A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing a facial with Gabby at Being in LA, and by the end of it, something completely out of character happened — I hugged her. Now, let me be clear: I am not a touchy-feely person. But this wasn’t a conscious decision; it was an instinctual and heartfelt "thank you" after an absolutely incredible session. And this leads me to something the world could use a whole lot more of these days: the healing power of touch.

Seriously, when was the last time you had a really juicy hug?

Just today I was scrolling Instagram and decided to pop over to Threads (which I almost never do), and I saw a post by a woman in a local LA group that stopped me in my tracks. She wrote:

“This is probably such an odd thing to say, but I need a hug. As a divorced mom with teens, they don’t come often enough. But yes, I need a hug.”

Oh, I felt this one. Don’t we all? Sure, you can hug a tree, or your pet, but there’s something different — something profoundly human — about the warmth of another person’s touch. And I’m not talking about romantic intimacy; I mean the simple, powerful connection of human-to-human contact.

It turns out, I’m not the only one thinking about this. Have you heard of Japan’s Cuddle Cafés? People literally pay to cuddle with strangers. And right here, in always-on-trend Los Angeles, there’s a Cuddle Club, plus Meetup cuddle workshops and sessions throughout the city.

The Unexpected Power of Touch

Are we all just starved for affection, or has touch become a rare and precious commodity in our fast-paced, digitally driven world?

Before you think, No thanks, this is getting weird, hear me out:

Our skin is our largest organ, packed with nerve endings that communicate directly with the brain. Touch releases oxytocin (the love hormone), which fosters trust and connection, while simultaneously lowering cortisol (the stress hormone). It also boosts serotonin and dopamine, the dynamic duo behind happiness and relaxation.

In other words, touch is basically nature’s antidepressant.

And that brings me back to Gabby. That lovely facial wasn’t just about skincare — which was much needed after the madness of the holidays — it was a soul-soothing experience. Her gentle hands and nurturing care worked together to relax my mind and body in a way I didn’t even know I needed. The Well-Being Facial at being in LA is the perfect go to healing skin treatment that will instantly calm and cleanse your skin and spirit.

Beyond Beauty: The Transformative Power of Facials

Really, facials are so much more than a beauty treatment. They have the power to:

1. Melt away stress and tension stored in facial muscles
2. Promote deep relaxation and a sense of well-being
3. Improve circulation, skin tone, and texture
   
   

The Healing Art of Massage: More Than Just Relaxation

And then, of course, there’s massage—the holy grail of touch therapy. Whether it’s deep tissue, Swedish, lymphatic drainage, or reflexology, massage can:

1. Relieve muscle tension and ease chronic pain
2. Improve circulation and support detoxification
3. Lower anxiety levels and enhance sleep quality
4. Boost immune function and overall well-being

By making intentional touch — whether through facials, massage, or even a simple hug — a part of
our wellness routine, we give ourselves a profound gift: connection, healing, and a chance to reset.

So, go ahead. Book that facial. Schedule that massage. Or, if nothing else, give someone a really good hug today.

Because we all need it.

Book Now!

Call or email us today and schedule your Being in LA facial with Gabby and/or a healing massage with Shelby at our gorgeous spa in the heart of Silver Lake. Contact us at bewell@beinginla.com or 323-741-8035.