Some time ago, I read an article about a new job: the professional cuddler. This professional figure offers a very peculiar service: for a predefined time, they will give a non sexual touch to their clients. They will “just” cuddle!
This service is now spreading in the USA. The article* also mentioned some research proving that cuddling decreases stress and increases the sensation of well being, softness and affection.
To read about the positive effect of being touched did not surprised me. I can observe that every day with my clients: apart from the fact, that we can learn something through our body and from our reactions, being touched is just a positive experience.
However, the most beautiful massage may go unnoticed of the real benefits, because our attention is still busy with something else. Hence, the effect of the touch will not affect us completely and it will not stay.
Being touched may give a positive experience when you do the following:
– Be present to what is going on now.
– Relax every part of your body and feel the release of muscular tensions.
– Notice a sense of alertness and focus more on your breathing, which helps to let go.
This sensation of “everything is fine” is extremely healthy for our body and mind, especially because it provokes a sense of release and increases the level of awareness. It allows the body to be in a different, restful state.
For the moment, think of your experiences and sensations in your life and whether your skin receives enough stimulation allowing this different body awareness.
Would you like to have more?
Book some time (at least 30 min if possible) without a cell phone, appointment or task to accomplish and focus on the present moment.
Try those for a restful state:
- Walking bare foot in a grass field
- Spending time with a cat or a dog
- Taking a bath
- A deep massage
In my next article end, I will focus more on the connection between attention and physical reaction to touch and why touch is so beneficial for human being.
* Article of Stephanie Armour published in The Wall Street Journal, 8. January 2015.
Picture by Mike Flam.