I Got a CBD Massage — Now I'm a New, Chill Woman
The benefits are incredible.
by FAITH XUE
reviewed by KIANA REEVES Sex Educator, Doula & CBD Expert fact checked by ANNA HARRIS ON MAY 21, 2021
Let me just start by saying that there's nothing I hate more than when people tell me to "relax." As a highly emotional person, this is possibly the worst thing you can say to me when I'm feeling stressed or high-strung, and I guarantee that I will do the exact opposite the second I hear those words (my ex-boyfriends can attest!). Therefore, I felt like I had come to a place that understood me when I walked into NYC's Chillhouse and saw that all the staff were wearing shirts that said, "Don't tell me to relax." Finally, a place full of kindred spirits who understood me. If more people realized that relaxing is not just something you can tell yourself to do, the world might be a more understanding place.
For me, the concept of relaxing often feels like a nice but unrealistic fairytale. Yes, of course, I'd like to Zen out and release tension from my body and mind. Now, would someone explain to me how I'm supposed to do that? Clearing your thoughts and allowing yourself to slip into deep relaxation is something that feels quite unattainable in a world where information is exchanged at lightning speed and there's always, always something on your mind—from work stress to realizing you really underestimated Jessica Biel after watching season one of The Sinner (just me?). Anyway, all of this goes to say that I walked into Chillhouse feeling hopeful but slightly dubious about the de-stressing benefits promised by its CBD massage, an add-on you can choose to boost any of its normal massages for just $15.
What Is a CBD Massage?
First of all, let's talk about CBD—full name cannabidiol—which is non-psychoactive and is found in high concentrations in cannabis and hemp (not to be confused with THC, which is the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant that people associate with the "high" feeling). When incorporated into a massage, the only difference is the product used not the massage technique itself. So, while it sounds like something much different than a traditional rub-down, a CBD massage is just that: a massage performed with CBD-infused oils and creams.
Potential Benefits of a CBD Massage
- Calms inflammation
- Soothes anxiety
- Reduces chronic pain
- Melts tension
Health-wise, incorporating CBD into your routine has been shown to have amazing anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and antibacterial properties, and lately, there's been a boom of CBD products and treatments in the wellness space.
In terms of the benefits of CBD massage specifically, "CBD oil has natural anti-inflammatory effects that can more effectively soothe sore muscles and joints, which makes it great for massages," explains Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, Chillhouse founder. "It encourages the body to speed up the healing process and is beneficial in relieving anxiety as well as gastric distress. Our CBD cream also has arnica and lidocaine, which allows for additional anti-inflammatory benefits." (As a note, arnica is a common natural ingredient that people swear helps reduce bruising and muscle fatigue more quickly, and lidocaine gives a soothing, cooling feeling). Ramirez-Fulton is clearly a CBD believer and told me that if she ever can't make it in for a massage, she'll turn to her inventory of CBD oils and creams. The second she puts them on her shoulders or anywhere tense, she feels temporary relief. "For creams, I love Lord Jones ($60) and Cannuka ($28). For ingestibles, I love Soul Addict's hemp butter ($35) and Cap Beauty's The Daily Hit," she says. "Hard to say what's working for me long-term, but I'm overall less stressed these days, so something's gotta be working!"
CBD Massage vs. Regular Massage
As mentioned, the biggest difference between a CBD massage and a regular massage is the CBD. When it comes to Chillhouse (and most massage studios for that matter), the kneading technique doesn't change. That way clients are able to really tell the difference of the CBD inclusion alone, as opposed to trying to figure out what's a result of the CBD and what's due to the rubbing motions.
How to Prepare for a CBD Massage
Just chill. No, but really, when it comes to getting a CBD massage, the whole point is to reach peak relaxation, so don't stress out over how to prepare for the rubdown. Simply arrive as you would to any other massage and get excited for a calming CBD experience.
What to Expect During a CBD Massage
As someone who also wants to feel less stressed overall, I immediately took her up on her offer to experience the CBD massage. I told the masseuse that I'd like her to focus the CBD part of the massage on my shoulders, which always holds a million knots from sitting hunched in front of a computer all day. As I laid facedown on the massage bed, I felt the familiar hurricane of thoughts begin to swirl in my mind. Deadlines, upcoming projects, what I'd be eating for dinner (one of my favorite things to think about)… I tried to quiet my mind and focus on my breathing using a meditation technique I had learned last year that involved counting up to eight while picturing the shape of the number eight. It worked. I felt my shoulders unclench (though that may have been because of my skilled massage therapist). The last thing I remember was feeling a slight cooling, chilly feeling on my shoulder blades. Then, the next thing I knew, my masseuse was gently shaking me awake and telling me she was done. A full hour had passed. It felt like minutes. Slightly surprised at just how quickly it had gone by and how the tension in my shoulders seemed to have all but melted away, I floated out of the room in a hazy cloud. I felt inexplicably calm and, yes, relaxed. If someone told me at that moment to relax, I probably would have smiled serenely and said, "I am. Isn't it lovely?"
Side Effects
While many people swear by topical CBD, more research needs to be done. Currently, the majority of the studies on CBD pertain to oral dosages, which, in some cases, have been associated with diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, and more.2 None of these results, however, have been tied to topical use as of now. As such, when considering a CBD massage, remember that, while it seems like everyone on social media is singing CBD's praises, the science isn't all there (yet).
Aftercare
Bliss out. That's it. Simple as that. Following a CBD massage, there's no need to immediately hop in the shower—in fact, it's advised against. By going about the rest of your day with the CBD cream still intact, you'll be able to benefit from the calming ingredient for hours to come.
The Final Takeaway
If you have the opportunity to incorporate CBD oil into a massage or facial treatment, I highly recommend it. It adds another level of relaxation, and you'll emerge a chiller, less anxious person. As a very un-chill, anxious person, I can attest.
