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CBD Oil Benefits and Uses in Massage Therapy

6/15/2018

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CBD oil has been getting a lot of attention lately and you may be wondering what it is and how it works. Firstly CBD is not marijuana and does not have any psychoactive effects. It stands for cannabidiol which is one of over 85 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, which include hemp and marijuana plants. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD thus most CBD products are derived from the hemp plant. CBD is extracted from the plant and added to carriers and called CBD oil.
 
What is a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are the primary compounds that make up the cannabis plants. Cannabinoids can also be found in other plants and the human body. The main ones you have probably heard of are THC and CBD. THC is higher in marijuana which gives it psychoactive properties, whereas hemp plants contain less than .3% of THC.

How does CBD work in your body?

The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates messages from cannabinoids in the body. Some of these cannabinoids are made in the body and called endocannabinoids. Others are consumed as phytocannabinoids in plants such as flax, chocolate and carrots. The ECS helps to regulate processes such as pain, sleep and immune response. This system has two receptors, CB1 and CB2 and they are found in every organ including the skin. THC attaches to CB1 receptors which control, appetite, cognition, mood, coordination and movement. CBD effects CB2 receptors which regulate pain and inflammation throughout the immune system. It was thought that CBD was able to bind to the receptors in the ECS, but new research is showing that it actually triggers the body to make its own endocannabinoids which then bind to the receptors helping to regulate pain and other responses.
 
What are the benefits of CBD oil?

1.Relieves pain and inflammation
Research suggests that CBD can work to reduce pain by inhibiting neuronal transmission in pain pathways. It has proven especially effective in treating pain from multiple sclerosis and inflammation and pain from arthritis.
2. Reduces anxiety
Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety in patients with social anxiety, OCD, panic disorders and PTSD by creating a calming effect.
3. Helps fight cancer
Research shows CBD might work as an anti-cancer agent by reducing inflammation and blocking cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
4. Relieves nausea
5. May treat seizures and other neurological disorders
6. Antipsychotic effects
7. Skin health
CBD can help to treat skin infections such as eczema and psoriasis which can benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects. It is also helpful in treating burns. It can also improve the overall health of your skin, reducing acne and improving elasticity.
 
Usage
CBD can be taken orally in a concentrate that can be mixed in a drink, or in capsules. It can also be used topically mixed in a carrier oil. Topical use is most effective for relieving pain. Research has shown that subjects do not build a tolerance to CBD therefore it is not necessary to continually raise dosage.
 
CBD Oil and Massage

    Using CBD oil in a massage is a great way to increase the pain and stress relieving benefits of massage therapy. Since the endocannabinoid receptors are found on the skin, by receiving a full body massage with CBD the receptors all over your body are being affected. If you are experiencing chronic pain or even just some muscle tension, CBD oil can help to relieve it.
    CBD oil can increase the absorption of anything it is mixed with so it is best to use a 100% organic carrier oil. CBD is fat soluble, so it is stored in fat cells rather than water. I use organic coconut oil as a carrier because its 80% saturated fat content makes it the perfect carrier for CBD. The fatty acids in the coconut oil make it a strong binding agent and when mixed with CBD, help it to be absorbed in the bloodstream and carried to the entire body.
    If you are curious about CBD but aren’t ready to commit to purchasing it, trying it in a massage is a great place to start. You can add CBD to any massage for $10.
 
Final Thoughts

To summarize, CBD is an effective treatment for a wide variety of ailments and can help to improve overall health. It does not get you high and will not show up on a regular drug test. CBD massage can benefit everyone especially those with chronic pain and inflammation. There are no significant side effects to CBD, the most commonly reported side effect is tiredness and in some diarrhea, and changes in weight and appetite. CBD has not yet been approved by the FDA for any treatment as research is still fairly new and ongoing.


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Massage Therapy for Headaches and Migraines

6/6/2018

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     June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, nearly 36 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. There are many causes of headaches and migraines, and stress and tension can either cause or play a major role in their onset and severity. There have been several research studies to determine the effectiveness of massage therapy for headaches and migraines with findings indicating massage as an effective tool in their treatment.

    Massage primarily works to relieve these symptoms by releasing tension in the neck and shoulder region and the suboccipitals (the muscles at the base of the skull). Muscle spasms can also be reduced through the release of this tension. Hormone chemical changes can also be a trigger for migraines. Cortisol which is commonly known as the stress hormone, can be controlled and reduced by massage, which also increases endorphin production through the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Massage increases overall blood flow and circulation which improves oxygen levels, helping to reduce pain.

Here are some tips to stop headaches before they start

Avoid triggers
If certain foods or scents have triggered headaches in the past, it could be time to make a note of them and avoid them at all costs. Things like caffeine, cigarette smoke, and bright lights can be a big culprit in spurring on pain, but it doesn’t have to be that obvious. Perfumes, loud noises, flowers, and even lunch meat have the power to make you miserable.

Workout often
Exercising on a regular basis reduces tension and can help prevent headaches. Choose something you enjoy doing - walking, biking, kayaking, hiking, etc. - and follow the proper guidelines for the exercise you’re engaging in. That means stretching and warming up slowly. And don’t forget proper hydration.

Eat and sleep regularly
Lack of sleep and skipping meals can aggravate symptoms for the migraine sufferer. Make sure you are getting enough fluids and are eating meals at regular times. Lack of sleep (or even getting too much sleep) will also aggravate symptoms, so implement routine and stick to it.

Control stress
Stress. Stress. Stress. It happens. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid. The only thing we can change is our response to it. Learn techniques to reduce stress levels like breathing, yoga and meditation. You can also combat stress with a massage, a long walk, a hot shower, or whatever you need to do to take the edge off.

Acknowledging the triggers and patterns surrounding your migraine episodes will help you figure out what’s causing them and minimize your chances of experiencing headache pain.


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    Hannah is a Massage Therapist in Bel Air, Maryland.

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