In recent times, a soothing therapy has gained the attention of the masses in India as folks in the U.S are happily spending Rs. 22,000 for a 90-minute session of cow cuddling therapy. Yes, you heard it right. Cow Hugging or Embracing Cows Session or Cow Cuddling Therapy (Known as Koe Knuffelen in Dutch) is a wellness trend enriched with cuteness and a feeling of bliss.
Doctors and mental health experts worldwide have recommended Cow Cuddling Therapy, a therapeutic practice, and that’s the main reason it has emerged as a growing movement in nations such as the United States, Switzerland, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Cuddle a Cow Therapy encompasses-
Cow cuddling therapy came into practice for the first time in rural areas of the Netherlands. It has been more than a decade since this wellness trend came to light. However, hardly people across the world were aware of this amazing practice. Cuddle a Cow Trend has recently grabbed the eyeballs due to its unique and unusual features.
In the villages of the Netherlands, villagers keep cows in the cowshed constructed within or in close proximity to their houses. Everyone spends time with the cows, from kids to youngsters and adults, exchanging moments of love with them. We are well aware of the religious and spiritual importance of mother cows in India. In the population of 1.417 billion in 2022, nearly 80% of people consider cows sacred and respect as well as treat them like their mothers. We all have either heard the stories of humble cows from our parents or got the chance to live along with the cows in a peaceful environment. Most of us might have hugged mother cows, rubbed their back, pat on their neck, sat with them and pampered them. Thus, we can say that most of us enjoyed cow cuddling therapy when this term was not in daily use.
In India, Gaumata (Mother cow) has attained the sacred spot as it represents Mother Earth as one can attain goodness and ever-nourishing milk from it. Lord Shri Krishna was a humble cowherd, and his love for cows was unfathomable. Turn the pages of history, and you will get a glimpse of his love and affection towards the cows. He used to play the Flute and pulled the attention of sacred creatures via the divine music coming out of the flute. The cows were fond of music played by Lord Shri Krishna and would obey his orders. Still, modern writers and researchers give reference to Bhagwan Shri Krishna while writing or talking about the pure, unheard holy creatures on earth.
The cow has also been linked with most worshipped deities, including Lord Shiva (whose steed is Nandi, a bull), Lord Krishna (a cowherd in his golden days of youth), Indra (closely connected with Kamadhenu[1] (A cow that is known for fulfilling all the wishes), and goddesses in general (due to the maternal attributes present in most of the cows). In Hinduism, the mother cow symbolises grace and abundance. Sacred gifts such as ghee and milk obtained from cows are significant elements in Hindu worship, penance along with rites of passage.
In the books of the Vedas, cows represent wealth, a carrier of good fortune, and joyous earthly life. The books of spiritual science showcase that by serving the cows, one can acquire the four significant Purusharthas mentioned below-
Artha- economic values
Dharma- righteousness
Kama- pleasure
Moksha- Liberation
Numerous health experts, psychologists, and leading doctors from different countries have given their green signal to the regular practice of cow cuddling therapy all over the world. The benefits associated with this wellness trend are real and 100% effective against 50+ physical and mental health issues.
The 10 significant benefits of cow cuddling therapy are mentioned below-
The most vital benefit of ‘Cuddle a Cow Therapy’ is that it gives instant relief from mental stress as it speeds up the process of Oxytocin secretion in the body. As per one of the recent studies, 88% of Indians are entangled in the web of mental stress. Also, research conducted by LinkedIn indicates that 55% of Indians are suffering due to stress. Thus, people who want to get out of the well of stress should embrace the concept of cow cuddling and make it a part of daily life.
2. Spreads Positive Vibes all Around
It’s a way through which you can reach the pinnacle of positivity. The presence of cows is enough to transform the vibes of a place. If you visit a Gaushala or cow cuddling centre to experience this natural therapy, your life will be filled with positivity. You will be able to feel or imagine the difference after leaving the therapy spot.
