Cuddle therapy can be used along with other therapies to provide a holistic approach to your overall health. Scientists are starting to discover the importance of human touch and the effect it has on our physical and emotional well-being. Cuddle therapy sessions will provide you with a secure connection to others in a safe environment.
PRICES:
Cuddle
60 mins
PRICE: £90 + £20 travel expenses (Total: £110)
Massage + Cuddle
60 mins
PRICE: £120 + £20 travel expenses (Total: £140)
Cuddle
90 mins
PRICE: £120 + £20 travel expenses (Total: £140)
Massage + Cuddle Therapy
90 mins
PRICE: £150 + £20 travel expenses (Total: £170)
Cuddle
2hrs
PRICE: £180 + £20 travel expenses (Total: £200)
Massage + Cuddle
2hrs
PRICE: £210 + £20 travel expenses (Total: £230)
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUDDLE THERAPY
Physical touch plays a vital role in our basic bodily functions. A lack of touch can result in poor emotional and physical health and can even lead to violent behaviors. Cuddle therapy has a variety of health benefits and can help balance out your body systems.
Lowers Stress
Hugging releases the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for lowering cortisol levels and for making us feel relaxed. The more relaxed you feel, the less cortisol you release and the less stressed you feel.
Lowers Blood Pressure
When people hug, pressure sensors in your skin are activated. These sensors send signals to the brain which are responsible for reducing your blood pressure. Therefore, cuddling promotes heart health.
Boost Your Immune System Hugging increases the amount of natural killer cells your body produces. These cells are responsible for fighting off infections, warding off viruses, and can even help fight off cancer cells.
Balances Your Nervous System
Small pressure centers in your skin are activated with hugs and touch. These nerve centers communicate with the rest of your nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic system. This part of your nervous system is responsible for all your basic bodily functions. Therefore, human touch helps to balance out your body systems such as digestion and overall body responses.
Lowers Pain Levels
Hugging releases serotonin, which is the chemical responsible for lowering pain levels. This would explain why people seek out a long hug from someone when they’re in emotional or physical pain. Hugs also cause your body to release muscle tension. If you have pain from sore muscles, then hugging is a great way to relax your muscles and relieve pain.
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF HUMAN TOUCH
Along with the physical effects of hugging, physical touch has a large impact on our emotional health. Hugging is vital to our emotional well-being. Lack of touch can lead to aggressive behaviors and feelings of loneliness. Here are some ways that cuddle therapy can impact your emotions.
Lowers Anxiety
As stated earlier, hugging releases serotonin and oxytocin. These chemicals are also responsible for giving people feelings of happiness and relaxation. Serotonin is also your body’s natural antidepressant. Hugging can also help prevent and treat depression.
Helps People with Touch Deprivation
Touch is right up there with food and water in terms of what our body needs. Some people who experience a strong craving for touch but don’t receive it are said to be touch deprived. This condition was first discovered in the 40’s when babies in a controversial study actually died from a lack of human touch.
A few signs that you have touch deprivation include aggressive behavior, loneliness, and high stress levels. Cuddle therapy provides a safe and easy way for you to overcome the symptoms of touch deprivation.
Help Lower Fear Levels
Hugging makes people feel comforted. People also report feeling less afraid of things such as dying when they receive a hug. This would explain why people seek out affection when they’re feeling afraid.
Helps with Feelings of Social Isolation
A common complaint of those who suffer from a lack of human touch is social isolation. This manifests in feelings of loneliness. Cuddle therapy can boost your confidence and self esteem while overcoming those feelings of loneliness.
HOW TO USE CUDDLE THERAPY FOR THERAPEUTIC TOUCH
Cuddle therapy doesn’t follow a specific set of rules. There’s training to become a cuddle therapist and then you can use techniques that you feel best suit your clients. There are a few things to consider if you’re wondering how to use cuddle therapy for your clients.
Set Boundaries Ahead of Time
Ensure your clients understand ahead of the scheduled session what to expect. They will sign a code of conduct to ensure they know what to wear and how to act. Cuddle sessions can be done in an office, in the client’s home, or even in your home. You’ll set expectations and boundaries based off where the sessions will take place.
Some things to consider in your list of expectations include:
- What your client should wear
- How they should set up the couch, bed, or wherever the session will take place
- Rules for your home if the session will take place in your home
- That they need to let you know right away if they start feeling uncomfortable
- Sessions are in no way sexual or to become sexual
- Communication is key for the comfort of both parties
If you’re going to have a cuddle party then it’s important to ensure boundaries are respected during the session.
Listen to Clients Some
clients prefer to talk during the session. Others prefer to just be silent. If they do want to talk, make sure they understand you’re not a counselor and that you’ll listen as a friend. It’s important to make sure you follow their lead and not force talking if they don’t want to.
Use A Variety of Techniques
Cuddle therapy can involve light stroking of the hands, arms, feet, and legs or full body contact. It can progress to full blown cuddling in a variety of positions. It can also just be you tickling your client’s back and limbs. It’s best to advise your client on the positions you use and ask them what they feel comfortable with.
Start off with light stroking of their hands and then progress depending on how they’re feeling. You can also use techniques such as having them quietly look into your eyes for relaxation or use guided meditation tapes. Cuddle therapy looks different depending on the therapist and what the client needs. It’s important that you match your therapy to their needs and what they feel comfortable with.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The code of conduct is a contract that will be signed prior to the cuddle therapy session. This important document will set up the boundaries and expectations for everyone to follow. They typically include the following items:
- Client and practitioner both agree that they’re old enough to consent (either 18 or 21 depending on the area)
- The sessions are strictly platonic and will not become sexual in any way
- Both parties agree to consent at each step in the session before moving forward with other techniques
- Client confidentiality is of utmost importance and will be respected at all times
- No touching in areas that are considered private or areas that are covered by under garments
- Minimum required clothing is t-shirt and shorts
- Both parties are required to ensure a high level of hygiene before the session. This includes freshly brushed teeth, clean linens, and freshly bathed bodies
- Client or practitioner have the right to end the session at any time
- Client is required to provide a full disclosure of any illness or conditions that may affect the session or practitioner
- Client and practitioner both agree to be free from any mind-altering substance prior to session