The cow: an ancient symbol of kindness, non-violence, selfless giving and compassion

ENC News 25 Sep 2024

For centuries, people in different countries in the world have had a reverent attitude towards the cow as their kind nourisher, invaluable helper and devoted friend.

The cow has been believed to be the earthly representative of the divine and nourishing Mother Goddess, the personification of her love, care and generosity.

The cow’s milk is considered to have a purifying effect on human bodies.

According to some ancient spiritual texts, milk has a heavenly origin and contains divine compositions that are invaluable to people. Milk has been used in religious ceremonies, rituals and offerings in a number of spiritual practices since ancient times.

In Hinduism, with more than a billion followers and supporters around the world, the cow is treated as a sacred animal. The cow symbolizes motherly love, wealth, and strength. The cow is thought to be a source of abundant blessings and is tenderly worshipped. There is a belief that by showing reverence and respect to cows, one can attain happiness, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The cow is also considered a symbol of nonviolence, selfless giving and compassion. Its milk is essential nutrition and serves as medicine for various diseases. Cows produce a balanced fertilizer that increases soil fertility.

The cow brings a lot of good to people and nature without expecting a reward.

Cow-Hugging Therapy

Over the past few years, cow-hugging or cow-cuddling therapy has gained popularity in several countries in the world. In Netherlands, “Koe Knuffelen” (Dutch for “cow hugging”) is a service provided by the farm owners to promote a self-care approach.

As the public learned about the benefits of cow-hugging treatment, the movement started to grow incredibly popular. People who underwent this therapy rave about how wonderfully it improved their mental health.

The increased prevalence of mental diseases is one of the main global issues. Research shows that one in four people may experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Millions of people suffered a great deal as a result of the global epidemic; the graph of suffering—from depression to the loss of loved ones—quickly rose. Then, a brand-new wellness fad called “Cow-Hugging Therapy (Cow-Cuddling Therapy)” gained widespread recognition for its stress reduction effect, which contributes to relaxation and happiness.

According to studies, receiving a decent embrace can be really excellent for our mental and physical health. By activating touch receptors, which are mostly found under the skin and can help lower anxiety, it is possible to reestablish a sense of serenity and affection.

Our primal impulse to embrace cows is confirmed by scientific research. Because cows are bigger, warmer, and furrier than people and have slower heartbeats than us, cow-hugging may increase oxytocin levels. The hormone oxytocin, commonly referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” makes us feel content and loved. It’s just one of the reassuring things about our helpers-animals.

A single cow-hugging session helps a cuddler to cope with several health problems, including improving the state of the respiratory system, as well as reducing anxiety, tension, melancholy and despair. Therefore, if you are thinking of skipping cow hug day, you are going to lose a lot.

In some countries, there are special farms that charge a reasonable amount for three hours of cow-hugging therapy.

It’s interesting to know that the cows also enjoy these sessions.