CBD has taken the skincare and self-care space by storm. It is having quite its “moment” in the spotlight in skincare, drops and even haircare. Demand for the ingredient has skyrocketed, turning it from relatively unknown to the power term on every big skincare and wellness brand’s hit list. CBD is a type of cannabinoid, which is a group of chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant. CBD is said to have multiple benefits, namely relieving feelings of pain, stress, and anxiety as well as helping to reduce insomnia. CBD massage? Well I recently had an OTO CBD massage at the Kingsley spa as part of my self care rituals and honestly it was just wonderful. Want to know more? You knead to read on… 

 

The Kingsley is a Spa I have visited on many occasions primarily because it is on my doorstep and obviously the team there is wonderful. The outdoor hydrotherapy pool is something I will never tire of and the spa itself is so inviting and the team stellar. Your consultation starts with a form and then a breathing ritual with a warm face cloth and some essential oils. 

 

The relaxation area is just so calming and somewhere that I love to spend an hour or two in. On the day I went it was uncharastically warm outside but that didn’t dissuade me from using the sauna and steam room. The Hamam is the standout for me , it’s a Turkish bath which combines steam and heat as well as oils to help detoxify the senses. The inside of the hamam is admittedly hot yet not unbearable or overwhelming such as steam rooms can sometimes be. You can easily stay a half hour, and should you feel overheated, you  can simply douse yourself in cold water from the kneipp hose. .

 

The OTO massage itself was a wonderful experience. Abbey, my therapist was very attentive and honoured my wishes for a less firm massage. She does have the ability to do deep tissue if that is what you require but  am quite touch sensitive so rather a less firm pressure. The one I was booked in for was the OTO CBD FOCUS – REJUVENATE MASSAGE 

and I found the ritual aspect of the massage very relaxing and quite comforting. The massage is very focused on overall wellness Abbey chatted to me about the products and benefits throughout. This is the experience as described by the brand – Focus the Mind – Designed to calm and refocus a busy mind. This full body treatment with  stimulating scalp and foot massage, uses CBD oil infused with Ginger, Black  Pepper and Frankincense, renowned for their anti-inflammatory and soothing  properties. Combined with an OTO signature sound therapy and the  harmonising qualities of aventurine crystal to help reduce feelings of anxiety  and improve concentration.  I was in the room for 90 minutes which I think is probably the sweet spot time wise for a massage that incorporates the full body. 

 

Other massages available are : 

OTO CBD AMPLIFY – RE-ENERGISING MASSAGE 

Release the Tension 

Designed to ease tension and unravel tightness in tired muscles. This full body  treatment uses CBD oil infused with Bitter Orange, Grapefruit and Juniper  Berry, coupled with a handcrafted bamboo roller to rejuvenate deeper levels of  the muscle. Combined with an OTO signature sound therapy and the placement  of Red Jasper crystal, renowned strong grounding properties, for a profoundly  regenerative experience. 

OTO CBD BALANCE – DEEP RELAXATION MASSAGE 

Pause & Rebalance 

Designed to be deeply restorative and help with sleep. This full-body massage  uses CBD oil, infused with Jasmine, Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile, to calm  the nervous system resulting in deep relaxation. Combined with an OTO  signature sound therapy and Rose Quartz crystal, used for its deep inner healing  properties, for a powerful balancing and restoring experience.

We often think of a massage as a holiday or occasional luxury, something to indulge in when you have spare time and energy to invest in the relaxation fully. Sometimes it is considered a perfect girly getaway but usually I prefer to go alone.  But for someone like me with a busy lifestyle , but a sedentary role, or anyone suffering with a physical issue around their bones and joints, massages can be so much more than that. Having one at a spa is the ultimate act of self care. If you sit at a desk your blood flow is naturally reduced due to lack of movement. Massages help to increase the blood flow to the muscles that are being targeted. This is why sports professionals rely on them so much. 

 

I can honestly say that I found the experience overall to be relaxing and definitely slept better. There is a pretty shop there too for the take home items from the brand if you want to continue your experience between treatments. 

 

You can check out bookings at The Kingsley  https://www.thekingsley.ie/luxury-spa-hotel-cork/

 

OTO – @oto_wellbeing https://www.instagram.com/oto_wellbeing/

 

Bluesky – @bluesky_products https://www.instagram.com/bluesky_products/

 

Kingsley Spa – @thespaatthekingsley https://www.instagram.com/thespaatthekingsley/