Can cuddling reduce pain
Not physical pain but the thought of being held and cared for might help to ease you mentally hence reduce the pain. It's all in the mind.
@cuddlebugTM mentioned in her interview:
I struggle with anxiety and chronic pain, and cuddling helps a lot. I notice that if I haven't had much cuddling the anxiety and pain is much worse.
The chemicals in the body can do amazing things. I wouldn't be surprised...
Google "cuddling pain benefits" lots of articles and blog entries. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-surprising-benefits-cuddling-that-make-you-want-cuddle-someone-now.html
I cuddled with someone that she had a medical condition where her nervous system was overactive and felt physical pain over most of her body, but while being held it helped to dull the pain. After a good cuddle session she said those effects could last from 30 minutes to a couple hours so yes, I'd say cuddling can help reduce both physical and emotional pain.
Anything that takes your mind off the pain will help to some degree.
@ukguy, it's not just the distraction though, the chemicals help with the pain. It's amazing how much touch helps us :-)
Well thanks for the help on this
I am seeking a woman who lives in the southern California area to cuddle with
@ubergigglefritz - has anyone actually done scientific research on the effects of cuddling? I mean had the participants hooked up to monitors to measure the actual effects. There's a lot of anecdotal opinions but it would be interesting to read some real scientific data. I work for a State health-care agency and there is currently an opioid epidemic in the United States. If cuddling really can physically reduce pain, I'm surprised there isn't more of a push to utilize it in the health care field. I guess the pharmaceutical industry would rather we all just pop a pill.
Google"cuddling health benefits". I'm sorry I don't have time to look more in depth at the moment... I am exhausted, lol.
@UKGuy There actually have been scientific studies that show the benefits of cuddling (even in a health sense). There are some interesting links to those studies in this article here: https://splinternews.com/snuggle-science-why-cuddling-is-good-for-your-health-1793845393
I believe in the potential for energy healing (such as reiki or quantum touch), and there's a lot of energy exchange in a cuddle session. So I think cuddling has the potential to promote healing and reduce pain, but it may depend on your partner's intentions and energy.
@Dolphyn I also study Reiki. I do crystal healing as well. I've heard of quantum touch but I am not as familiar with it. What is the philosophy/ teaching behind it?
Quantum touch involves conscious breathing while channeling energy through the body and hands. Very simple, really. I've seen what appear to be profound effects from using it, but still haven't convinced my left brain yet, LOL.
@Dolphyn It sounds very similar to Reiki. I will have to do some more research on it. Thank you for the information.