Cows are sacred animals worshipped by all most all faiths in India. Cows were the favourite animals of Lord Sri Krishna. Cow is a symbol of health, wealth, peace, strength, and abundance. Lord Sri Krishna along with his friends & Gopikas always took pride in playing, feeding and enjoying with cows. In the Vedas, the oldest of the Hindu scriptures, the cow is associated with ‘Aditi’, the mother of all the gods.
Lord Sri Krishna played melodious tunes with his flute which created electrifying atmosphere like cool breeze, chirping of birds, dancing of peacock during milking of cows. The animals delighted with the soothing flute tune; positive vibrations produced more & more milk. From time immemorial every Indians worship cows and its by-products are considered as auspicious and very useful to the household across India.
Americans’ fascination with ancient Indian spiritualism is well known. Lord Sri Krishna, our Vedas, Upanishads scientifically recognized the auspicious of presence of cow in every home. Inspired by this amazing ancient Indian science of keeping holy cow in every household, Americans have done extensive research and have realised the importance of ‘COW’. The practice of being with cows, serving them has great positive effect and it has been scripted in lot of ancient Indian scriptures.
People in the America, European countries are embracing cow for hours together as a healing therapy for various illnesses. Western countries are plagued by Anxiety, depression, social disconnect, fragmented relations, burgeoning increase in Non-Communicable disease & obesity are finding the new therapy in the form of “COW CUDDLING”.
The one experiencing stress, anxiety, mental disorders and aloofness are visiting cow sheds or farm houses where cows are kept. People feed, play, rub, sleep, bathe and get licked by cows. It is turning out to be different and energizing experience for the people. They spend hours together in the good company of cows.
- Cow Cuddling- being, playing, feeding bovine is emerging in a big way in USA, Canada, UK & France is turning out to be lucrative business for farmers.
- Cow hugging has become the wellness craze all over western countries to reduce stress levels and enhance positivity.
- Cow cuddling invites folks to brush, pet, and chat with the animals as a way to connect with nature, the bovines, and the inner self.
- Being with cows augments positive energy. The individual cuddling the cow develops intimate relation, experiences relaxation by being next to the cow’s warmer body and sometimes even manages to follow their heartbeat.
- The cow’s warmer body temperature and slower heartbeat is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released in social bonding. ( BBC).
- A 2007 study by French and Austrian scientists published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that cows “show signs of pleasure and relaxation when people, rub, massage or pet them” (Philip Wilson, External Affairs Advisor at World Animal)
The cow cuddling for 2-3 hours in USA costs USD 75 to 300 USD (approximately Rs. 5000/- to 20,000/-).
As of now ‘Cow Cuddling’ in India is free. However, in the days to come ‘Cow Cuddling’ may take a business preposition & may help to ease the economic distress of farming community.
Author: Dr. Pramod N Sulikeri, Ph.D