3. Triggers the Feel-good Hormones
Cow hugging or cow cuddling therapy triggers the well-known happy hormones such as serotonin and Dopamine. The release of these happy hormones ensures a reduction in the stress hormone known as Cortisol. In case you are feeling low, you can try this ongoing trend and strengthen your bond with cows.
4. Prevents High Blood Pressure
It alleviates blood pressure symptoms and reduces the risk of increased blood pressure. It leaves a calming effect on the mind of cow cuddlers. Folks residing in countries such as Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States shared their experience of cow cuddling therapy. They felt that their blood pressure reduced to a great extent after taking an active part in multiple therapy sessions.
5. Works Well Against Spinal Pain
If Spinal pain is a significant health issue in your life, then you must try Cow Cuddling therapy for magical results. It can cure spinal pain and give relief to the cow-cuddlers.
6. An Experience of Calmness & Serenity
Due to the low heart rates and high body temperature of the cows, an individual undergoing the therapy encounters calmness and serenity. Are you involved so deeply in your professional chores and personal work that you don’t have time to focus on your mental peace and work-life balance? If yes, you must take a short nap and visit a Gaushala near you to experience Cow Cuddling Therapy.
7. Helps in Coping with Depression
Taking multiple sessions of cow cuddling therapy and embracing the warmth and love from cows leaves no room for anxiety and depression. Thus, if you feel the symptoms of depression, don’t forget to pursue a trip to a dairy farm or a Gaushala. Also, you must know that one session is not enough to get permanent relief from depression. Multiple sessions will help you emerge victorious against depression.
8. Effective Against Respiratory Disorder
This wellness trend of hugging desi cows is highly effective in the treatment of respiratory issues. One of the therapeutic benefits of cow cuddling therapy is that it normalises breathing and cures respiratory issues. On the global level, India belongs to that league of countries which hold the record for the maximum number of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease cases. Start practising this trend and get rid of problems that affect breathing.
9. Get rid of Social Isolation and Hypervigilance
In case you are in a state of hypervigilance or social isolation, or if you feel that loneliness has encircled you, cow cuddling therapy will bring a ray of hope in such cases. Spend time with cows and cuddle them. You will get a sense of togetherness and social bonding that you might have missed for a long time.
10. Now, heart-related ailments won’t trouble you anymore
Due to the increasing number of cases related to heart attack and other heart-related ailments, India has got the tag of Chronic Heart Disease capital of the world. As quoted in The New Indian Express, a Renowned cardiologist in the country warned that India will record the highest number of cardiac deaths all over the world by 2030, with every fourth death taking place because of cardiovascular disease. Cow cuddling activity ensures a balanced heartbeat and gives an unbelievable soothing experience to the cow cuddlers. As per the team of French and Austrian Scientists, folks who came in close contact and cuddled lovely Moo creatures experienced controlled and lower heart rates. Therefore, we can say that practising cow cuddling will reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Last month, Rajesh Singh drove 500+ kilometres from Lucknow to SwadeshiVIP Gaushala, which he mentions as a feel-good dairy farm where he enjoyed spending time with Gir and Sahiwal cows. His five-year-old daughter established a deep bond of friendship and love with cows and calves present within the premises of Gaushala. “There are 500+ desi cows and she is attached to one named Vineeta and played around her for hours and offered her food as well,” he says. The farm also gets frequent visitors who come to buy A2 Gir cow milk, and many people come with their children to experience cow cuddling therapy and get the benefits associated with the same wellness trend.
Ghaziabad resident Divyansh Sharma finds the utmost peace when he visits our lush green A2 milk farm, where a water pit and stacks of organic fodder attracts a herd of cows daily. He says he hugs them and gives them a rapid neck and back rub and has been engrossed in doing it for the past 1.5 years without knowing about cow hugging therapy!
