Cannabidiol
(CBD)
Welcome to the CBD crash course! While there is a ton of information on this page, it is by NO MEANS a substitute for your own research nor is it intended to replace the advice of your trusted medical professional. Nothing here is meant to be taken as a diagnosis or treatment for any illness or condition.
What is CBD
What is it and where does it come from?
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is extracted from either cannabis itself, or from the hemp plant. Hemp is the close, non-intoxicating cousin of cannabis.
Will CBD make me feel
"high"? How does it work?
Short answer. No. While CBD and THC can both be extracted from the same plant (cannabis), CBD products contain little to no THC and will not leave you feeling "high". THC is the cannabinoid that produces the "high" effect and unlike THC, CBD does not bind with the CB1 receptors found throughout the body. CBD is however, attracted to and binds with CB2 receptors, which play a major role in the body's response to pain and
inflammation. As well as aiding in immunity and other metabolic processes.
How is it used in my practice?
I use a high-grade, cruelty free, community and ethically conscious topical that comes in the form of oil or pain cream. This is incorporated into your full body massage or used on targeted areas. To learn more about the product I use, please visit:
The Good Stuff
The benefits of using CBD in your massage
CBD is gaining popularity, and for good reason! These are just a FEW of the benefits that CBD can provide:
Easing anxiety and depression. This is a big one! Due to its calming and stress relieving properties, some research has shown that CBD can be effective in reducing anxiety and it shows huge promise in reducing stress related depression. Being so calm and relaxed also produces overall mood-boosting benefits that can last for hours after the experience. Massage alone can accomplish this to a certain degree, so why not take it to the next level by adding CBD? Euphoric.
Relieving Muscle Pain and Inflammation. CBD is known for being a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it an effective tool in your pain management toolbox. CBD can help treat chronic pain by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles and joints while releasing tension as the cannabinoids enter the system (endocannabinoid system) through the skin. Because CBD doesn't leave you feeling "high" you can enjoy the intense relaxation of this particular massage long after the massage is over. Did you know? Some studies also indicate that CBD can also be effective against nerve pain and the pain left from surgical incisions. Amazing!
Helping with Insomnia. While the reasoning of why CBD helps with insomnia is still not entirely understood, science believes that the calming, stress relieving, anxiety and depression reducing properties are the driving force behind why CBD can help promote a good night's sleep. Did you ever notice how good you sleep after a regular massage? Add CBD to elevate the relaxation and set the course for a night of deep, restful sleep.
Relieve Inflammatory Skin Conditions. On top of being intensely moisturizing, when interacting with the endocannabinoid system CBD is credited with not only the anti-inflammatory effects mentioned above. It can also take on anti-itch, anti-aging and even anti-cancer properties as well. While one session isn't going to change your life, it will immediately leave your skin feeling more soft and supple and over time can make a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Some of the skin conditions that CBD is thought to help with are:
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Acne
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Itchy skin
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Atopic dermatitis
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Eczema
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Psoriasis
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Skin pain and sensitivity
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Possibly skin cancer (CBD is also a powerful antioxidant. More research is needed here, but it's looking positive!)
While the list of benefits that CBD can provide is long and full of potential... we are not all built and wired the same. It's true that most people tolerate CBD just fine, but it is also possible that some of us won't feel the same effects as another and reactions can happen. Especially if you've never used CBD before, there is a possibility that you might experience something unexpected. It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to find out if CBD is safe for you as it can interact with the medications you are already taking. Below is a list of possible side effects.
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Nausea
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Dry mouth
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Drowsiness or fatigue. This can increase and intensify with the use of alcohol
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Diarrhea
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Increased irritability, agitation or other mood changes
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It can interact with OTC (over the counter medication) such as Tylenol
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May or may not affect appetite
Studies about CBD and it's effects and benefits are available online. Please take the time to research so that you can make the best and most informed decisions for your health.
Don't let the possible side effects of CBD scare you away from trying it. Truth is, most people tolerate it extremely well! But it's always better to be safe about your exploration. Ask the questions and do the research. The same can be said when shopping around for CBD products too. As all are not created equal. There are varying strengths and qualities floating around out there and it's important that you are exploring the highest quality products. Here are a few helpful tips to help make the best of your CBD experience.
Purchase from a reputable company. Don't cut corners. Sometimes you really get what you pay for. Reputable companies explain their sourcing and testing methods to ensure proper product descriptions, quality and the safety of their products.
Pay attention to CBD content. This is important because there are CBD products out there that also contain THC. So read labels and descriptions to make sure you are getting the product that is right for YOU. Keep in mind, that if you are worried about drug screenings, or catching that feeling of being "high", a product containing THC can impact those factors.
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Full Spectrum: These products most commonly contain THC and the other compounds from the cannabis plant.
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Broad Spectrum: These products contain all of the compounds from the cannabis plant, minus the THC.
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CBD Isolate: Purest form of CBD. Does not contain any other compounds from the cannabis plant.
Consider your delivery method. While I ONLY use topicals in my practice, you might decide to explore other delivery methods of CBD. Other delivery methods can produce different stages of effectiveness and how long that effectiveness can last. This is an area of exploration where research is really going to come in handy. Just be safe and do what's best for you!
Look at additional ingredients. Like many other supplements, it's important to know the full ingredient list. Is there possibility for allergic reaction? Are there any unnecessary additives? All important questions to ask.
Expiration dates, lot and batch numbers. Make sure your products are not expired, or related to bad batch numbers. Alternately, if you discover that it IS a bad batch, you should be able to report it back to the company or distributer. If the company is reputable, they might offer to replace your product.