The so called therapeutic cuddle

titania

I've heard many times that cuddling can provide therapeutic benefits. My question is, how do you give the so called therapeutic cuddles to your partner? What exactly that you do to make it therapeutic? I can imagine some forms of action, like asking the person what kind of cuddles they like and actually doing it, or keeping your attention to that person and not absentmindedly cuddling, or being a good listener just in case your buddy needs someone to talk to.

I might want to concentrate my question to professional cuddlers here, assuming that you guys know exactly what to do. But of course, non-professionals are welcomed too!

Cheers,
Tania

I am by no means an expert here, but it is my understanding that the human contact and level of affection from any good cuddling activity raises the oxytocin levels in someone's body.  In doing that you are creating a positive effect, and that is what the therapeutic quality is -- not any specific manner of cuddling, but the results chemically achieved by any cuddle at all.

Someone correct me if I am way off base on this please.

I believe that both of the above examples have merit, actually. The way one's body responds naturally, as explained, is one. The other, in my opinion, can be a matter of style. One may enjoy their back being gently rubbed while embracing, while another could prefer their head being cradled. Others may just want to spoon. My belief is that the answer is multifaceted and that's cool with me.

I think that whether the experience is therapeutic depends a lot on whether one has a kind, caring and accepting attitude, and is willing to adjust according to the other person's preferences. I think that even if someone did all the "right" things, if I could tell they really didn't care about me or didn't like me, it wouldn't be very enjoyable or therapeutic.

angela10

Well said Sunflowerfield!! I believe it has to come from the heart.

Thanks Angela!