**Cuddle Therapy**
Cuddle therapy is a professional service in several countries in the Global North, including Japan, Norway, and Canada.
The service charge is Rs. 600 for every 5 minutes.
This therapeutic service is primarily provided by young males and focuses on offering emotional support through physical touch without any sexual intent.
There are three types of services offered under cuddle therapy: neck hanging, sitting together, and hand hanging.
People seek cuddle therapy for various reasons, including
1. To alleviate loneliness
2. To reduce mental stress
3. To experience human touch and intimacy
4. To gain relief from depression, anxiety, and feelings of deprivation
Cuddle therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the Global North countries, with cuddle cafes and apps available for booking services.
However, it is still not a mainstream profession in India.
Despite growing mental tension, stress, depression, loneliness, and feelings of deprivation in urban Indian society, cuddle therapy faces social stigma.
Many view it as a manifestation of urban cultural illness or mania.