What Hormone Does Your Body Release When Cuddling?
When people cuddle, the body releases a hormone called oxytocin. Known as the bonding hormone, oxytocin plays a key role in attachment, comfort, and emotional connection. A hug, a gentle snuggle, or even hand-holding can release oxytocin, which explains why people feel safe, calm, and nurtured after sharing physical contact.
At Embrace Club, the practice of cuddle therapy allows clients to experience oxytocin in a safe and supportive way. Through professional cuddling, structured cuddle therapy sessions, and guided experiences with a certified cuddle therapist, clients can discover how oxytocin supports emotional and mental health.
Why Oxytocin Matters in a Cuddle
A cuddle may seem simple, but it sparks meaningful changes in the body. The release of oxytocin during physical contact lowers stress, eases anxiety, and helps people feel more connected. Over time, the therapeutic effects of oxytocin can improve self-esteem, nurture resilience, and support overall wellness.
When these benefits are combined with the safe structure of professional cuddling, clients notice even greater results. Many describe their first cuddle therapy session as eye-opening, especially when guided by a trained cuddler who knows how to establish boundaries and create a safe space. Real experiences, like visiting the Embracing Studio in NYC, show how a professional setting can enhance comfort and make the power of oxytocin even more noticeable.
Cuddle Therapy and Oxytocin
Cuddle therapy is a structured form of therapy focused on safe, platonic touch. During a cuddle therapy session, a client works with a trained cuddle therapist or professional cuddler to receive nurturing contact that releases oxytocin.
Each session begins with a consultation to set clear boundaries. Consent is always central to professional cuddling, ensuring the experience remains respectful and never romantic or sexual. Once boundaries are established, the therapist and client engage in hugging, snuggling, hand-holding, or gentle strokes, which all stimulate oxytocin.
This type of therapy is especially valuable for people who experience touch deprivation, loneliness, or stress. Many report feeling more resilient, calm, and connected after a cuddle therapy session.
Professional Cuddling and the Power of Touch
Professional cuddling is built on the belief that the power of touch can heal, nurture, and comfort. A professional cuddler or cuddle therapist uses safe, platonic touch to promote wellness. While it shares some similarities with massage therapy, the goal is not to relieve muscles but to provide affection, emotional support, and oxytocin release.
Organizations like Cuddlist offer certification and qualification programs that prepare practitioners to become a cuddle therapist. These programs teach skills such as establishing boundaries, gaining trust, and creating a safe space. Many professional cuddlers also build an online profile to help clients understand their background and approach before booking a session.
Professional cuddle therapy is designed to be therapeutic, structured, and always respectful. Clients feel comfortable knowing they can experience affection without fear of it becoming romantic or sexual.
How a Cuddle Therapist Creates a Safe Space
A trained cuddle therapist is responsible for creating a secure, compassionate environment for each client. The therapist ensures the cuddle session remains platonic and safe. By respecting boundaries and focusing on non-sexual touch, the therapist helps clients relax and feel safe.
This approach is particularly valuable for people experiencing social anxiety, neurodivergent clients, or those who felt a deep disconnect during COVID. Many adults live without regular physical intimacy or nurturing physical affection, and professional cuddle therapy fills this gap. The structured touch provided by a therapist gives clients the warmth and compassion they may not otherwise receive.
Romantic or Sexual vs Platonic Cuddle Therapy
One of the most important aspects of cuddle therapy is understanding the difference between romantic or sexual intimacy and professional cuddling. Although oxytocin is also released during sexual touch or romantic relationships, professional cuddle therapy is always platonic.
The experience focuses on nurturing, comfort, and emotional healing. Professional cuddlers and therapists are trained to establish boundaries clearly so clients can trust that every session remains safe and non-sexual. This allows people to access oxytocin’s therapeutic effects without the pressures that come with romantic or sexual interactions.
Touch Deprivation and the Release of Oxytocin
Many people turn to cuddle therapy because of touch deprivation. In adulthood, opportunities for regular hugs, hand-holding, or gentle snuggles can be rare. The lack of physical touch and physical affection often leads to loneliness, stress, and even health problems.
During the COVID pandemic, touch deprivation became a global issue, leaving people feeling isolated and disconnected. Professional cuddlers and cuddle therapy sessions provided a lifeline for those missing this essential human need. Through oxytocin release, clients began to rebuild connections, develop trust, and restore their sense of belonging.
The Therapeutic Effects of Oxytocin
The release of oxytocin during cuddling has several positive effects. Clients often notice reduced stress, improved sleep, and an overall sense of relaxation. The hormone also enhances self-esteem, compassion, and the ability to connect socially. Many report feeling more resilient and confident after just a few sessions.
Oxytocin’s role in emotional and mental health is significant. Reducing anxiety and supporting attachment helps clients feel safe and nurtured. For some, cuddle therapy becomes a consistent wellness practice alongside counseling, massage, or other forms of care.
How to Become a Cuddle Therapist
For those drawn to the nurturing nature of cuddle therapy, it is possible to become a cuddle therapist. Training through organizations like Cuddlist includes courses on touch therapy, emotional awareness, and how to build a safe practice. Some therapists view it as a hobby, while others see it as a professional path that requires a license, qualification, and certification.
A practitioner must always respect client boundaries, ensure every cuddle session is platonic, and create a comfortable, safe space. With proper training, a professional cuddler can provide life-changing support for people struggling with touch deprivation, loneliness, or anxiety.
Experience Oxytocin with Embrace Club
Cuddling releases oxytocin, the hormone responsible for trust, attachment, and emotional balance. Whether through a hug, a snuggle, or a structured cuddle therapy session, oxytocin nurtures both body and mind.
At Embrace Club, clients can discover the therapeutic benefits of professional cuddling and enjoy the safe space created by trained cuddle therapists. Every session is built on consent, respect, and care, allowing clients to feel safe, supported, and connected.
If you want to reduce loneliness, overcome touch deprivation, and enjoy the positive effects of oxytocin, visit us today to schedule your consultation and experience the healing power of professional cuddle therapy.
Embrace Club
80 Monroe St, Brooklyn, NY, United States, New York
718 755 8947
https://embraceclub.com/