CBD Oil Massages: Benefits and Risks

CBD products are staples on the wellness scene—as is massage therapy. It seems only natural to merge them into a single self-care service: CBD oil massages. (Or CBD lotion massages.)

CBD massages are probably worth the price for some people, but you might fare just as well without the added hemp (and cost). Let's explore CBD massages and find out what makes them special.

What is CBD?

Maybe you’re new to hemp and CBD, or you’re on the fence about whether this service is anything special. Where does the “CBD” in “CBD massage” even come from? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the dominant active compound in the hemp plant. It’s a phytocannabinoid, meaning that it’s found naturally in cannabis plants and doesn’t need to be produced in a lab. CBD is created when CBDA, its acidic precursor, is converted by heat or other environmental conditions. This process is known as decarboxylation. 

Over the past several years, research into CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits has grown rapidly, resulting in lots of popular over-the-counter CBD therapies, and even an FDA-approved medication (Epidiolex) available by prescription to patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. 

CBD isn’t THC. Both are cannabis compounds (called cannabinoids), but they produce different effects. Even their legal statuses differ—which is fortunate for CBD massage seekers. 

What is CBD massage oil?

You can give or receive a massage with plain old CBD oil, but specialty massage oils are made just for massage. 

Standard oils are just CBD extract suspended in a carrier oil, usually bottled and paired with a pipette for dosing. Some even include flavoring. You can take CBD oils orally, sublingually (under the tongue), or add them to food. It’s an easy, flexible way to dose and administer the extract. 

CBD massage oil isn’t generally intended for ingestion. These products typically feature a wider range of plant extracts and essential oils, rather than one or two edible carrier oils. And they typically don’t contain flavorings. 

Massage oils tend to be thicker and less greasy, offering just enough lubrication for smooth, frictionless movements. 

What is a CBD massage?

With the growing list of potential CBD health benefits, the popular cannabinoid is marketed heavily to those looking to mentally decompress and soothe sore muscles. Massages tend to attract a similar audience.

What sets CBD massages apart from, say, a massage with jojoba and safflower oil is the use of CBD-infused oil. You get the benefits of topical CBD built right into your massage session, making it a desirable service for those who already use medicinal cannabis products, or are interested in trying them.

The body handles topical CBD differently than inhaled or edible forms. When cannabinoids are applied to the skin, they don’t reach the bloodstream or pass the blood brain barrier. They interact with local receptors and provide targeted relief to specific areas. 

Stay away from alcohol-based CBD tinctures for massages. Alcohol may cause dryness or irritation, while oils are skin-friendly. Fortunately, most so-called “CBD tinctures” are just oils in disguise—authentic tincture is rarer than you’d expect. Check the label before buying.

How do CBD massages work?

That really depends on your massage therapist. 

During a CBD massage, CBD oil is applied to the skin. It’s then kneaded in to promote absorption and improve blood flow, while giving you the muscle and tension relief of a traditional massage. 

No special technique is required for CBD massages. All you need is a high-quality, CBD-infused oil or lotion, and around an hour of your time. Everything else is up to the client and the massage therapist. Whether they opt for a Swedish, deep tissue, or sports massage depends on the concerns being addressed.

CBD massages are effective thanks to the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This vital cell-signaling network has receptors throughout the body, including in the skin. Because the ECS helps regulate pain and inflammation, compounds that bind to these receptors may soothe the joints and muscles beneath. 

Topical CBD doesn’t pass through all the layers needed to reach the bloodstream, but it can interact with ECS receptors near the surface.

CBD massage benefits

Without the human endocannabinoid system, CBD massages wouldn’t have benefits beyond the muscle or pain relief you’d get from any other massage. 

Massages can help with joint mobility, muscle tension, sleep quality, and sometimes even blood pressure. CBD just adds another beneficial layer of relief. 

Keep in mind that CBD massages won’t cure any skin or inflammatory conditions. You’ll need to see a doctor for that, but if you find that CBD helps regulate symptoms, this is a relatively low-risk option. Just make sure your massage therapist is aware of any diagnoses or pain you’re dealing with. 

• Skin conditions: Topical CBD can have skin-soothing effects. 
• Inflammation: As far as CBD’s benefits go, inflammation relief is supported by more research than just about any other. Transdermal CBD could even reduce arthritis inflammation; it’s unclear whether topical oils have a similar effect.
• Chronic pain: CBD seems to have analgesic properties. 

As impressive as these benefits are, CBD massages can’t provide all the benefits oral or inhaled CBD does. There’s growing evidence that CBD could have mental health perks and may be especially useful for anxiety management. However, since topical CBD (excluding transdermal patches) doesn’t reach the bloodstream, you aren’t likely to get those benefits. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean that a CBD massage can’t help with stress or anxiety. Massages themselves are known to relax the mind as much as the body. Aromatherapy can also be a useful asset in the quest to reduce mental tension, which is one reason massage oils are often infused with calming essences. 

Risks of CBD massage

Unless you have allergies or are sensitive to ingredients in the oil, CBD massages are low risk—or at least no riskier than any other massage. Be sure to hire a trusted, licensed massage therapist to ensure that your muscles are in good hands (literally). 

Allergic reactions to CBD massage oil are one possible (and small) risk. These could involve:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Red bumps or welts (hives)

Simple enough. If there’s skin irritation, you could be allergic to CBD or to another ingredient in the oil.

You can try a patch test, just to be safe. Applying a dab of CBD oil or cream to the skin can clue you in to a potential reaction. Try another oil if there’s irritation, and avoid products containing the same essential oils or extracts as the problem product. 

Massages aren’t intended for everyone, by the way. Talk to your doctor first (or avoid massages altogether) if you:

• Take blood-thinning medication
• Recently had a heart attack, blood clot, or fractured a bone
• Have severe osteoporosis
• Have open wounds or burns

That’s not the full list of reasons to skip CBD massages, but it’s a start. You can also check in with your massage therapist. They’ll let you know if they have any concerns, or whether any special accommodation is necessary.