Increasing loneliness and cuddle therapy trend, ’emotional hunger’ is being fulfilled at a fee of ₹ 5,000 for 4 hours; Know the advantages and disadvantages

Cuddle Therapy: In today’s busy life, where people are immersed in work day and night, thousands of ‘friends’ are seen on social media, but in reality there is no one to talk to or hug. Loneliness has increased so much in cities that many people cry silently, suffer from stress, and feel emotionally empty. Imagine a day when you return home tired from office. I fall asleep while scrolling on my phone. But a void remains in the mind.

We need someone who will hug us unconditionally, without judgment, listen, sit with us and take away that loneliness for a while. But there are so many complications in relationships these days – expectations, fights, fear of breakups – that people think, ‘Isn’t there an easier, safer way where we just get human touch and companionship?’ The story of Cuddle Therapy begins from here. A service that says, ‘You need touch, and that need can be met without any romantic or sexual relationship.’

What is cuddle therapy?

If understood in simple words, cuddle therapy is a kind of platonic touch therapy, that is, therapy with completely non-sexual, friendly touch. In this, a trained professional ‘cuddler’ or therapist spends time with the client.

• Hugs, holds hands, lies together and talks.
• Listens by looking into your eyes or simply lets you rest your head on his shoulder.
• Everything with clothes, completely consensual and under strict rules.
• Any kissing, any sexual touch, any nudity, all this is strictly prohibited.
• Sessions usually last 1-4 hours.

In India, it is gradually becoming popular in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore. Some places charge up to ₹5,000 for a 3-4 hour session, while some studios even charge more. Global platforms like Cuddlist.com offer certified therapists who pass background checks and training.

How does it work?

1. Consent and rules first: Both parties (client and therapist) read and agree to all the rules beforehand. Anyone can stop the session at any time.

2. Security: Good platforms have background checks, privacy, and clear boundaries. Both should not be intoxicated, age should be 18+.

3. What happens in a session? Conversations, hugs, spooning (laying down next to each other), hand holding, or just sitting together. Many people say that it reduces stress, improves sleep, and lightens the mood because human touch releases the hormone oxytocin in the body, which is the ‘feel good’ hormone.

4. Situation in India: It is new here, some people consider it as dating, hence platforms like Ko-Partner (which provides platonic companionship – for watching movies, shopping, talking) clearly say that this is not dating, but a professional service. Every day 2000 people register on Ko-Partner, mostly 32-35 years old. Cuddle therapy is available separately at some places, such as some Tantra studios or smaller platforms.

what are the advantages?

• relief from loneliness
• Decrease stress, anxiety and emotional fatigue
• Emotional support without any expectations
• Many people feel that this is a safe way to satisfy ’emotional hunger’.
• But precautions are necessary

According to The Indian Express, experts like Dr. Pavitra Shankar say that it can provide temporary relief, but cannot replace real relationships. If you get into the habit, you can actually feel more lonely. The biggest concern is security:

• There are many fake or fake websites in India where the boundaries are not clear.
• Some people consider it a ‘happy ending’ service, which is not real cuddle therapy.
• Especially for women, the risk is higher, both physical and emotional.
• Therefore, choose only certified, reviewed, platforms with clear rules.

Cuddle therapy is an attempt to fulfill a new need for human touch. But this is not magic, just a tool. Real happiness lies in those relationships where there is love, trust and hard work. If you are feeling alone, first talk to friends and family, seek therapy, or try a service like this but with your eyes open because touch is fine, but heartfelt companionship goes deeper without money.