Jokes apart, cow hugging has benefits. But, the cow must know you
NEW DELHI,FEB 9 : When February 14 was declared ‘Cow Hug Day’ by the Animal Welfare Board of India, the reactions on social media consisted of hilarious memes, jokes and comments. However, contrary to all this, the significance in hugging cows and what it can do for us in terms of wellness has been well-researched and documented globally. But yes, before you go hug any cow on the street, make sure you get his/her consent.
Pets have always been known as de-stressors and cats and dogs are the most popular animals as pets. But other animals too, have shown that they act as stress busters and bonding with them, helps humans.
In the Netherlands, for instance, the practice of “koe knuffelen” in Dutch (cow hugging), is an age-old practice which focuses on the inherent healing properties of a good human-to-animal hug. The global trend started in 2020 and people who were extremely stressed headed out to farms where they could spend upto three hours in the company of cows.
The cow cuddling therapy trend is popular in the US too, where there are farms across the US that provide this facility. Hugging – be it an animal or human being – releases hormones associated with bonding, love, happiness and less stress.
Studies have shown that because of the cow’s slower heartbeat, warmer body temperature and large size, hugging the cow gives humans a soothing experience and relaxes them. According to an article titled ‘Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health’ in the International Journal of Caring Sciences, animal contact contributes to people’s well-being. The article stated, “Experts suggest that when contacted with animals, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins are released, causing a feeling of happiness and calm while reducing the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, a fact that further contributes to lowering blood pressure and heart rate.”
It concluded that animal-assisted therapy, as a complementary approach to traditional therapies, leads to several important benefits for patients suffering from mental illnesses. “Its implementation in patients with diagnoses such as depression, autism, dementia, schizophrenia can achieve changes in their personality, behaviour and physical health,” stated the article.
Dr Warren Corson, a licensed professional counsellor and director of the Community Counseling Centers of Central Connecticut, said in an interview, “Cow cuddling will not replace traditional therapy and it’s not designed to. But a lot of people, we’ve lost connection to nature and there’s a need for touch. Cows are actually pretty empathic. They can be very intelligent. In my observations, cows are some of the most nurturing animals that we have.” He runs a 50-acre therapeutic farm in Wolcott, Connecticut, where there are chickens, rabbits and ducks, and cows.
-The India Today
