Cannabis & Thai Massage: How CBD Oil Massage Can Enhance Your Experience

Thai massage mixes yoga-like movements with deep pressure and rhythmic stretches. It’s been used for centuries to promote well-being. By adding the healing properties of cannabis, the benefits of Thai massage can be elevated.

CBD oil is one such cannabis-infused product that can be used to improve the experience of a traditional Thai massage. By working in harmony with massage techniques, CBD (and other cannabis topicals) can help to alleviate both physical and emotional stress, increase blood flow, and ease muscle tension.

Topical cannabis for massage: A quick outlook

Cannabis oil massage is a healing practice that involves using marijuana-infused oil and balm products. These products contain active compounds, such as THC and CBD, that can be directly applied to the skin to relieve localised pain and promote a sense of calmness.

While research has shown marijuana to be an effective natural remedy for pain, the research on the topical side is limited – focussed largely on cannabidiol.

CBD has shown a lot of potential in stimulating pain relief and relaxing effects, which makes its use in therapeutic massage all the more interesting. It is:

• Non-psychoactive
• It has a good safety profile with minimal side effects
• It is well-tolerated in all doses
• It is fully legal

There are various types of cannabis-infused oil and balm available, each with different ratios of THC and CBD and other terpenes and cannabinoids that contribute to the overall effects. These products are sold under different spectrums:

• Isolate: Highly purified extracts containing only CBD or THC
• Broad-spectrum: CBD/THC extracts mixed with terpenes and flavinoids
• Full-spectrum: CBD mixed with THC and other cannabis compounds

When it comes to topicals, opting for a full-spectrum product could be a wise choice, thanks to the entourage effect. According to this theory, the various cannabis molecules work together to create a more powerful impact, exceeding the effects of isolated compounds.

Cannabis topicals do not get you high

In general, using topical cannabis products will not cause a psychoactive or intoxicating effect – especially if it contains only CBD from hemp plants.

Even full-spectrum ones with low levels of THC are unlikely to induce a psychoactive high. This is because topical use does not allow the cannabis molecules to penetrate the skin deeply enough to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain.

If a pure THC oil is used topically, some effects may be felt. It will still not be as intense as smoking marijuana or eating edibles.

That said, people have unique biologies, and some may experience mild cerebral effects – depending on the product and its concentration. In Thailand, CBD oils and balms usually contain less than 0.2% THC, which will not lead to any kind of high when applied on the skin.

How CBD topicals enhance massage therapy

Topical CBD products work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The system regulates a wide range of bodily functions, including pain and inflammation. It consists of receptors which are present throughout the body – including the skin layers.

When CBD is applied to the skin, it is absorbed through the pores, where it interacts with the receptors in the dermal layers. This can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension in the affected area. CBD topicals can also make you more relaxed, making them an excellent option for therapeutic massage.

Research has shown topical CBD can help with many skin conditions. Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also a useful remedy for chronic pain management. 

Incorporating the therapeutic practice of massage therapy with the benefits of cannabidiol can lead to a potent combination of natural healing and relaxation. It can help:

• Inflammation and chronic pain: Topical cannabis-infused products can reduce inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints.
• Sore muscles: The active compounds in cannabis-infused products help the muscles relax. This makes it easier for massage therapists to work out any tension or knots in the body.
• Stress and anxiety: Thai massage, in combination with cannabis-infused products, promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety levels. This can lead to a restful night’s sleep and ease symptoms associated with conditions such as anxiety and depression.
• Spiritual and meditative benefits: Cannabis-infused products can enhance the spiritual and meditative aspects of Thai massage. The terpenes and cannabinoids in the products promote a sense of relaxation, facilitating entry into a meditative state during the massage.

Thai body massage techniques & CBD

While Thai massage has its roots in the Indian Ayurvedic system, it has been influenced by many other traditions, including Chinese medicine. Interestingly, both systems have a long history of using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

Some key aspects of Thai massage include: 

• Assisted stretching: Thai massage involves a lot of assisted stretching, where the therapist helps the client move into various yoga-like positions. This helps to improve flexibility, range of motion, and overall mobility.
• Acupressure: Thai massage also involves a lot of acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to release tension and promote relaxation. Applying CBD topicals to the right pressure points can provide rapid relief.
• Sen lines: Thai massage practitioners also work with the body’s energy lines, known as sen lines. These lines are similar to meridians in traditional Chinese medicine and are believed to be channelled through which energy flows. By working with these lines, Thai massage therapists can help to balance the body’s energy and promote healing.
• Use of the feet: Thai massage involves the use of the therapist’s feet, as well as their hands, elbows, and knees. This allows for deeper pressure and more effective stretching, as well as a deep tissue massage that can help cannabinoids to enter the system more effectively.

How to add cannabis to your massage treatment

Visiting spas for massages infused with cannabis regularly may not be the most economical choice. However, as CBD gains popularity, more affordable cannabis massage options could become available in the future.

For now, what you can do is opt for CBD massage oils – like SEYA, Midnight, or Diip – and do the practice at home.

These products come in different concentrations – starting from 900 mg and going up to 3,000 mg.

For the best experience, it is recommended to seek out a skilled and experienced therapist who is familiar with Thai massage techniques and healing practices.

Alternatively, you may also massage the affected area gently yourself – this may not be a full-body one, but it does serve the purpose of providing relief.

You may also consume some THC-rich cannabis products like Indica strains (Northern Lights, OG Kush) for a ‘body high’ before going for the massage to enhance the healing powers of cannabis. A cup of cannabis tea before or after the massage can also do well.

Side effects to consider

Some people may be allergic to CBD or the other active ingredients used in the topical. A good trick is to apply a small amount and see if there is any reaction.

If you are ingesting cannabis, you may want to keep an eye out for common side effects like dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, etc. Many of these are well-tolerated and will fade away with time.

Cannabis-Infused Spa Treatments in Thailand

Since cannabis was legalised, many hotels offering luxury cannabis-infused spa treatment plans are popped up all over Thailand. They may use a combination of CBD massage oils and hemp oils or their own formulation. Some of the popular spas are:

• Loft Thai, Bangkok
• Anantara Spas, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui
• The Oriental Spa, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

An hour-long massage session starts from 2,000 THB.

Conclusion

Adding cannabis-infused products – namely CBD oil – into Thai massage can provide a range of therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, relaxation, and stress reduction.

By combining these two practices, individuals may experience an enhanced sense of well-being and a deeper connection to their body and spirit.

Further research into the potential of cannabis-infused products in massage is needed, and you should work with expert massage therapists for optimal health benefits.