Cannabidiol (CBD) oil treatments are beginning to pop up on spa menus across the desert to enhance a massage’s anti-inflammatory and general healing effects.
“We are always seeking to provide innovative and effective ways for our guests to care for themselves,” says Lynne Hite, director of The Well Spa at Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells. “CBD oil allows us to not only offer amazing treatments, but home care to extend the results.”
Miramonte Resort and Spa and Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs have incorporated the CBD oil into their menus as a topical method of enhancing the traditional benefits of massage — including an increase in circulation, detoxification, and stress reduction. While the ingredient has faced some controversy due to its reputation as a derivative of hemp and marijuana, Hite stresses that the CBD compound only interacts with the endocannabinoid system; a system within the body that helps inform the brain of pain, inflammation, gut health, mood, anxiety, hunger, immune system responses and functions of the skin.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MIRAMONTE RESORT AND SPA
“CBD should be understood as a compound that supports various systems within the body. Using phytocannabinoids like CBD and others supports the purpose and function of this system in returning the body to a state of homeostasis and equilibrium,” Hite says.
Hite adds that while providing education to staff about CBD oil is more challenging than other ingredients because of the misinformation surrounding the tincture, their massage therapists and estheticians are completely comfortable with using it during treatments.
Rachelle Mares, event manager at Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa, also shares their staff’s in-depth training with ingredients like CBD oil happens before and after it’s added to the spa menu.
“There is ongoing training to make sure that everything is used correctly and that our techniques are up-to-date in order to maximize the benefits for our customers,” Mares explains.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY TWO BUNCH PALMS
The use of CBD oil to promote wellness originated through Charlotte’s Web, a Colorado-based cannabidiol company. The company debuted the oil through Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s TV series on cannabis that focused on child epilepsy and the use of CBD to treat it. Charlotte’s Web became the first to incorporate this cannabinoid variety of hemp plants, which later became known for their efficacy in helping the brain and nervous system dysfunctions.
Since then, CBD oil has exploded in popularity with consumers of wellness and spa, as more research is being published about the benefits of CBD. Mares says that there are many customers who come into Two Bunch Palms asking specifically about the CBD massage that they offer, which features the application of a CBD full spectrum oil and a restorative CBD balm through massage techniques.
“The use of CBD has really enhanced pampering and wellness in any facility, and customers enjoy the benefits it adds,” Mares says.
Hite also shared the overwhelmingly positive response that she has seen in The Well Spa since the addition of CBD oil into their menu. “People who have used it will automatically upgrade their treatment to include the CBD and those who are not familiar love that they have the opportunity to try the product in their treatments. We love hearing the stories from our guests when they have less pain, more mobility or simply an increased sense of well-being.”
Two Bunch Palms, 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, 760-676-5000; twobunchpalms.com.
Miramonte Resort & Spa, 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wels, 760-341-2200; miramonteresort.com.
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