Stressed? Find your zen with cow therapy

Find global moo-vement! From cherished Indian bonds to Dutch cuddles, discover lasting joy with cow therapy.

Amid the array of wellness trends from cold plunges to sound baths emerges a serene practice from the Netherlands – Koe Knuffelen, or cow hugging as a form of cow therapy.

Centered on the healing embrace between humans and cows, it has been labeled a therapy. It attracts people in droves on farm tours in Europe and the USA, ending in hours of rest against the gentle giants.

Though cow hugging originated in Holland and is now gaining ground, the age-old Indian tradition of caring for cows at home has long been recognized for fostering a sense of calmness and happiness.

In the Indian culture, the cow is not mere livestock but is revered as a holy being, embodying a spiritual presence. Their gentle nature is seen as a conduit for divine energy, bridging the earthly and the ethereal realms. The sacred cow, esteemed for her hallowed aura, is regarded as the bearer of blessings, good luck, and wealth in Hindu philosophy.

This reverence stems from the life-sustaining gifts cows provide. Their milk nourishes families, their dung fuels fires and fertilizes fields, and their serene demeanor symbolizes ahimsa (non-violence), central to Hinduism.

The calming effects of snuggling with a pet are heightened when embracing larger mammals. Cows are very loving and intelligent beings with a serene demeanor. Their warm presence, slow heartbeats, and mammoth size create an incredibly soothing experience during cuddling sessions.

The therapy in cow cuddling

Cows are very loving, forgiving, and intelligent beings. Their warm presence, slow heartbeats, and mammoth size create an incredibly soothing experience when cuddled. Backrubs, reclining, and even a friendly lick become integral parts of this therapeutic encounter, promising not only serenity but also a joyful smile or two.

Cow cuddling is thought to boost positivity and alleviate stress by increasing oxytocin, the hormone associated with social bonding. The calming effects of snuggling with a pet or emotional support animal are heightened when embracing larger mammals.

“Cows are incredibly laid-back creatures; they don’t engage in conflicts, they don’t stir up trouble,” a farm owner in the UK promoting the practice told BBC. “Visit the fields, and we have specially designated hugging cows; you can lie down beside them – many find it incredibly relaxing.”

This delightful practice originated over a decade ago in rural Dutch provinces and has since become a cornerstone of the broader Dutch movement to reconnect people with nature and rural living. Now, farms as far as Rotterdam in Switzerland to Queensland in Australia are embracing the trend. They offer cow-hugging sessions to share the joy and stress-relieving benefits of this heartwarming activity. The cost ranges from $15-50 an hour.

Good Morning America carried programs on bovine therapy a couple of years ago, visiting farms offering cow cuddling sessions in Upstate New York and Los Angeles. The Gentle Barn in LA told GMA that 600,000 people have hugged cows at their three locations over the years. They noticed demand climbing during the pandemic when many people felt lonely in enclosed spaces.

The cuddling experience extends beyond humans; even the cattle find pleasure in it. According to a 2007 study in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, cows exhibit signs of profound relaxation, stretching out and gently dropping their ears when massaged in specific areas of their neck and upper back.

Cow-cuddling is a cute wellness trend. It seems like a dose of heartfelt cow snuggles might be the perfect doctor’s prescription!

Lord Krishna spent his childhood in the pastoral landscapes of Vrindavan tending to the cows with immense love. Gopala, one of his many names meaning protector of cows, is a constant reminder of the need to shield cows as sacred.

Cow, the abode of gods in Hinduism

In the sacred embodiment of the cow, Hindu cosmology weaves a tapestry of divine presence. The cow is revered as the abode of 33 crore (330 million) gods.

Considered as the symbol of fertility like the earthly Mother Goddess, cows hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Hindu scriptures, including the Rig Veda, describe the cow as ‘aghnyā’, meaning not to be harmed, non-violable.

In the Brihat Parasara-smriti (foundational text of Hindu astrology), it is written:
“Simply by eating grass, the cows give us milk. From milk, ghee (clarified butter) is produced by which demigods become satisfied. So how can one neglect the cow? Simply by her association, a person becomes purified.

“By serving her, one achieves unlimited wealth, and by donating cows, one can transfer himself to heaven. There is no wealth superior to the cow. All the demigods reside in different parts of her body. By serving the cow with devotion, Lord Hari becomes pleased. Her milk nourishes human beings. How can such a cow not be worshipable.”

Cow’s milk, dung, and even the act of gazing upon them are believed to purify and bestow blessings. They hold a cherished place intimately tied to the divine persona of Lord Krishna. Revered as the Gopala or the cowherd, Krishna spent his childhood in the pastoral landscapes of Vrindavan in northern India, tending to the cows with immense love. Gopala also means the protector of cows.

Kamadhenu is the divine cow in Hindu mythology, symbolizing wish fulfillment and boundless abundance and prosperity. Kamdhenu and cows in general are entwined in the stories of Krishna’s playful exploits, highlighting the profound bond between the deity and these gentle beings. Krishna’s melodious flute is said to have a mesmerizing effect on cows, symbolizing the soul’s yearning for the divine.

Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the worldwide Iskcon movement, underscored the significance of cows in his teachings, “The cow is the most important animal for developing the human body to perfection. Cow’s milk is essential for developing the finer tissues of the human brain so that one can understand the intricacies of transcendental knowledge.” He also hinted at the therapy part, saying that one can earn happiness by pleasing the cow.

Inspired by Srila, Iskcon today has over 100 cow protection centers and farms girding the globe.

Cow welfare matters

Contemporary concerns about the dairy industry highlight ethical issues related to the treatment of cows. Unethical practices, driven by the greedy, exploitative pursuit of higher yields, can compromise the well-being of these gentle animals and the purity of milk.

Choosing ethically sourced and sustainably produced milk from local farmers committed to humane treatment becomes an avenue for positive change. Advocating compassionate practices and raising awareness about the impact of our choices can foster a more loving and caring approach towards cows, ensuring they are treated with kindness and respect.

A growing number of people are choosing to adopt a vegan lifestyle, refraining from cow milk as a stance against the unethical practices of the dairy industry. This shift reflects a commitment to minimizing the impact on cows and aligning with values of compassion towards animals.

In India, the practice of caring for cows holds deep cultural and religious significance. ‘Gau Seva’ or service to cows goes beyond practical considerations and is considered a sacred duty.

With cows revered as the symbols of divinity, their welfare is intricately woven into the fabric of daily life. Many households keep cows not only for their milk but also for the blessings they are believed to bring.

“Providing shelter, food, and affection to cows is a means of earning good karma,” says Kisan, a volunteer at a Gau Shala (cow shelter) in Sonipat, Haryana.

The care of cows in India combines practicality with spiritual reverence going beyond mere therapy.

Photos courtesy: thecowsfoundation.org, https://mcpa.iskcon.org/, ciwf.org.uk, creazilla.com, founderacharya.com, hinduism.stackexchange.com