Bengaluru-based psychiatrist Dr B Girish Chandra said that the benefits accruing from cow cuddling therapy or cow hugging trend are for real. He further added that the feeling is akin to cuddling pets or a toddler at quarters. In addition to this, he said that A hug triggers the pack of happy hormones, i.e., Oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, consequently preventing the release of Cortisol (the stress hormone), lowering stress levels, anxiety along with the symptoms of depression.
As per the study conducted by The Guardian, a cow cuddling center has been constructed in North Queensland, Australia. In the boundaries of this center, folks who belong to the category of mentally unstable or those who are in search of mental solace are reaching for treatment. They are attaining peace and relief by spending golden time with the cows present at the center. After visiting the center on a frequent basis, a good number of people have recovered from their different forms of mental health issues.
Dona Estil, who is undergoing cow cuddling therapy at the center, said that she has a personality disorder, depression, as well as nervousness. As she has been taking multiple sessions of cow-hugging therapy and spending time with cows for a long time, she is slowly getting better now. She has established a good bond with cows roaming in the center. She said that if someone had told me about it one year, I might have laughed or made fun of this thing, but these cows gave me new birth. I will always be grateful to them. A similar story is of 10-year-old Patrick residing in Brisbane. He is a patient with autism, but after coming here and undergoing cow-cuddling sessions, he is now recovering.
This trend is gaining popularity worldwide and is a science-backed therapy for experiencing love in its pure form and mental peace as well.
Cow cuddling therapy is a wellness trend that people practice in different parts of the world. Originating from the Netherlands, this trend has touched the hearts of folks living in the United States, Switzerland, India, etc. This therapy ensures stress-free life full of hope and joy. If you want to experience the purest form of love and keep stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and other health issues at bay, and establish a relationship of companionship with cows, visit SwadeshiVIP Farm located in Noida Sector 135.
Read our Article:A2 Cow Milk and Buffalo Milk: Pros and Cons
Cow cuddling therapy refers to a human-cow interaction-based practice in which people cuddle cows to experience peace and utmost calmness. In this therapy, hugging mother cows and meditating with them will take you into the land of serenity and bliss.
The benefits of cuddling a cow are mentioned below-
Regular practice of cuddle a cow therapy ensures freedom from mental stress.
It minimizes the risk of increased blood pressure and helps an individual stay relaxed.
It is a proven and effective remedy for spinal pain.
It balances the heart rate and reduces the chances of heart-related ailments.
It cuts down the symptoms of depression.
Cow cuddling therapy, or cuddle a cow trend, is known for triggering happy hormones such as Dopamine and Serotonin. These happy hormones ensure a reduction in the level of Cortisol, a stress-inducing hormone.
The benefits of touching cows are mentioned below-
It lowers the level of stress and helps an individual feel the calmness all around.
It leaves no room for depression and depression-inducing hormones.
It won’t let blood pressure level rise and keep it in a confined zone.
It increases happiness in the life of cow cuddlers.
It minimizes the scope for cardiovascular and respiratory ailments.
It helps in eradicating the feeling of loneliness.
The positive side effects of cuddling are-
It strengthens the human bond with divine moo creatures.
It helps an individual feel happy and better than ever.
It reduces the feeling of anger and pain.
It circulates the feeling of love and calmness.
It keeps depression, stress, and anxiety at bay.
Cows love humans when they find them reliable and kind-hearted. They love humans because they are being touched with love and respect and treated very well by a significant chunk of the population, especially in a country like India, where the cow is considered the mother.
Yes, cows can relieve stress.
Cow hug therapy reduces blood pressure, prevents respiratory disorders, strengthens the neurological system, lessens stress levels, boosts happy hormones in the body, etc.
Yes, cow cuddling therapy is effective against stress, depression, anxiety, spinal pain, respiratory issues, etc.
Cow cuddling (Also known as cow hugging or cuddle a cow or Koe Knuffelen) originated in the Netherlands in Reuver town. However, before this term got coined, it was always a part of Sanatan Culture in India. So, we can say that it was named by folks from the Netherlands.