Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all just take a deep breath and get away from the stressors of the world? Now while I can’t completely get away (or forget the trauma of a year that was 2020), there are a few ways I can let go and destress. That said, as I walked into the newly opened AltBeauty Clinic, located in Sandton, Johannesburg, and created by Dr. Nicole Kanaris, I was feeling hopeful and curious about the de-stressing benefits promised by their CBD medical massage treatment.
That said, if you’re wondering how someone would decide to launch a new clinic during a pandemic, Dr. Kanaris has a simple answer.
“I needed to do something that was fun and innovative and niche, and I always wanted to open up the new franchise” Dr. Kanaris explained, adding that besides having sick patients, her first clinic didn’t see a decline in our patient base. As for why she chose CBD?
“My mother had a bad experience with CBD and landed up in the hospital, and then I just realized I wanted to do something that was reputable, reproducible, reliable. I think it’s a good space to be in… With aesthetics, you have to find the niche and this is the niche”
What Is a CBD Massage?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound that is extracted from cannabis and has grown into the most popular wellness ingredient of all time. CBD’s science and interest have surpassed that of other natural ingredients such as green tea and apple cider vinegar.
Photo by Benjamin Brunner on Unsplash
So, there’s nothing too different between a CBD massage and a regular massage when it comes to a massage. As opposed to lotions and body butter, a CBD massage is a massage performed with CBD-infused oils and creams.
What are its benefits?
Health-wise, we all know that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, and this has been credited for the number of benefits that the compound provides, including during a massage.
In regards to massage, the anti-inflammatory properties found in CBD can help to soothe sore muscles, joints, and other body aches. Additionally, CBD has been found to help relieve both stress and anxiety, therefore incorporating it in your massage can effectively help you de-stress.
Dr. Kanaris also shares her two cents on the benefits of CBD;
“I’m not on board with getting high, I’m on board with what the properties are and how it’s going to help and change your life… For me, I’ve seen wonders, especially for pain management”
What Should I Expect During a CBD Massage?
Before my actual massage started, I indulged in a CBDtini – CBD-infused collagen shot. The shot is a mixture of Gold Collagen liquid supplement and CBD, and it was intended to prep me for what was to come, and suffice to say, it definitely calmed me down. While I enjoyed my shot, Dr. Kanaris shared the uniqueness behind her brand of CBD massages,
“Most people go for massages, and they want a luxury massage – which we offer, but the difference is that it’s by a medical professional.” she explained, “It’s someone who knows your body, and they know exactly what they’re doing… There’s science behind it.”
Throughout the hour-long, full-body, massage, my masseuse and sports therapist worked my entire body, making sure to point out which areas of my body are tense and even sharing how she could sense which area of my body I put more pressure on – once again emphasising the importance of getting a massage from a medical professional.
A full hour had passed and yet it felt like minutes. Once she was done, I almost felt like I was floating in the room. I let out a deep sigh, noticing how it was a sigh of deep relaxation and not relief.
The verdict
I would definitely recommend that you get a CBD massage. Aside from the benefits that come from receiving a massage, using CBD during the treatment won’t only heighten the experience, but it can also provide additional benefits, leaving you healthier and definitely more serene.
Want to know more?
Self-massage is a wonderful tool to use if you need to release a bunch of muscle tension. That said, here’s how to self-massage to relieve muscle tension and stress.
References
Gulbransen, G., Xu, W., & Arroll, B. (2020). Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice: an audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand. BJGP open, 4(1), bjgpopen20X101010. https://doi.org/10.3399/
Who is Dr. Kanaris?
Dr. Nicole Kanaris
Dr. Nicole Kanaris is one of South Africa’s more experienced aesthetic doctors. She is an international speaker, artist, author, international trainer, medical correspondent, and multi-award-winning doctor globally. She is the founder of Med Aesthetique, an international award-winning aesthetic clinic, and AltBeauty.
Her passion is teaching. Her goal is to uplift the aesthetic industry so that there are fewer “botched” patients and so that there is a shift in the public’s view on aesthetic medicine to being open and positive. She is a regular guest speaker on television and radio shows and has been featured in multiple online and print publications.
Dr. Kanaris is the South African trainer for the trademarked O-Shot and Vampire Procedures. She is passionate about regenerative medicine. She also has her own mentorship program, which helps many new aspiring doctors get their clinics up and running.
