Cow-hugging therapy

Cow-hugging therapy[1] or cow cuddling involves people 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 NDIS 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

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.