The first time I tried CBD oil, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Would I get high from a dropper-full under my tongue? I had tried CBD gummies, cookies and chocolate bars over the past few years – but I hadn’t felt anything more than the effect of an aspirin (full disclosure: I fall asleep on an aspirin). I was instructed to use my Oregon purchase of CBD oil regularly under my tongue, as it’s supposed to work eventually as a cumulative effect. But, much like my use of supplements and such, I have yet to follow through.
So, what is CBD oil anyway? Looking to Wikipedia, “Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant's extract. In 2018, clinical research on cannabidiol included preliminary studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain.”
OK, so now I get why so many wellness providers are incorporating CBD usage in treatments, and why I jumped at the chance to receive my first CBD massage at The Spa at Kenwood Inn in Glen Ellen, California.
Closed since the 2017 North Bay wildfires, The Spa had re-opened in September this year, following a renovation prompted by the smoke damage from those wildfires. For about a year, the spa continued its services, offered in-room-only at the neighboring Kenwood Inn following its re-opening in 2018.
Once I undressed and robed in the women’s locker room of the spa, Lela welcomed me into one of three individual treatment rooms to receive my inaugural CBD massage. Officially, the treatment is called “Cielo Bliss Detox CBD Massage” and doesn’t incorporate oil, but lotion infused with CBD.
As an aside, almost every single time I’ve signed up for an hour massage, I’ve fought the urge to plead for extended time. It’s as if the team at The Spa at Kenwood Inn was in tune to my needs because they offered a minimum 80 minutes for the CBD massage extraordinaire bliss and detoxification, priced at $280. For 110 minutes, the cost is $380.
Combining massage with the therapeutic qualities of CBD, this pain-relieving treatment works to reduce inflammation and pain. Initially, I was surprised that this wasn’t an oil massage given the trend of CBD oil. This was a lotion, and Lela was generous in her dosage during my treatment. The fact that my massage was 80 minutes long and performed by an expert massage therapist was beneficial enough, but add to that the instant calm I felt from the properties of the CBD lotion – a step more than what you’d receive from a basic massage – propelled me to surrender into a deep abyss of relaxation.
Throughout my treatment, I was in a dream state, and by the time it was over, I had melted onto the table and was hard-pressed to get up, but I did – only to mosey on over to the outdoor pool area for a rest on a lounge chair. Twenty minutes later, I gathered my wits about me, ready to drive home, but before I departed, I couldn’t resist the purchase of a large bag of CBD-infused Epsom Salts. I was sold on CBD and its calming effects and thrilled when Lela handed me the remainder of the CBD lotion she hadn’t used, which was in a small plastic tub. I later used this on my hip flexor after my morning showers for several days forward; I noticed a difference from the spot where I was uber-sensitive during the massage. The CBD lotion really worked to heal my pain!
The next time I head to Glen Ellen, I’d be interested in scheduling a Mimosas & Mini-Massage to sip a mimosa poolside while an expert therapist kneads my feet and hands for 20 minutes.
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Interesting to note is that couples may reserve the entire Spa for a three-hour, exclusive evening session. The “Rendezvous Under the Stars” option includes exfoliating shower scrubs, side-by-side massages either on the rooftop Terrazzo or fireside in the couple’s treatment room, a soak together in the oversized spa tub, and rooftop relaxation with chocolates and sparkling wine.
For a list of all available treatments, current packages, and to reserve Spa appointments, call 707-833-1293, or visit the website at www.kenwoodinn.com/spa.