Cow Cuddling: Renaissance of A Traditional Practice
Cow cuddling, also known as cow hugging is becoming very
popular as a therapeutic practice in many countries of the world today. People
are getting mental peace and comfort through this practice. Under this
practice, they are given the opportunity of visiting the cow farms and spending
several hours in the company of cows. While the practise is more about talking to the cow heart to heart, they are also expected to give a light and fleeting touch as also
caress. It has been proved that all those who have come in contact with cows and expressed their love and affection, have been reciprocated emotionally.
Various farm owners in USA, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia have introduced cow cuddling activities in their farms as part of their wellness programmes. Cow hugging sessions have become popular as well as one of the most relaxing experiences for people who have benefitted from this therapy. Those who pay for a cow cuddling session are trained how to properly approach the animal so that she may lie down on the grass with them.
How cows reduce stress?
As per my research and study of several articles, I have come across certain stats which show that cow hugging sessions are believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released when one experiences through social bonding.
Cows like to lay down often when they are processing their food. It is one of their great qualities. At that time, they become totally quiet and that is best time to connect with them. In fact, cows love the interactions during their silence.
According to a study conducted by the Applied Animal Behavior Science, the humans who have participated in the cow cuddling sessions experienced lower heart rates and seemed relaxed post their interaction. The study observed that this positive impact on
humans “could be of interest for an improvement in quality of human-cattle
interactions.” The benefits of the activity are not just limited to humans and can be taken further.
According to a study reported in 2007, cows also experience relaxation during the
sessions. The study read, “This suggests that cows may in part perceive human
stroking of body regions often-licked similarly to social licking.”
Cow cuddling in India
This is not a new thing for India. The new aspect is only that, that now cows are being recognized globally as part of wellness traditions and the trends of embracing cows is fast catching the attention of
people worldwide. It is great that we have realised the importance of cattle interaction now. It is interesting to learn that at some places, this is also becoming a way to cure
mental illness by hugging and loving cows. However, this medical practice in India is far too old when the people of
the other countries are still catching up with it.
Petting of cows in India began centuries ago. Since ages, cow has been worshiped in India as a mother, Gau Mata. As far as, cow cuddling perception in India is concerned, it
is an ancient Vedic practice. Many of us were taught in our childhood that cows
are very calm, social and gentle animal. Cows were first domesticated between 8,000 to 10,000 years ago
from their ancient species, aurochs. They have now become one of the most
popular domestic animals in the world. In fact, India is the leading country
with China and Brazil following closely.
The transition of cow from being a food source to becoming a
holy symbol happened during the times of 'The Mahabharata'. Lord Krishna has been shown in 'The Mahabharata' expressing lots of affection and love towards cows. We already know that in Vrindavan, Lord Krishna used to
keep unlimited, transcendental surabhi cows. In the Bhagvada-Gita,
Krishna mentions cow protection as one of the prime duties of any civilized
society.
Cows and Indian mythology!
However, cows were considered sacred long before the teachings of Lord
Krishna. As per scriptures, Kaamdhenu, a cow from Swarga used to be worshiped in India. Cows are the mothers of all creations. Cows are the
mothers of 33 crores of demigods that administrate creation in the material
existence throughout all the universes. Cows bestow every kind of happiness and
for this reason they have always been worshipped in India.
Our Vedic Scriptures refer to the cow as our mother. When a child stops taking his/her mothers' milk, the cows milk is used to meet their growing up needs. For this reason, cow has been given the status of mother or Gau Mata. According to
Aurobindo, in the Rig Veda the cows sometimes symbolize “light” and “rays.” Aurobindo further writes that Aditi
(the supreme Prakriti/Nature force) is described as a cow.
Cow: A sign of good fortune
In India, the cow has been looked up as a sign of good fortune from the Vedic era and has been considered a symbol of opulence. There is a distinct mention in Yajurveda that she fulfills human desires in many ways. The sattvic waves emanating from the body of cow makes the surrounding atmosphere pollution-free. Also, the sound emanating from the cow or its calf destroys many diseases. It is firmly believed that rubbing and petting a cow, from the back towards the neck or from tail to neck, helps in curing blood pressure issues. There have been certain beliefs that if you find a cow on the way, then you should pass through the right side of the cow. It means that you have taken a 'parikrama' and it bestows you with good virtue.
It is also believed that many obstacles are removed by stroking the head of a cow. Some people also believe that Hanuman Ji resides in the tail of the cow. It is
said that all kinds of calamities of a man are brought to an end if he serves a cow.
In the body of the cows, all holy places and rivers are
present. Lakshmidevi resides in cow dung. Simply by the cow’s touch and sight,
she purifies all living entities. It has been said that among all purified objects, she is most pure
and among all auspicious objects, she is the most auspicious. The place where
the cow resides becomes a place of pilgrimage. If you want to convey your point
to God, then say it in the ear of the cow. If you have fever, touch the cow and
see.
Here, I would also like to share something from my childhood in connection with cows. In young age, my grandfather used to take us to the cowshed for inspection and he used to teach us to love and rub the body of the cow. It was an adventurous past time for me and my brothers. And we used to enjoy this embracing therapy. After the stroking, we used to offer food to them and I remember it to be a very satisfying experience. Overall, cows are very simple and loveable animals and they have been regarded as beings of high importance in our culture.
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