Cow-hugging therapy

Cow-hugging therapy ^[1] or cow cuddling is a form of animal-assisted therapy involving hugging cows for healing. People have claimed that it has mental health benefits. ^{[2] [3]} As of late 2023, it was reported to be becoming popular around the world. ^{[4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]} Cow therapy also includes spending time with cows, especially in farm settings, beyond just cow cuddling. Centers with cow therapy can be included within a broader mental health program.

Origins

Cow-hugging therapy originated in the Netherlands. ^{[10] [11]} In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has plans which include cow therapy. ^{[12] [13]}

The history of domesticated animals serving as emotional support is not new. The mental health benefits of pet companions along with other animals is well documented. ^[14] Cows have their own particular personalities which make them a unique alternative to more conventional companions such as dogs or cats. ^[15] They are also suited to more rural settings which also supports mental health for people experiencing psychological difficulties. ^{[16] [17]}

See also

• Cattle in religion and mythology
• Cow urine
• Equine-assisted therapy
• Swimming with dolphins
• Therapy dog

References

1. "Cow Hug Therapy". Nadipathy. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
2. "Is cow hugging the world's new wellness trend?". BBC. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
3. "Jokes apart, cow hugging has benefits. But, the cow must know you". India Today. 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
4. "Cow Cuddling: Is Hugging Animals Becoming a 'Wellness Trend' in a Covid World?". News18. 25 May 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
5. "Cow Hugging: Yes it's a Thing". Psych Central. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
6. "Cow Cuddling & Brushing". Ahimsa Milk. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
7. "'Cow cuddling' is the latest mental health trend. But does it work?". Today. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
8. "Cow Hugging Emerges as Latest Wellness Trend: 'People Think It's Very Relaxing'". People. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
9. "Feeling stressed? You can cuddle cows to relieve anxiety at this farm". Euronews. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
10. Rai, Margesh (25 October 2022). "Cow Cuddling Therapy: A New Wellness Trend in Demand". SwadeshiVIP. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
11. Sharma, Shubham (25 December 2013). "'Cow cuddling': psychotherapy to reduce stress and anxiety". International Journal of Indian Psychology. 1 (1). doi: 10.25215/0901.011 .
12. "Therapy animals | NDIS".
13. "'These cows saved my life': The Queensland farm offering healing cattle cuddles". The Guardian. 13 August 2022.
14. "Pets and mental health".
15. "'These cows saved my life': The Queensland farm offering healing cattle cuddles". The Guardian. 13 August 2022.
16. Goodwin, Renee D.; Taha, Farah (June 2014). "Global health benefits of being raised in a rural setting: Results from the N ational C omorbidity S urvey". Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 68 (6): 395–403. doi:10.1111/pcn.12144. PMID   24641788.
17. "Farm-based activities can support mental wellness. Why aren't there more care farms in the U.S.?". 5 October 2023.