CBD Massage Benefits - April 2024

How Can CBD May Increase the Benefits of Massage?
At Mayo Clinic, medical specialists may offer massage therapy to assist patients with cancer, heart disease, stomach issues, or fibromyalgia to manage their pain and stress⁽⁸⁾.

According to studies, some massage experience benefits are⁽⁹⁾:

• Helping lessen anxiety
• Improving the immune system
• Lessening of the pain and muscle tightness
• Enhancing relaxation

CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa plant. In pain management, CBD exhibits numerous comparable therapeutic properties⁽¹⁰⁾ to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive effect in cannabis⁽¹¹⁾.

However, CBD has a distinct pharmacologic profile as, in contrast, it is nonpsychoactive⁽¹²⁾.

CBD has been noted in some clinical studies to help relieve arthritis⁽¹³⁾ and chronic pain⁽¹⁴⁾.

Moreover, according to a study, CBD may prevent arthritis and joint inflammation⁽¹⁵⁾ by modifying how pain receptors react to particular stimuli.

CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) located in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) of humans and animals⁽¹⁶⁾. These receptors are essential to the pathophysiology of pain and inflammation.

The ECS can also maintain the balance of the body system or homeostasis⁽¹⁷⁾.

Thus, with the mentioned therapeutic benefits of CBD, using CBD products may increase the benefits of massage therapy.

The Potential Health Benefits of a CBD Massage
There are no direct studies on the potential benefits of a CBD massage. However, there are various potential benefits of CBD. Some of the purported therapeutic effects of cannabidiol are:

• CBD for anxiety⁽¹⁸⁾
• CBD for muscular pain⁽¹⁹⁾
• CBD for immune system⁽²⁰⁾
• CBD for skin conditions⁽²¹⁾

These benefits may be helpful when infused into massage therapy.

CBD for Anxiety and Relaxation
Based on scientific reports, massage has a relaxing effect⁽²²⁾.

CBD and its effects on the endocannabinoid system may be necessary for managing anxiety⁽²³⁾. There is a systematic review to assess the existing data on the safety and effectiveness of CBD for anxiety and anxiety-related diseases.

As a result, CBD has the potential as an alternative therapeutic intervention for anxiety that may be good for mental health⁽²⁴⁾.

Further trials with standardized dosing techniques and clinical outcome assessments are required to define the proper dose method for CBD and its anti-anxiety benefits.

CBD for Muscular Pain
Relaxing muscle tissues with massage treatment decreases unpleasant contractions and spasms⁽²⁵⁾. Additionally, massage may alleviate nerve compression.

Scientists at the Wyss Institute and Harvard applied precise, repeated forces to injured mice’s leg muscles⁽²⁶⁾. The researchers discovered that the subjects’ muscles managed to recover faster and stronger than untreated muscles, most likely due to the compression that squeezed inflammation-causing cells from the muscle tissue.

Inflammation reduction may be CBD’s most important function in muscle recovery⁽²⁷⁾.

The body’s reaction to tissue injury is inflammation. This inflammatory response is developed to defend higher species from infection and harm⁽²⁸⁾.

Cannabis plant extracts may decrease inflammation and minimize allergic reactions in animals with allergic and non-allergic diseases, according to studies⁽²⁹⁾.

CBD for Immune System
A recent study reveals that receiving a massage may not only help individuals relax but also boost their immune systems⁽³⁰⁾.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers found that 45-minute massages increased the amount of lymphocytes, aiding the body’s immune system⁽³¹⁾.

The massage caused other bodily changes⁽³²⁾. After the intervention, participants exhibited decreased levels of cytokines, which are chemicals that play a role in inflammation.

Meanwhile, several studies on immune responses and inflammation indicate that CBD is immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory⁽³³⁾.

To evaluate the effects of CBD in humans, a greater knowledge of CBD’s effects in response to a variety of immune stimuli and degrees of immune activation is necessary⁽³⁴⁾.

CBD for Skin Conditions
Massages have been shown to improve skin conditions⁽³⁵⁾.

Two studies showed that massage treatment improves children’s skin issues⁽³⁶⁾. Before debridement or dressing change, burn trauma center children had 30-minute massages. Massage-treated children were calmer.

