She cuddles for a living. For real! Part of the growing tribe of professional 'cuddlers' who offer therapeutic and platonic physical comfort for a fee, Shanna Marie, an aromatherapist by training, changed professional tracks when she watched a feature on CNN last year. And she hasn't looked back since.
"I thought to myself, I could do this, I'd be great at this," says the New York-based cuddler, recalling how the story about a cuddler in Portland inspired her to switch from being an aromatherapist. Cuddling was a healing modality, part of the wellness industry along with meditation and yoga, she realised after she set about finding out more.
The 36-year-old, who is now a certified 'cuddlist' with Cuddlist.com, reached out to the Portland cuddler who featured in the CNN feature. "But she only certifies in Oregon. I did some research and Cuddlist.com seemed legitimate, well-organized and attractive to me… "
Cuddling, Marie says, is a good way to make a living but there are strict dos and don'ts -- the client has to be at least 18 years old, shouldn't have a communicable disease and should not be in the ICU and ER. Otherwise, all shades, shapes, sizes, gender identities and beliefs are welcome as long as they agree with the code of conduct and pass her screening process.
Professional cuddling is a non-sexual service. There is no sexual activity (physical or verbal) permitted during a cuddle session. Consent is always given both ways. Clients can cry, laugh, sneeze, cough, pass gas, excuse themselves to go to the bathroom, request for alone time and conclude the cuddle any time during the session.
Marie, who has cuddled about 100 people, including those in cuddle parties, always starts with a mini-workshop and meditation or a prayer. "This sets the tone of the entire cuddle session," she says.
Her cuddle positions depend on the client's preference. This may mean starting with just eye gazing, then touching palms together and holding hands. "There are many cuddling positions but my favourite is spooning, I like to be the big spoon (the person hugging the other person from behind). I find this to be most comfortable for me and very reassuring to my clients. I noticed they open up more because they just feel held, safe and relaxed."
A few clients vent during their sessions. But 80 per cent do not or vent only before the session starts. They use the opportunity to feel better and put away their concerns while cuddling.
Marie keeps the book, Cuddle Sutra, by Rob Grader handy during her sessions though she seldom uses it with her clients.
Arousal, erection or excitement is normal but it is never encouraged or enhanced during a cuddle session. "My relationship with my clients is strictly therapeutic, platonic and non-sexual," she emphasises.
She does take appointments through her business websites but the charges are a bit more than Cuddlist.com's suggested rate of $80 an hour.
Business is gaining momentum, Marie says. Her goal is to open a cuddle facility in the heart of New York where people can come in for walk-in cuddles just like they would in a spa or book overnight cuddles and group cuddles with their friends and families; all of this facilitated by a professional cuddlist in a safe, controlled, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Though the trend is yet to catch on in India, professional cuddling is well on its way to becoming quite the thing for the wellness industry in the West.
