What is it like to keep physical touch within the context of therapy?
 |  | By Daphne Lee, News Editor | | I raved about the loving hugs from my coworkers last week, but hugging actually doesn't come naturally for me.
In Hong Kong, my hometown, hugging friends for no reason is weird. Even after years of practice, my brain still looks like the Matrix before going in for a hug: Does this person feel comfortable enough? How hard should I squeeze? How long should it last? Not to mention social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 anxiety have completely thrown my game off.
The perception of "personal space" also varies greatly between countries and cultures. For example, people in Argentina require far less social distance than people in Asia in general, according to a study. Temperature, gender, and age can affect how personal space is defined too.
Physical touch is awkward when a stranger is involved, but I might have found a cure for you and me. | | | Today's Top Story | | People Are Paying for Cuddles—Sometimes via Zoom |  | Fear of touch and intimacy is common, especially for people who've experienced trauma and domestic violence. Cuddle therapy offers a way to work through these mental blocks and feel safe about social proximity again—through platonic touch.
Yes, cuddle therapy is a thing. You can pay a professional to cuddle with you on a couch or in bed—wherever you feel comfortable. You can watch a movie together in silence or talk about your feelings, just like a regular therapy session.
Some cuddle therapists have even made their services available through video calls since the pandemic forced them to put in-person visits on hold. You can still explore the sensation of touch with a cuddlist virtually through creative exercises like squeezing a stuffed toy together.
Keeley, a certified cuddlist in Chicago, says cuddle therapy "isn't just about the physical contact." She also works with her clients on establishing boundaries, talking about what consent means, and helping them reconnect with their bodies.
Along with physical comfort, cuddling while offering empathetic listening can be "exceedingly therapeutic," she says. | | Know More | | One of the biggest benefits from compassionate touch is the release of oxytocin, a "love hormone" linked to warm feelings of closeness to others. Research shows that oxytocin can help relieve stress, increase emotional empathy, and enhance communication among individuals. | | Feel Better | | Cuddle therapy can be stigmatized because sometimes people conflate it with sex work, even if therapeutic cuddling is not meant to be romantic or sexual at all. Websites like Cuddlist and Cuddle Sanctuary help ensure the safety of both the cuddlers and clients by vetting them through a screening process. Cuddlers are also trained to spot red flags during consultations. | | |  | | Although there's perception that young people are more willing to talk about mental health, stigma around treatment still exists. A Verywell Mind survey found that many Gen Z feel hesitant about therapy, and 39% of participants responded that "therapy is only for people with serious problems." |  |  | | Why You Should Care About Oil Spills | | The disastrous oil spill in Southern California is threatening both wildlife and human health in nearby communities. Oil spills can take years to clean up and the toxins can pollute food sources, water, and air. Now, environmental activists are sounding the alarm again about how fossil fuels may jeopardize our planet's survival. | | | | Flavonoids: The Latest Dietary Buzzword | | Fitness and nutrition enthusiasts may have already heard of flavonoids. What are they, exactly? Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory compounds found in fruits, vegetables, red wine, tea, and chocolate. Scientists are still learning about how flavonoids interact with the body, but they're similar to probiotics, which help stimulate healthy gut bacteria growth. Some studies also showed that flavonoids may reduce the risk of Alzhemier's disease, diabetes, and certain cancers in the long run. | | | | | |  | | Blood pressure rates have dramatically increased across the globe. Erin McNeely, MD, an internal medicine physician, says prevention is easier than imagined. |  | | Walking is a really simple intervention that has been shown to improve blood pressure and almost everyone can do it. Flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of salt can also promote your health. | |  |  | Erin McNeely, MD
Internal Medicine Physician at Spectrum Health
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