Moreover, children with eczema who were massaged during medication application reported reduced anxiety⁽³⁷⁾. These children had decreased redness, skin thickening, scaling, skin picking, and itching (pruritus) during the massage.

The skin is a barrier against environmental stress that might result in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)⁽³⁸⁾. Oxidative stress may cause cell damage and inflammation if unchecked. Also, oxidative stress causes skin disorders and aging.

CBD enhanced the expression of multiple NRF2 target genes, with HMOX1 being the most significantly reduced by CBD in a study conducted in Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes(NHEK)⁽³⁹⁾.

NRF2 are transcriptional pathways that play a crucial function in regulating genes that govern the production of proteins. NRF2 genes are also essential for detoxifying and removing reactive oxygen species (ROS)⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) or HMOX1 is a necessary enzyme activated by heme and various triggers related to severe disease⁽⁴¹⁾.

In the same research, topical administration of CBD resulted in higher levels of HMOX1 and expression of proliferation and wound healing keratins (proteins that make up hair and skin) 16 and 17⁽⁴²⁾.

Not ordinarily expressed in the interfollicular epidermis, KRT6, 16, and 17 have been identified as barrier alarmins that are quickly activated in keratinocytes during injuries⁽⁴³⁾.

In addition, according to Nima Gharavi, MD, PhD, a dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at the Cedars-Sinai Cosmetic Dermatology Program, CBD may play a role in hydrating the skin and have anti-inflammatory effects⁽⁴⁴⁾.

Therefore, using skincare products containing CBD may aid in helping reduce dry skin and certain inflammatory skin disorders⁽⁴⁵⁾.

However, further studies are required to determine if CBD or other chemical compounds in the cannabis plant enhance skin quality and have other health advantages as self-care products⁽⁴⁶⁾.
CBD Massage vs. Regular Massage
In a regular massage, a skilled, registered medical practitioner (massage therapist) manipulates the body’s soft tissues like the muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin, during massage treatment⁽⁴⁷⁾.

The massage therapist employs variable massage techniques to target sore muscles, such as deep tissue massage or other well-known types of massages.

The only difference between a regular and a CBD massage is the lotion or oil applied to the skin. The massage therapist will use the cream or oil, which is infused with the CBD compounds, during a bodywork massage session.
How to Prepare for a CBD Massage
Individuals may wear loose and comfortable clothes to feel comfortable while they are having a massage.

Before individuals start a CBD massage, they need to ensure they are hydrated. Having the proper amount of water will help flush out toxins from the skin⁽⁴⁸⁾, so it is important to drink plenty of water before and during the massage.
What to Expect During a CBD Massage
A CBD massage is similar to a traditional massage in that the therapist may focus on trouble spots and work toward achieving particular objectives throughout the session.

If individuals know where they retain stress in their body and if they have any injuries, they should share this information with their massage therapist.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work Topically?
Individuals may ask how fast CBD oil should start working when applied topically. The answer is that it depends on the individual.

Generally, the full effects of CBD topicals are felt after 15 to 30 minutes⁽⁴⁹⁾.
Note that users may need to be aware of the possible side effects of CBD. As the use of the compound presents additional risks.
CBD may induce adverse effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fatigue, and drowsiness⁽⁵⁰⁾.
Can Individuals Rub CBD Oil on Their Skin for Pain?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, sometimes referred to as hemp oil, is an oil derived from hemp plants. There are studies on applying CBD for pain relief⁽⁵¹⁾.

CBD oil may be used as a pain reliever and may also be suitable for some skin conditions.

Cannabis-derived products may help enhance the lives of psoriasis patients by minimizing the negative effects of psoriasis symptoms, such as pain, itchiness, and difficulty sleeping⁽⁵²⁾.

Ongoing medical research may help elucidate the intricate methods by which cannabinoids such as CBD and THC affect health and modify biological systems such as the immune system⁽⁵³⁾.

