If massage therapy has so many benefits such as soothing tight muscles, easing nerve pain and reducing stress, why would a massage therapist promote CBD to their clients? 

The answer is easy – CBD is a great tool to continue the healing process at home between treatments. It also makes a great oil to use during a massage treatment and enhances the soothing effects that massage therapy has on the body. A reputable massage clinic will do their research into the best product to offer their clients that give the best results.

With so many brands to choose from, how do you choose a product best for you and your needs but only a select few who meet all the criteria that makes the product worthy to put on or in someone’s body. Here are the top 5 things to look for in a good CBD product:

1. Hemp grown in the US without pesticides or fertilizers from organic farms is preferable over hemp from overseas that has no agricultural regulations
2. Products are evaluated by a 3^rd party lab to verify contents, purity and levels of CBD
3. Innovative and state of the art extraction methods that do not use harsh chemicals to ensure consistent levels of CBD and other trace ingredients from the whole hemp plant, while eliminating the presence of THC 
4. Good manufacturing practices by an FDA Registered Facility that takes necessary steps to achieve the registration for environmentally safe manufacturing, packaging, and distribution efforts
5. Other ingredients in product are organic, natural, gluten-free, vegan, and safe on skin

What is CBD? 

It is the chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant (Hemp) and accounts for 40% of the plant’s extract. It is a naturally occurring substance that is in products like oils and edibles to impart the feeling of relaxation and calm. It does not have the psychoactive effects of marijuana because the THC is separated from the CBD. Only less than 3% of THC (Full Spectrum) can remain in any CBD product and be legal to sell in most states and in IL. Products with all the THC filtered out are Broad Spectrum or Isolates.

Throughout your body there are receptors that are part of the cannabinoid system. It is a class of diverse chemical compounds that alter neurotransmitter releases in the brain that emit effects such as relief of pain, spasms, stress, anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and aids sleep. These effects can complement any massage therapy program and other healthcare practices that can reduce the need for opioids or anti-inflammatories. It is always best to consult a physician when ingesting anything that may interfere with other medications you may be taking.

Sublingual oil tinctures and capsules can take 30-45 minutes to enter your bloodstream and may last up to 7 hours. Gummies could take an hour or more. Each product can have different amounts of CBD, labeled as milligrams. If you are new to CBD, start with lower amounts, follow label directions, and increase gradually. The daily limit is 50 mg per day unless prescribed by a physician.

Topical CBD products such as massage oils can be immediately calming and create pain relief within a brief time of application. Add an essential oil like lavender and you have a great combination for relaxation. If you have not tried CBD products, you are missing out on the latest natural health trend that could change the way you view the cannabis plant.