East Bay sex Therapist gives expert advice on how to have deeper intimacy & better sex
EAST BAY SEX THERAPIST TIPS:
NUDE CUDDLING
Get Naked & Snuggle
Skin-to-skin contact releases the bonding & feel-good hormones oxytocin and dopamine, leading to deeper connection and pleasure.
Many habits contribute to a secure-functioning & intimate partnership as well as a satisfying sex life. Cuddling is one of the most essential habits of a strong relationship.
WHY SNUGGLE?
When you get snuggly with your partner, your relationship, minds and bodies get all kinds of goodness. Prolonged affectionate touch produces a myriad of benefits to both of your bodies, as well as to your intimate partnership as a whole. It may sound overly simplistic, but when we look a bit deeper, there are many things that you can get from a good cuddle session. Especially a naked snuggle...
WHY CUDDLE NAKED?
Skin-to-skin contact releases both oxytocin and dopamine, which creates many positive effects and increases overall health and wellbeing. This includes:
Releases Oxytocin, the bonding & feel-good hormone
lowers blood pressure
helps regulate sleep
boosted immune system
relieves pain
reduces stress
regulates emotions
syncs your bodies together, physiologically as well as emotionally
HOW TO CUDDLE
Let’s get back to the very basics. First, what is a cuddle, exactly? The definition of cuddling is: to hold close in one’s arms as a way of showing love or affection. This is a good starting point, but we think cuddling should be a full body activity! You can cuddle with as much or as little body contact as you’d like. The intention of prolonged, affectionate touch is what defines the cuddling experience.
Cuddling offers a wide range of benefits. It promotes physical, psychological and sexual intimacy and relationship security. In addition to the general health benefits, cuddling is a bonding experience, which is vital for secure functioning between partners. It is a way of showing one another love and care as well as an opportunity to slow down and relax together.
Cuddling goes way beyond spooning (though of course it made the list), so here are some great cuddling positions to explore. Try a whole range of positions and notice the emotional and physical experience of each one. These can be done both nude and in clothes. Experiment with different combinations with your partner.
1. SPOONING
Cuddling in the spooning position is a classic for a reason! Spooning offers maximum body-to-body contact. Experiment with taking turns being in front and behind. A great cuddling term is “jetpacking” when describing the position where the physically smaller partner is behind the larger partner.
2. CHEST EMBRACE
Cuddle up next to your partner and rest your head on their chest. This position is a beautifully intimate and romantic one. Many people feel very cared for and held with love. Again, take turns cuddling in this position and notice how it feels to hold and be held.
3. FACE-TO-FACE EMBRACE
Relax in bed together, face-to-face. Get as close as is comfortable for both of you. Cuddle with your hands, stroking one another’s skin. Hold hands, make eye contact, and talk. This is a great position for people who don’t love super close cuddling but still want the intimate connection that cuddling offers.
4. BELLY EMBRACE
Rest your head a bit lower on your lover’s body and rest your head on their belly. Feel the rise and fall of their breath. This cuddle position may be a great one to fall asleep doing!
5. PRAYER EMBRACE
This is an intimate and sexy cuddle pose. Get between your lover’s legs on your knees and then fall forward, allowing your torso to fall over your partner’s body. Your heart will land somewhere around their pelvic area, a very intimate and erotic connection. Your lover can stroke your hair, a tender act that can feel quite comforting.
