Now Earn ₹600 for a 5-Minute Hug? Unusual Stress-Relief Trend Goes Viral in China

Beijing – In an unusual and trending development, a new form of stress relief is making waves in China, where young women are turning to so-called ‘Man Mums’—muscular men who offer hugs for a fee—to cope with mental and emotional fatigue. While it may sound like something out of a quirky movie, this growing service industry reflects the increasing emotional pressure faced by the youth, especially students and professionals.

Hug Therapy: A Unique Way to Destress

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, women dealing with study stress, relationship fatigue, or personal trauma are hiring ‘Man Mums’, a term coined for physically fit men—often gym-goers—who provide hugs for emotional comfort. The standard charge ranges from 20 to 50 yuan (approximately ₹250 to ₹600) for a single hug session that typically lasts about five minutes.

This trend first gained attention after a female student posted online about her experience. Overwhelmed by the pressure of writing her thesis, she said she felt mentally broken and longed for a hug. She ended up paying someone at her university for a five-minute hug and later shared that it helped her immensely. Her honest confession struck a chord and quickly went viral across social media platforms in China.

A Hug That Heals—But at a Price

With the growing popularity of this trend, Man Mums are now appearing in places like metro stations, parks, and shopping malls, where clients can find and interact with them easily. These sessions, though brief, are meant to provide a sense of emotional support, safety, and calmness.

Women reportedly choose their Man Mum based on appearance, personality, and behavior. After a mutual agreement is made, they decide on a time and place for the hug session, making the process somewhat structured and safe.

Not Just a Gimmick—A Reflection of Mental Health Needs

While many might brush it off as bizarre or superficial, experts argue that the trend highlights a deeper mental health need among today’s youth. In a society where emotional expression is often suppressed and therapy remains stigmatized or expensive, such non-verbal outlets of emotional release are gaining traction.

The rising demand for Man Mums shows how touch therapy, a known stress reliever, is being commercialized to fill the emotional gap in a fast-paced, performance-driven culture. In a world dominated by digital interactions, a genuine hug—even for a fee—can provide warmth that words sometimes cannot.

Final Thoughts

Although this trend may seem unusual from an outsider’s perspective, it serves as a mirror to the emotional void and psychological pressures young people face today. Whether it’s a fad or a form of modern therapy, hug-for-pay services are creating conversations about emotional well-being—and that’s a hug the world definitely needs.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat

My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.

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