Cuddling often leads to physical intimacy, but cuddling after making love is important, too. According to a 2014 study, couples who cuddled after sex reported higher sexual satisfaction and higher relationship satisfaction. Increases bonding among friends Improves immunity: Though hugging and improved immunity may not have a direct connection, they are still related. Hugging leads to the release of certain hormones, such as oxytocin and cortisol, that help fight off infections. Higher levels of stress may also affect the body’s immunity adversely. Hugging reduces stress and thus improves immunity too. According to one 2004 study, massage in the form of stroking, squeezing, and stretching can help relieve stress and anxiety by increasing dopamine and serotonin in the body. These two neurotransmitters help regulate your mood. Dopamine also regulates the pleasure center in your brain. Helps relieve pain

Improves well-being: Hugging leads to happy emotions by releasing endorphins. This increases the sense of satisfaction and well-being. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

A good sex session starts with some erotic games.

Hertenstein, M. J., Holmes, R., McCullough, M., & Keltner, D.(2009, August). The communication of emotion via touch [Abstract]. Emotion, 9(4), 566-573 IndianaUniversity. (2011, July 5). Couples report gender differences in relationship,sexual satisfaction over time [Press release] Cuddling feels good in the obvious sense, but it’s also good for your health. Here’s how: Creates more sexual satisfaction and intimacy

Hernandez-Reif, M., Ironson,G., Field, T., Hurley, J., Katz, G., Diego, M. … Burman, I. (2004, July).Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functionsfollowing massage therapy [Abstract]. Journalof Psychosomatic Research, 57(1),45-52 If you make Swedish massage part of your cuddling routine, your immune system will seriously up its game. Swedish massage is a massage technique that uses long, gliding strokes, firm kneading, and tapping. According to a 2010 study, people who received Swedish massage had: Rapaport, M. H.,Schettler, P., & Bresee, C. (2010, October). A preliminary study of theeffects of a single session of a Swedish massage onhypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune function in normal individuals. The Journal of Alternative and ComplementaryMedicine, 16(10), 1079-1088 Envy Fisher, a college student from the Netherlands, recalls that she wasn’t much of a hugger until her views and needs changed. She says, “Last week I failed my first test since I started college. I felt like the world was coming to an end. Then one of the girls in my class held my hand in hers and said everything was going to be okay. And because of that one tiny gesture that accompanied her words, I felt so much better. Imagine what a hug would have done. Who would enjoy arriving at the cinema only to find that the film is already halfway through? Starting sex with immediate penetration is like skipping to the end of a film without having seen the beginning. So much of the fun, excitement and arousal happens at the foreplay stage! You know, the groping, the passionate kissing…Happiness is an immediate outcome of hugging. Though hugs seem a simple expression of joy or supportiveness, they also have health benefits ( 1). Though most of us consider hugs a face-to-face endeavor, they can just as easily happen from behind. The Lap Dance fully understands this, offering you sex that’s snuggly and stimulating in equal measure. Start by asking your partner to kneel down so far their butt is resting on their ankles. Then, kneel on their lap, with your thighs straddling theirs. From there, they can pull you closer, wrap their arms around you, and shower you with kisses—all while you set the pace of penetration.