As I lie on the sofa, the woman sitting beside me wraps her arms around me and envelops me in a warm embrace. We are so close that I can hear her heart beating as she gently strokes my hair.
She isn't a relative or even a friend, in fact we only met a few minutes earlier.
Welcome to the bizarre world of cuddle therapy, a growing wellness trend that claims to reduce stress and boost wellbeing through platonic hugging.
It may sound unconventional and a bit wacky but fans firmly believe it is a form of emotional healing and a great remedy for stress.
I went to try the bizarre wellness trend for myself.
