The importance of hugging cows and what it will possibly do for us when it comes to wellness has been well-researched and documented globally. Nevertheless, the cow should know you too.
Within the West, cow hugging has turn into a well-liked wellness pattern at this time and India is simply discovering it. (Credit: Getty Photographs)
By Latha Srinivasan: 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. Nevertheless, opposite to all this, the importance in hugging cows and what it will possibly do for us when it comes to wellness has been well-researched and documented globally. However sure, earlier than you go hug any cow on the road, be sure to get his/her consent.
Pets have all the time been generally known as de-stressors and cats and canines are the preferred animals as pets. However different animals too, have proven that they act as stress busters and bonding with them, helps people.
Within the Netherlands, as an example, the follow of “koe knuffelen” in Dutch (cow hugging), is an age-old follow which focuses on the inherent therapeutic properties of a great human-to-animal hug. The worldwide pattern began in 2020 and individuals who have been extraordinarily careworn headed out to farms the place they might spend upto three hours within the firm of cows.
The cow cuddling remedy pattern is common within the US too, the place there are farms throughout the US that present this facility. Hugging – be it an animal or human being – releases hormones related to bonding, love, happiness and fewer stress.
Research have proven that due to the cow’s slower heartbeat, hotter physique temperature and huge dimension, hugging the cow offers people a soothing expertise and relaxes them. Based on an article titled ‘Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health’ within the Worldwide Journal of Caring Sciences, animal contact contributes to folks’s well-being. The article said, “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 remedy, as a complementary method to conventional therapies, results in a number of essential advantages for sufferers affected by psychological diseases. “Its implementation in patients with diagnoses such as depression, autism, dementia, schizophrenia can achieve changes in their personality, behaviour and physical health,” said the article.
Dr Warren Corson, a licensed skilled counsellor and director of the Group Counseling Facilities of Central Connecticut, stated 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, the place there are chickens, rabbits and geese, and cows.
ALSO READ: Save Vedic traditions, hug cow to celebrate Valentine’s Day, appeals animal board
Coming to India, cows are thought-about sacred in Hinduism and throughout India, many individuals personal cows, particularly within the rural areas, they usually deal with them like their kids. The follow of hugging cows will not be new to those that have grown up on farms or round cows – it is just new to those that dwell in metros and cities.
The Animal Welfare Board of India in its assertion stated, “We all know that the cow is the backbone of Indian culture and rural economy, sustains our life, and represents cattle wealth and biodiversity. It is known as ‘Kamdhenu’ and ‘Gaumata’ because of its nourishing nature, like mother, the giver of all, providing riches to humanity.” The cow is taken into account sacred in quite a few cultures world wide and is seen to signify Mom Earth or the giver of life.
Curiously, globally, wherever there was a tradition of farms and rearing cows in rural communities, the bond with cows at an emotional and psychological degree has all the time existed. Within the West, cow hugging has turn into a well-liked wellness pattern at this time and India is simply discovering it, albeit with a brand new title.
#indianews #indiannews
