Touch starvation, also known as touch deprivation or skin hunger, is a profound yet often overlooked human experience.

 

Humans need touch to survive.

 

We need at least four hugs a day to live, eight to feel happy, and twelve to truly grow and thrive. But how many of us are actually getting enough?

 

Our skin, the body’s largest organ, is made up of 1.6 trillion cells. On just one square inch of skin, there are thousands of nerve receptors constantly transmitting information to our nervous system. These receptors communicate vital details about our external environment, such as pressure, touch, pain, and temperature. Our nervous system uses this input, along with our other senses, to regulate virtually every function in our body.

 

The amount and quality of touch we receive directly impact our nervous system and, therefore, our overall health.

 

In today’s world, the number of people living alone, working from home, and navigating life without close relationships has grown dramatically. This isolation often leaves people without regular human contact or, at best, very limited touch.

 

What’s less talked about is that even those in relationships can experience touch starvation. Sexual intimacy alone does not equate to the safe, loving touch that our bodies crave to be healthy and happy. Everyone has unique preferences and needs for touch, and it’s not uncommon for partners to have mismatched levels of desire for physical affection. Additionally, relationship challenges can lead to emotional disconnection and the complete withdrawal of touch in all its forms.

 

From my experience, men seem to struggle with touch starvation far more than women. Societal pressures often dictate that men must appear tough, avoid complaints, and suppress vulnerability to avoid being seen as weak or needy. Being openly affectionate can lead to judgments—labeled as “creepy” with women or “homosexual” with men.

 

This stigma leaves many men feeling unsafe to express their need for touch, love, and affection. As a result, they often endure their struggles in silence, feeling isolated and disconnected, with little support for their emotional or mental health.

 

What Does Touch Starvation Feel Like?

 

The symptoms of touch starvation are both emotional and physical, including:

 

Aggressive behavior

 

High-stress levels

 

Anxiety and depression

 

Difficulty sleeping and chronic fatigue

 

Body image issues

 

Loneliness and fear of attachment

 

Sexual dysfunction

 

 

In addition, touch deprivation increases the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, high cortisol levels can lead to:

 

Anxiety and depression

 

Digestive problems

 

Chronic headaches

 

Muscle tension and pain

 

Heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure

 

Sleep disturbances and weight gain

 

Increased risk of addictive behaviors

 

 

It’s clear that touch is essential to our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Our lives, quite literally, depend on it.

 

My Mission

 

I am deeply committed to raising awareness about touch starvation and helping those who experience it feel less alone. My goal is to empower individuals to recover and reestablish healthy touch and emotional connections in their lives.

 

To support this journey, I offer two in-person treatments specifically designed for touch starvation:

 

1. Touch Starvation Massage

 

This gentle, nurturing massage is tailored to provide slow and comforting touch with a touch of energy healing. The addition of energy healing creates a deep sense of safety and unconditional love, allowing clients to relax fully and embrace the experience.

 

The massage incorporates three different types of touch and pressure, releasing oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and calms the nervous system. It’s designed to bring you out of your head and reconnect you deeply with your body.

 

2. Cuddle Therapy

Offered on its own or after the Touch Starvation Massage, cuddle therapy is a deeply comforting experience. During the session, I gently hold you in various cuddling positions of your choice. Fully clothed, we can cuddle on a couch or lie down on a comfortable mattress, surrounded by calming music and candlelight. This experience is designed to melt away stress and foster a sense of care, love, and safety.

 

Providing these treatments has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. Seeing my clients leave feeling nurtured, loved, and at peace is a gift I cherish.

 

Before every session, we’ll discuss and sign a special consent form and code of conduct to ensure the experience is 100% non-sexual, safe, and comfortable for both of us. Both participants remain fully dressed at all times.