An exploration into cuddle therapy and exploring the taboos surrounding cuddling as a therapy?

 An exploration into cuddle therapy and exploring the taboos surrounding cuddling as a therapy?

The benefits of receiving touch through massage therapy from a professional massage therapist is widely known and has been recognised and respected for some time. However, Touch or ‘Cuddle Therapy’ is a relatively new concept in the UK and is still in the process of being recognised and understood, although it is already becoming very popular and well established in many other countries including the USA, for all the positive benefits it can provide.

This may be partly due to cultural differences and our interpretation of what ‘holding space’ for someone really means and how essential it is considered to be, which will of course vary hugely not only depending on our social conditioning and what is considered the ‘norm’, but on our own thought processes and feelings.

In the USA for example the need to feel basic human touch in a platonic and non-sexual way is acknowledged and accepted, hence its popularity. Equality and individualism, progress and change are some important American values. Therapy is a big part of American culture, therefore it is considered perfectly acceptable to host cuddle parties or go to someone’s home to provide a professional cuddling service, as it is understood that it is for therapeutic purposes with no hidden agendas. It provides a means to receive the physical touch we all crave in a loving and safe space with no judgement or criticism. This is because it is recognized that touch although so essential for our health and wellbeing is often sadly lacking from many of our relationships for numerous reasons, including the absence of a partner or that we no longer have the ability of being able to connect within our current relationships.

In a world consisting of millions of people, loneliness and feelings of isolation is a huge concern for so many. Some may struggle with intimacy and fear ‘getting to close ‘to others because they may feel more is expected from them that they are willing to give, or that they will then lose control and hence their power and become vulnerable. The beauty of cuddle therapy is that it is available to everyone, irrespective of age, sex, race or creed, the sessions are client led with strong boundaries to enable feelings of empowerment and safety.

However, sadly in the UK as a whole we are perhaps not quite as open and receptive as the USA being more careful and conservative in our approach. We can also be more reserved, self-controlled and repressed in our outlook and it may feel daunting to share such a close and intimate space with a stranger. As a nation we respect traditional outlooks and feel more comfortable with things that are’ tried and tested’ means and methods and can struggle sometimes in our willingness to process new information, not always being quite as open to understanding new concepts and ways of doing things that have not yet been fully proved or verified.

This is of course unfortunate as it is only by being more open and receptive to new ideas and concepts that we can learn to understand and recognize the potential benefits they can bring to our lives and wellbeing. In our fast-paced world we are constantly experiencing changes and setbacks that will challenge us in various ways. Cuddle therapy has been proven to help with many emotional and physical concerns. These include reducing Stress and mental health concerns, lowering blood pressure ,increasing energy and building a stronger immune system, enabling us to deal with any changes in a much more positive way then perhaps we would have previously.

It also gives us confidence and lowers Anxiety to help us deal with change which as a nation would of course be highly beneficial. So, with so many benefits to be gained perhaps it would be helpful to take another approach. It can be easier sometimes to ridicule something that is new to us, just because it is different and perhaps in our mind we do not understand the concept of it. But then how do we learn to grow and be more accepting if we take this approach? Sometimes it is necessary to try new things and be more receptive to new ideas, thoughts, and concepts, especially if they can be of benefit to us.

If our way of thinking is rigid, then perhaps it can be interesting to understand where these preconceptions may stem from. Surely it is better to try something out for ourselves, so we have the necessary experience and knowledge to then make a well-informed judgement or give an opinion. It is only then that we can truly understand it and learn to acknowledge and recognise the benefits it can bring to our own lives to provide that elusive peace of mind that so many of us are searching for.

It is important to note that we all behave differently in social environments, as we are of course all individuals with our own thought processes irrespective of our culture, but as a collective nation we are not recognised for being so openly demonstrative as perhaps we could be, which sometimes is reflected in our outlook. This is unfortunate because there will be times in everyone’s life when we just need someone to be there, to hold space for us with no judgement, with no alternative motives or agendas and no expectations. Someone who can just be with us whilst we navigate the changes and challenges that life will inevitably throw at us, whilst at the same time through the power of touch helping to pacify our hearts and help heal old wounds so we can learn to trust again and see the beauty that life has to offer us. This is what cuddle therapy can do for us …. if only we are willing to trust in the process and accept the benefits it can bring to our happiness and lives in the long term.

Elizabeth Lock Cuddle Therapist

www.yourcuddletherapy.co.uk heal@youcuddletherapy.co.uk

www.yourinnerglow.co.uk heal@yourinnerglow.co.uk