Cow Cuddling - A Therapy for Today

Did you know that cows can contribute to our well-being in more ways than just by giving us delicious milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt?

Photo: drabhaytalwalkar.com

The Therapeutic Power of Cow Cuddling

One way is through a kind of therapeutic practice called ‘cow cuddling’. Scientifically, being near these large, warm, gentle creatures with their soft movements and slower heart-beat has calming effects. Nowadays, we live extremely fast-paced lives with a daily overdose of information, responsibilities and emotions. This can lead to background stress that we don't even realise is there, because we are so used to this lifestyle that we think feeling this way is normal.

When we pet a cow, hug it or lie down beside it, our body releases oxytocin, the ‘happiness’ hormone, which helps to release stress. Observing a cow’s serenity also helps us to enter a state of mindfulness, where we are anchored in the present moment, free from thoughts and anxieties about the past or future.(1)

Emotional Healing Through Cow Companionship

Being in a cow’s peaceful presence may even help people dealing with emotional trauma or mental health challenges. Cows provide a sense of comfort due to their loving, non-judgmental nature, and this pure, simple contact can foster emotional healing, self-acceptance and reconnection with Nature.

In fact, psychologists use Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in conjunction with other techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy to help people with conditions ranging from autism to substance abuse, and cows could be the perfect animal companion in a person’s journey of healing.(2)

Cows as Affectionate Companions

As it turns out, cows are incredibly affectionate and playful animals that make great pets. (3)

In many ways, they're like big dogs:

They love being petted and cuddled
They lick you to show affection
When they trust you, they let you give them belly rubs
They like to play with toys like balls
They get the ‘zoomies’ and run around the field in excitement
They love treats and music
They’re extremely curious and intelligent
They're loyal and will never forget you

For these reasons and many more, people find bonds with cows to be particularly fulfilling. Discovery farms, animal sanctuaries, and rescue shelters are great places for people to get to experience this without actually buying a cow and a few acres of land! If you are a young rural entrepreneur, this is a great service to consider providing. Whether you already have a farm and some animals, or you want to rescue a few animals, this is a great way of opening up to the world, creating a community and raising awareness, all while supporting mental health.

Their Ecological Benefits

Moreover, even if your cows do not produce milk, there are plenty of ways that they can be a valuable asset to your farm (and your lives!). In Nature, ruminants play a vital role in the ecosystem by regulating vegetation. As they roam and graze from plain to plain, they allow the grasses to restart a new cycle, with the advantage of a trampled, aerated and fertilised soil. The grass can thus grow back more vigorously. In fact, the scientist Alan Savory used cows to reverse desertification in Africa, and he was so successful that many villages who were previously on food benefits became self-sufficient in water and food. This was the result of returning to Nature's intended cycles and relationships. (4)

In the same way, if cows are properly pastured using rotation techniques, they can help maintain green spaces, including even woods that are not too dense. Besides, cow manure is extraordinarily useful as biogas (fuel for cooking and heating) and fertiliser. Cow urine can be used as a herbicide and pest repellent for crops. An excellent example of this is the animal sanctuary and farm called Beejom, in India, which is environmentally as well as financially sustainable and autonomous despite not selling the milk of their many cows.(5)

Aren’t cows the best?!