So what is CBD?
No matter where you go these days, you hear about CBD. It’s in massage oils, tinctures, gummies, even lotion at the grocery store. In just a few short years, the CBD market has exploded, with an overwhelming range of products available. Yet many of us do not understand what CBD is, how it works, or how to choose a product.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD, Cannabidiol, is one of over 100 different plant cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa L. plant species. The most commonly known cannabinoid from this plant is THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive, and has been found to have a wide range of potential health benefits. Since most marijuana plants have a relatively low amount of CBD, usually owing to their high THC content, most CBD on the market today comes from hemp plants, which are now federally legal to grow as per the 2018 Farm Bill.
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In the early 1990’s scientists discovered a system of receptors and naturally occurring molecules in the human body that mimics the molecular shape of plant cannabinoids, and named it the endocannabinoid system. Moreover, they discovered that the presence of plant cannabinoids, such as CBD, trigger our body’s natural endocannabinoid production and essentially help to “turn on” the endocannabinoid system to its full effect.
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The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis within our various body systems. In other words, it exists to return us to biological harmony when we have gotten out of balance. Further study revealed that endocannabinoid receptors are present all over the body: in the brain and nerves, skin, immune system, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, muscles, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, reproductive organs and intestinal tract. In each of these areas, the endocannabinoid system works to return the body to homeostasis and optimum functioning.
CBD, by stimulating our own endocannabinoid system, has been found to have an effect on a wide variety of biological functions, such as pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function.
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Many of the benefits of CBD are to be gained from taking an internal CBD product, such as a tincture or edible. Due to CBD’s interaction with certain medications, a consultation with a doctor is recommended before internal use. A CBD massage, on the other hand, is safe for everyone, making the benefits of CBD accessible for all, while enjoying the gifts of touch.
When considering a topical CBD product, such as an oil or cream, it is important to look at the ingredients. Many oils, such as almond or coconut oil, are not able to penetrate the many layers of the skin, so CBD blended in these oils are not effective in carrying the CBD into the deeper layers of tissue. There are, however, specific carrier oils, as well as several essential oils, that are able to permeate the skin layers and into the tissues below, entering the muscles, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When CBD is blended with these specific oils, it is able to deliver the CBD into deeper tissue layers optimizing its benefit to the body.
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Eight Benefits of a CBD Massage:
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Reduces post-workout soreness and muscle fatigue
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Decreases back, shoulder and neck pain
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Assists with arthritis pain and joint inflammation
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Reduces inflammation due to strain or injury
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Helps with sore feet, plantar fasciitis, or bunions
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Decreases discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy
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Helps with fibromyalgia pain
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Addresses skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne mosquito bites
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PHYSICAL BENEFITS
CBD has many physical benefits you can reap by having it massaged into your skin. It helps to alleviate inflammation, reduce pain, improve blood pressure, improve the health and appearance of skin, aid in muscle recovery, and much more. Massage therapy also offers a plethora of benefits to your physical health, including speeding up muscle recovery, reducing tension in fascia and soft tissue, reducing pain, relieving headaches, improving digestion, and improving overall quality of sleep.
By combining the many benefits of CBD and massage, you can help reduce unwanted symptoms like pain or inflammation while increasing overall physical health and wellbeing.
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MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
In addition to the many physical benefits of CBD massage, there are many mental and emotional health benefits for you to enjoy. Both CBD and massage are individually used to alleviate stress and reduce anxiety. Both are excellent ways to naturally improve your mental health, calm your mind, and banish the stresses you’re dealing with. Combining the two increases the effectiveness of each treatment and can help you relax your mind and body beyond what you can achieve on your own. If you find yourself in need of something to help you unwind and reduce stress levels, CBD massage is the perfect choice. As either a one-time pampering treatment or a regular part of your self-care routine, CBD massage is also an excellent choice for people who suffer from sleep disorders. Practicing self-care in the form of CBD massage is a great way to invest in your overall health and happiness.
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The perks of having a CBD Massage
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