up. If you’re massaging another person, make sure they are comfortable and relaxed in an appropriate position.

2. Decide which areas to target and plan accordingly

Different body parts might benefit from different massage techniques. A back, for example, might be a better place to use your whole hands to rub the skin, but for bonier areas like shoulders, gently squeezing muscles might be a better way to work them. 

Get a quick mental picture of where you’ll be massaging before you get oily to minimize the mess and get things done efficiently. 

3. Locate soft muscle tissue, not bones

Remember, you’re here to massage muscles (primarily), not hard, unyielding bones. Take a moment to feel around for any bones in the area in question. The areas around these bones that feel squishy and a bit firm are your targets. 

It’s important to do this and be mindful of it because putting pressure on bones and joints may cause injury, pain, or inflammation. You can, of course, still massage skin surrounding bones, joints, tendons, etc., but you’ll probably need to be a lot gentler than you would be for, say, a lower back muscle. 

4. Knead muscles with even pressure

Now it’s time for the real action. After applying a small amount of oil to your hands and the skin in question to minimize friction, you can begin to work from top to bottom to fully massage the muscle. 

You should use enough pressure to feel the muscles beneath the skin move and relax, but not enough to cause yourself or your massage buddy any pain. Avoid using your body weight to push down. Your fingers and palms should be more than handy enough to get the job done.

Take your time as you do this, too. The more time and attention you devote to each muscle, the more likely you’ll be to feel serious relief and relaxation.

How To Make CBD Massage Oil

Sure, you can buy a product marketed specifically as a CBD massage oil (and there’s no shame in doing so, either), but it’s also incredibly easy to make it yourself. This can help you save serious bank while also giving you more control over the experience you have.

To craft your dream CBD massage oil, follow these basic steps:

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• Choose a CBD product. The best way to make CBD massage oil is by using CBD flower that’s been decarboxylated in the oven. If you have a generic or other type of CBD oil, you may be able to add it to a carrier oil for the sake of massaging, or just use it as-is.

• Choose a carrier oil. Pick an oil that won’t irritate your skin, will be an appropriate texture at room temperature, and won’t leave behind any messy residue. Things like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil can be great options. You might also consider adding essential oils for fragrance.

• Mix your massage oil. Add your decarbed CBD flower or other product to your carrier oil in a pot over low heat. It’s key to avoid overheating your oil so that you don’t destroy any of the cannabinoids you brought out through decarbing. A good rule of thumb is to keep your oil under 200℉ and stir frequently.

• Store properly. You’ll likely need to strain the flower from your new CBD massage oil before adding it to a closable, air-tight container for storage. Allow your oil to cool a bit before you do this so you don’t burn yourself. Once prepared, you can keep your oil in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it.

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If you want to use a CBD oil that is deemed “edible” for your massage, read our blog here.

Benefits of a CBD Massage

When done properly, a CBD oil massage can help combat inflammation that might cause tightness or pain, help loosen and relax muscles, and promote a sense of overall wellness that’s hard to beat. 

Regular massages may even help you manage chronic pain and make it easier to pursue other things like exercise. It’s also generally true that CBD can be great for mobility, so using it as an additional tool to combat any unwanted symptoms is a low-risk, high-reward endeavor. 

What are the side effects of a CBD massage?

There are typically little to no side effects associated with CBD, including CBD oils used for massaging. You may experience some irritation to your skin (itching, redness, bumpiness, etc.), but this is more likely to stem from the carrier oil than the actual CBD in your product. 

As always, it’s best to speak with a doctor before starting or stopping any medication plan, including those that involve CBD. This is also a great opportunity to address any concerns you may have about side effects and learn how to make CBD oil work for you.

How long do the effects of a CBD massage last?

You can generally expect the peak of your relief from pain to be within about 4-6 hours of use. The exact timeframe of these effects can depend a lot on how much product you used, how strong it was, and the quality of your oil itself. Unlike other pain relief options, though, you can reuse CBD oil frequently throughout the day without really increasing your risk of side effects.

Find the Right Products for the Best CBD Massage

Giving a CBD massage is actually pretty simple, but finding the right products to help you maximize its benefits sometimes isn’t. Our team is equipped with the expertise and experience necessary to get the right products for your needs in your hands. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation or to learn more.

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