CBD is often offered as oil or tinctures. The compound is also available as an extract, a vaporized liquid, oil, and capsules. Food, beverages, and cosmetic goods are some CBD-infused products accessible online.
Will a CBD Massage Show Up for a Drug Test?
Several elements affect the capacity of topically administered medications to permeate the different layers of skin⁽⁵⁴⁾.
Systemic absorption, in which the medication penetrates the layers of the epidermis and enters the bloodstream, is typically undesirable.
Thus, when topical CBD is absorbed, it does not reach the bloodstream and will not show in the drug test.
Although CBD can be beneficial for various health conditions, it is still essential to be careful when using it. There are no regulations regarding the production and marketing of CBD products. In some cases, traces of THC can be found in the supply.
However, if the product is manufactured and marketed honestly, it will not affect the results of a drug test.
Will CBD Massage Oil Make Individuals Feel High?

Due to both CBD and marijuana being produced from cannabis plants, individuals may believe they have similar benefits.

However, CBD taken alone is not psychoactive⁽⁵⁵⁾. Thus, CBD may not get individuals high.

Therefore, massage oil may increase overall well-being if CBD oil or topical products like massage cream do not contain substances the law requires.

Under United States federal law, CBD products must contain no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis.
On December 20, 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law⁽⁵⁶⁾. This bill provided for various farm programs and reforms.
The new law provides that certain federal authorities will no longer be able to prevent the production and marketing of hemp. It defines hemp as a plant that can contain seeds or any part of it, including cannabinoids, isomers, acids, and salts⁽⁵⁷⁾.
Moreover, the legislation removes hemp from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Thus, all cannabis derivatives, including those containing less than 0.3 percent THC, are no longer controlled substances.

1. Massage Therapy
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/massage-therapy/about/pac-20384595
2. Ten minutes of massage or rest will help your body fight stress
   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200918104305.htm
3. Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154431911930514X
4. How Does Massage Work?
   https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/how-does-massage-work
5. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
6. Massage therapy for skin conditions in young children
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16112449/
7. Should I Use CBD Products on My Skin?
   https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-beauty-products.html
8. Massage therapy
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/massage-therapy/about/pac-20384595
9. Ibid.
10. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
11. Cannabis and Pain Treatment—A Review of the Clinical Utility and a Practical Approach in Light of Uncertainty
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7000155/
12. Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246936/
13. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
14. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
15. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
16. The Endocannabinoid System as an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2241751/
17. Ibid.
18. Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154431911930514X
19. The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol and cannabigerol alone, and in combination
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1094553921000596
20. Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/
21. Should I Use CBD Products on My Skin?
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-beauty-products.html
22. Ten minutes of massage or rest will help your body fight stress
    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200918104305.htm
23. Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S154431911930514X
24. Ibid.
25. How Does Massage Work? https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/how-does-massage-work
26. Massage helps injured muscles heal faster and stronge
    https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/10/massage-helps-injured-muscles-heal-faster-and-stronger/
27. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7338332/
28. inflammation
    https://www.britannica.com/science/inflammation
29. The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol and cannabigerol alone, and in combination
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1094553921000596
30. Massages Boost the Immune System
    https://www.livescience.com/34910-massage-benefits-immune-system-100908.html
31. Ibid.
32. Ibid.
33. Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/
34. Ibid.
35. Massage therapy for skin conditions in young children
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16112449/
36. Ibid.
37. Ibid.
38. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
39. Ibid.
40. The Nrf2-Antioxidant Response Element Signaling Pathway and Its Activation by Oxidative Stress*
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2679427/
41. HMOX1 Gene Promoter Alleles and High HO-1 Levels Are Associated with Severe Malaria in Gambian Children
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3305414/
42. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
43. Keratin 6, 16 and 17—Critical Barrier Alarmin Molecules in Skin Wounds and Psoriasis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6721482/
44. Should I Use CBD Products on My Skin?
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-beauty-products.html
45. Ibid.
46. Ibid.
47. Massage Therapy
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/massage-therapy/about/pac-20384595
48. Water, Hydration and Health
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
49. ​​Healing with CBD, page 193
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
50. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700#
51. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
52. Can CBD help people with psoriasis find relief?
    https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/can-cbd-help-people-with-psoriasis-find-relief/2021/07
53. Ibid.
54. Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery: From Simple Potions to Smart Technologies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637104/
55. Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246936/
56. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
57. Ibid.