The Cuddling Experience

TOUCH

We humans have five senses through which we perceive the
world we live in. The first sense to be developed is the sense of touch. As
babies we respond to touch and find comfort in the caring caresses of our
mothers. As we grow older, we develop our other senses, taste, smell, sight and
hearing. As adults, we tend to focus on sight and hearing more often than not.
You will notice that we are glued to technology that primarily demands our
sight and hearing attention. We have lost our primal need to be touched, held
and cuddled. Many people who cannot fulfill this basic human suffer from
depression, anxiety or illness more frequently.

There is a great need for us to communicate through
touch other than electronically. And YES! Touch is a vital form of
communication. We tend to instinctively feel better when someone hugs us, or
caresses our shoulder when we need emotional support or encouragement. The act
of hugging someone shows that we genuinely care about that person.

MIND AND BODY
BENEFITS

Cuddling with someone provides many positive benefits
for your mental health, but for your physical health as well. The result of
comforting touch is an increase of both oxytocin, (a pain relieving hormone),
and serotonin, (a ‘happy’ hormone). Higher levels of oxytocin boost your
immunity by increasing T-regulatory cells in your gut. It helps to reduce your
risk for heart disease and makes you more resilient in body and in mind.

Snuggling is also known to ease anxiety, relieve stress
and promote restful sleep. By increasing serotonin levels, you feel good about
yourself and the world, your personal relationships improve and this will spurn
increased creativity and confidence.

PLATONIC TOUCH
CUDDLING

Platonic touch cuddling is a new concept of providing
the experience of being close without feeling uncomfortable. There is a dynamic
professional relationship between the client and Cuddling Practitioner.
Guidelines are established to ensure that both the Practitioner and Client feel
safe and confident within the agreed upon parameters. Both parties consent to
an initial agreement and promise to speak up confidently if any line is crossed
that makes them uncomfortable emotionally, or if there is physical discomfort
from being in a certain position. Being open, honest and assertive ensures that
both parties especially the client that they can feel at ease in being
vulnerable and expressing their feelings.

The Cuddling session is about the client and fulfilling
their needs for emotional well-being. The client sets the pace of the session,
but may need some suggestions on where to start.

Quite often, a session would begin with the
client/cuddler agreement, followed by some consent exercises, such as; the
Practitioner asking if they could touch the client’s arm or shoulder, (without
taking any action), and the client then chooses to say yes or no, and the whole
exercise is reciprocated so that each party has a turn to accept or refuse a
request. Then after the initial exercise, the client will feel more confident
in making requests and deciding to truly accept or refuse a request made to
them.

Sessions typically last an hour, and towards the last 10
minutes of the session, there is a winding down period to settle down from the
high oxytocin and serotonin levels. Parties often talk about what they
experienced, if they enjoyed the session and plans for follow up or future
appointments.

Everyone needs a space they can share themselves with
another fellow human being.  Why not try
a session for yourself to see what benefits Platonic Touch Cuddling can offer
you in your life?

By Michael Wardell and Trish Katt