Wholistica LLC

Why I Use Topical CBD + CBG in Massage

As a massage therapist, I’m interested in what happens when intentional touch meets the body’s own biology.

The skin contains an endocannabinoid system including receptors and signaling pathways involved in skin balance, sensory signaling, and inflammatory processes. Topical CBD and CBG interact with several of these pathways and other receptors in the skin. CBD, in particular, is being studied for its influence on inflammatory and sensory signaling, while early research on CBG suggests potential skin-soothing and barrier-supporting properties.

That makes cannabinoids a beautiful complement to massage.

After activity, the body has been asked to do more.Muscles have been loaded, tissues have been stimulated, and the nervous system has been engaged. A massage with topical CBD + CBG can become part of a post-activity ritual centered around calming, relaxation, and recovery.

There is promising research around cannabinoids and recovery, but the evidence—especially for topical CBD/CBG and exercise recovery—is still developing.

For me, it’s about creating space for the body to shift gears:

from effort to ease,
from stimulation to stillness,
from movement to recovery.

The cannabinoids are part of the ritual.
And together, they create an experience designed to help you slow down, settle in, and reconnect with your body.

We only use full spectrum topicals from our sister company that is free from harmful chemicals preservatives or synthetic fragrances wholistyka

What Do Your Cupping Marks Mean?

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the color and appearance of a cupping mark are traditionally viewed as clues about how Qi and Blood are moving through the area being treated.

Light pink
Often associated with relatively good circulation and a lighter response to the cups.

Bright red
May be interpreted as increased activity or movement of Qi and Blood in the area, sometimes associated with heat.

Dark red or burgundy
Traditionally associated with more pronounced Blood stagnation—an area where circulation of Qi and Blood may be considered less smooth.

Purple or deep purple
Often interpreted in TCM as a stronger sign of Blood stagnation. The deeper the color, the more pronounced the stagnation is traditionally thought to be.

Very dark purple or nearly black
Traditionally viewed as a more significant degree of stagnation or obstruction in the area, sometimes associated with cold or long-standing stagnation depending on the overall presentation.

Pale or faint marks
May be interpreted as a weaker response, sometimes associated with Qi deficiency or cold in the traditional framework.

But there is an important piece to remember:

A cupping mark is not a diagnosis.

In TCM, practitioners don't interpret the color alone. They consider the location, symptoms, tongue, pulse, constitution, and the overall pattern of imbalance when determining what the body may be communicating.

Cupping is traditionally used to help move Qi and Blood, release stagnation, and support the body's natural balance.

So rather than looking at a dark mark and thinking “something is wrong,” think of it as one small piece of information in a much larger picture.

The body speaks in many ways.
Cupping simply gives us another way to listen.


Medicine

Honoring Nervous System regulation

Over time, I’ve come to understand that when someone lies down on my table, they are bringing me more than a body with tight muscles.

They bring their breath.
Their nervous system.
The weight of busy days.
The places where they’ve been holding on without even realizing it.

A shoulder can carry more than tension.
A jaw can hold more than a clenched muscle.
Sometimes the body simply needs a quiet place to soften.

This is why my work is about more than releasing tight muscles.
Its about honoring nervous system regulation.

Through intentional touch, rhythm, pressure, and stillness, I create space to support the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of us that guides the body toward rest, recovery, and restoration.

And beneath it all is another beautiful system working to create balance: the endocannabinoid system. This internal network helps regulate things like stress, mood, sleep, and pain, and massage may influence the body’s natural endocannabinoid activity.

For me, massage is a conversation.

A conversation between touch and the nervous system.
Between breath and muscle.
Between the body and the quiet wisdom it already carries.

I’m not there to force the body to let go.

I’m there to create the space,
the stillness,
the safety—

so that the body can remember how.

Sometimes healing begins not with doing more,
but with finally having a place where you don’t have to hold everything.

The Quiet Unraveling

The body has its own language, its own rhythm, and its own timing. True change happens when we create enough space to listen—not when we rush to move from one place to the next. This is why my work is centered around slow, intentional touch that allows the body and fascia the time they need to soften, release, and unwind.

The fascia is a living web that connects every part of us. It surrounds our muscles, supports our movement, and responds to how we live, breathe, and experience the world. Over time, it adapts to the stories our bodies carry—our habits, our stress, our injuries, and even the ways we've learned to protect ourselves.

I've learned that fascia doesn't respond to rushing.

It responds to patience.

When we slow down, something begins to soften. The body realizes it doesn't have to brace anymore. The breath changes. Guarded places begin to feel safe enough to release. Like a tightly wound thread, the fascia starts to unravel—not because it was forced, but because it was finally given the time and presence it needed.

This is why I choose depth over distance.

I'd rather spend meaningful time listening to what one part of your body is asking for than skim across your entire body just to say we covered everything. When one area begins to unwind, the effects often ripple far beyond that single place. The body is beautifully interconnected, and sometimes the deepest shifts begin with simply staying.

I believe healing happens when the body feels safe enough to let go.

That kind of release can't be rushed or measured by how much of the body was covered in an hour. It unfolds in its own time, layer by layer, breath by breath.

My role is simply to create the space for that unfolding—to listen, to follow, and to trust the wisdom of your body.

Because when the fascia is given the time to truly unravel, the body doesn't just relax.

It remembers how to move with ease, breathe more freely, and return to itself.

Meet the Rocks Behind the Ritual

Long before I understood the energy and intention behind crystals, I was drawn to rocks. I loved finding them, holding them, and noticing the unique colors, patterns, and textures created by the earth. There was something grounding about them — a quiet reminder that nature creates beauty in so many different ways.

Before I ever met my first crystal, I was already fascinated by the stories held within the earth. Over time, that curiosity grew into a deeper connection, and crystals became a meaningful part of the wellness experiences I create.

So, meet our crystal crew… basically our tiny, sparkly coworkers.

Malachite — The Transformer
Known as a stone of transformation and growth, Malachite is often associated with change, releasing old patterns, and embracing new beginnings. The one who says, “Growth isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.”

Kammererite — The Rare One
A unique and uncommon crystal often connected with compassion, intuition, and spiritual awareness. The one who reminds everyone that being different is what makes you special.

Black Tourmaline — The Protector
Traditionally associated with grounding, protection, and energetic balance. The team member standing guard saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Zincite — The Firestarter
Known for its vibrant energy and often associated with motivation, creativity, and personal power. The one who walks in and gets everyone moving.

Apophyllite — The Clear Visionary
Often connected with clarity, insight, and a peaceful presence. The one who helps keep the team focused and seeing things from a fresh perspective.

Amazonite — The Peacemaker
Associated with harmony, balance, and communication. The one saying, “Let’s all take a breath and work this out.”

Pyrite — The Sparkler
Traditionally linked with confidence, abundance, and motivation. The one who loves a little attention and definitely knows how to shine.

Citrine — The Sunshine
Known as a cheerful stone associated with positivity, creativity, and abundance. The one who brings the good mood wherever it goes.

These crystals are thoughtfully integrated into our massage sessions and Reiki experience.