Cow-hugging therapy or cow cuddling is a form of
animal-assisted therapy
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an alternative or complementary type of therapy that includes the use of animals in a treatment. The goal of this animal-assisted intervention is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning ...
involving hugging cows for healing. People have claimed that it has mental health benefits. As of late 2023, it was reported to be becoming popular around the world. 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. In Australia, the
National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a scheme of the Australian Government that funds reasonable and necessary supports associated with significant and permanent disability for people under 65 years old. The scheme was first int ...
has plans which include cow therapy.
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. Cows have their own particular personalities which make them a unique alternative to more conventional companions such as dogs or cats. They are also suited to more rural settings which also supports mental health for people experiencing psychological difficulties.
See also
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Cattle in religion and mythology
There are varying beliefs about cattle in societies and religion, religions.
Cattle are considered sacred in the Indian religions of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, as well as in some Chinese folk religion and in African paganism. Cattle played ...
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Cow urine
Cow urine, gomutra or gōmēz is a liquid by-product of metabolism in cows. It has a sacred role in Zoroastrianism and some forms of Hinduism.
Urophagia, the consumption of urine, was used in several ancient cultures for various health, heal ...
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Equine-assisted therapy
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) encompasses a range of treatments that involve activities with horses and other equines to promote human physical and mental health. Modern use of horses for mental health treatment dates to the 1990s. Systematic r ...
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Swimming with dolphins
The popularity of swimming with dolphins increased in the 1980s and 1990s, occurring in over 65 countries, both as a form of therapy as well as a tourist activity. Proponents of dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) say that interacting with dolphins can ...
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Therapy dog
A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospices, or disaster areas. In contrast to assistance dogs, ...
References
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Animal worship
Hinduism and cattle
Culture of India
Animal-assisted therapy