CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, which is a non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive Phytocannabinoid (simply called Cannabinoid), and one of the more than 100 identified Cannabinoids found in Cannabis plants.
Together with Tetrahydrocannabinol (usually abbreviated as THC) — the well-known psychoactive Cannabinoid found in Cannabis — it belongs to the most popular group of Phytocannabinoids.
In the past few years, CBD has become a sought-after herbal drug associated with a range of health benefits, and used, for instance, for topical applications in massage therapies. Subsequently, the name CBD Massage (or CBD Oil Massage) came into use, which refers to a massage treatment where CBD oil (a base or carrier oil infused with CBD) is massaged into the skin.
Do mind that oils are not the only way of topical use; balms, lotions, serums, salves, gels, tinctures, and creams that are used to give massage may also contain CBD.
CBD products that are used to massage may be applied to the entire body — making it a Full Body CBD Massage session — or they may be applied only to specific areas or body parts in order to address certain health conditions or (chronic) pains.
The types of massages given vary widely, and can consist of any massage treatment modality, such as Classic Massage (Swedish Massage), Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Facial Massage or Foot Massage, to give some examples.
To be clear, one doesn’t “get high” from CBD, because the liquid extract characteristically contains just a very little percentage of THC. The THC ratio is usually less than 0.3%, a percentage commonly associated with industrial Hemp, which, depending on the country or state, is often considered the legal limit for the amount of THC. Nevertheless, there are many variances in the CBD dosage used in oils, and as such that can certainly make for differences in working and efficacy.
In any case, it’s thought that CBD can alleviate or cure a range of conditions and discomforts, such as anxiety, stress, headaches, joint inflammations, insomnia, cognitive issues (such as remembering, concentrating, decision making), skin problems, digestion problems, muscle fatigue, high blood pressure, bad appetite, movement disorders, and pains.
It’s also said to improve the overall immune system. Additionally, CBD oil seems to relax receivers significantly, making deep tissue massage work easier for the massage therapist.
CBD for medical use is still in its infancy and it needs to be said that much more scientific research is needed to determine the exact health benefits of using CBD, the specific doses needed to treat certain conditions, the (short term) side effects, and the long term effects of sporadic and/or regular i.e. chronic use.