Cow Hugging Benefits: The Indian Animal Welfare Board has announced to celebrate Cow Hug Day on 14 February. Since then, social media has been flooded with shocking jokes, memes and comments about it. Well, contrary to this chatter going on on social media, many research documents have come to the fore at the global level regarding the importance of hugging a cow and the benefits it can bring.
It is believed that pets always help you in reducing stress. Dogs and cats are placed at the top of this category of pets. However, both of them are not alone in this list of pets. Human association with many other animals also helps in reducing their stress.
Koe Nafelen launched in the Netherlands
Hugging a cow is a common practice in the Netherlands. Hugging a cow in Dutch is called ‘Koe Nafelen’. It is known as an age-old practice, which is seen as a treatment. However, its global trend started in 2020. Stressed people started going to the fields and spending time with the cows for hours.
Hugging reduces stress – Research
Researches conducted around the world show that hugging reduces stress. Then whether it is to hug a human being or an animal. In both the cases, hormones are produced in the body of the person, which are used to reduce attachment, love, happiness and stress. It has been found in many studies that due to the light heart rate, warm body and large size of the cow, people feel comfortable when hugging them.
Companionship of animals also helps in mental health
According to an article titled Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health, experts suggest that hugging or being in contact with animals triggers the release of happiness and relaxation hormones in the body. Which help in reducing blood pressure and heart rate. The role of animals is very good in reducing the problems related to mental health.
According to Dr. Warren Corson, a professional counselor in America, hugging a cow cannot replace traditional therapy, but it gives many people an opportunity to feel connected to nature. She can also be very intelligent, so it can be said that cow is at the top of the domesticated animals we have.
Cow is considered sacred in India
Cow is seen as a sacred animal in India. In Hinduism, along with giving it equal status to mother, it has been considered divine. Hugging a cow is not a new thing among farm workers and cow herders in India. This may be new only to those who live in cities.
It has been said by the Animal Welfare Board of India that cow has great importance in Indian culture and rural economy. It is also called Kamdhenu and Gaumata. Interestingly, wherever there has been a culture of working in fields and rearing cows, there has always been an emotional and mental connection with cows.
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