A professional cuddling salon is tackling loneliness and stress

Hour-long professional pampering salons to relieve loneliness are so busy that booking well in advance is a must.

A Polish entrepreneur, Aleksandra Kasperek, opened a professional cuddling salon, Ania Od Przytulania, which roughly translates to “Ania for Hugging”, an idea that has intrigued many who crave affectionate human contact.

Opened just two years ago, it is now so popular that the center maintains a waitlist for clients-a predominantly 40- to 60-year-old clientele-to schedule an appointment. The hour-long cuddling sessions are designed to reduce loneliness and stress by providing affectionate interaction with no sexual strings attached.

Cuddling is seen as a way to stimulate the sense of touch-a critical element in improving psychological well-being and easing anxiety. Because demand is on the rise, Kasperek says, it’s important to book well in advance.

How the sessions work

The salon offers a unique experience by incorporating a handshake, then a welcoming “teddy bear” hug. During these sessions, one will be asked for their reason for visiting; thus, this can be tailored to meet individual emotional needs.

From lonely to trauma-recovering individuals, the service provides for almost a broad range of emotional challenges. She added that most of her clients had to suffer emotional or physical catastrophes and that this is the mission of the salon-to redefine touch and change the feeling about it as non-painful but rather nurturing.

The “cuddle room” is designed with a warm and relaxed atmosphere; fragrant cushions, a small fireplace, and an assortment of top-quality comforts will feature in the room. Snacks and beverages during the session are possible, set in a very luxurious atmosphere.

Yet despite the huge success that this campaign launched, Kasperek has clearly set some demarcation: violation of personal boundaries translates into an immediate end of such a session, meaning all touches become appropriate ones – no hint at sexual implication given.

The soaring demand for human touch

With loneliness mounting across the world, especially in the post-pandemic scenario, Kasperek’s venture underlines the dire need for human contact and the therapeutic power of a simple touch. Quite a few studies have scientifically proved that physical affection, like hugs, can lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and generally keep one in better health.