After almost a year of enduring the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are craving touch and affection as Valentine’s Day approaches. Here are some ways we’ll be bringing love into our lives — with or without a partner — this month.

1. Indulge with our new Releaf Body Oil

We are excited to share that we have added Papa & Barkley’s Body Oil to our shop! This body oil has the same terpene profile as their balm, but unlike the balm that has a thick and waxy consistency, this formula glides on easily — and a little goes a long way! We love using this body oil to moisturize after a hot shower or during a full body self-massage (keep reading for more info on that).

2. Brew some Sultry Hot Cocoa 

Romance yourself or your sweetie with this Sultry Hot Cocoa recipe, formulated with ingredients that are meant to enhance your mood, relax your body, and boost your libido (and of course support your ECS!). Cacao, rose, and maca are the power ingredients in this romantic drink. This recipe also makes for a great gift — mix it up in a cute jar and drop on your galentine’s doorstep as a unique and thoughtful gift! Click here for the recipe

3. Give yourself a Full Body Massage

Not everyone has access to receiving a massage from a professional, partner, or otherwise — but did you know that you can massage yourself, and your body will reap many of the same benefits?

Studies have shown that touch releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin while simultaneously reducing stress hormones. And guess what? Your brain actually can’t tell the difference between yourself and someone else touching you! That means that showing yourself affection through a big self-hug, caress on the arm, or even massaging yourself can produce the same effects.

Plus, massage has been shown to increase levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (nicknamed the “bliss molecule” as it produces similar effects to THC) by 168%. This means that giving yourself a massage could feel like a natural high while supporting your endocanabinoid system!

Founder Kristen Williams has developed a self-massage practice based off the Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga, originally taught to her by Kellen Brugman in 2015. Simply using lotion, massage oil, or even a CBD topical like Papa & Barkley’s Body Oil or Kiskanu’s Skin Rub, you can massage yourself from head to toe, circulating blood flow, increasing skin temperature, encouraging the production of bliss molecules in your body, and using the healing power of touch to make yourself feel healthy, safe, and loved. Learn more about the power of massage for supporting your endocannabinoid system here!

4. Breast Massage to Detoxify the Lymphatic System 

And finally, the ultimate act of self-love we want to share with you for this Valentine’s Day: How to Give Yourself a Breast Massage.

There are 9 main meridians, or “energetic highways,” that intersect in the chest, and all of the heavy metals, toxic molds and parasites, synthetic hormones, and sugar that we are often unknowingly exposed to each day can accumulate here and lead to an imbalance in our entire bodies.

Breast massage is a simple way to support lymphatic and ECS health. By massaging our breasts/chests, we stimulate the lymphatic system around them and encourage drainage of harmful toxins that may be stored in the area’s tissue. This is applicable to both male and female bodies! Learn more about breast health and the endocannabinoid system here.

How to give yourself a lymphatic breast massage:

1. Lymph stimulation: Awaken your lymph system by gently stroking the skin from the collar bone to the breast bone, down the neck. Repeat 10 times.

2. Lymph activation: Stimulate your lymph nodes by gently stroking your fingertips in the center of your armpits using a delicate pumping motion. Repeat 20 times in each armpit. 

3. Estrogen release: Starting at the center of the chest at the breast bone and working your way out and down to the breasts, stroke the tissue out toward the armpits. Repeat 20 times. 

   • Note: According to Healthline, excess estrogen can put you at risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or thyroid problems.

4. Traditional Breast Massage: Rub the circumference of the breasts in circles. Clockwise direction 10 times and counterclockwise direction 10 times. 

Check out Bosm’s CBD-infused Breast Massage Serum as a tool for giving yourself a lymphatic massage, as it has been specifically designed for this practice. You can also download our free reference handout below, full of all kinds of amazing information on breast health.