Relaxation Sessions with Cows: The Calming Experience of Spending Time with Livestock - Engaging in Cow Cuddling: A Soothing Experience with Livestock
Cow Cuddling Offers Relaxation and Stress Relief at Germany's "Lüttje Drööm" Farm
In the peaceful town of Jevenstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, a unique form of animal-assisted therapy is gaining popularity. At Laura Morschett's farm, "Lüttje Drööm," people are invited to spend quiet, relaxed time with a small herd of cows, known as the "Magical Eight."
The herd, consisting of the oxen Winnetou and Themba, the cows Amira and Donna, and the cattle Tilda, Alva, Annouk, and Viola, have been accustomed to human interaction due to their training. They are now considered professionals at it, welcoming the gentle touch of strangers.
Cow cuddling, as the practice is called, offers a form of therapeutic animal-assisted relaxation. Participants can pet, hug, and engage in close physical contact with the cows, creating a soothing experience that helps reduce stress and promote calmness.
The deep pressure touch provided by the cows activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and cortisol levels, and increasing "feel good" neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This leads to an overall sense of relaxation and emotional well-being.
Meike Nitsch, a participant in the cow cuddling course, initially felt nervous but quickly established a connection with the animal. She found that the cattle also relax as a connection with the person is established. People from various backgrounds, including young and old, men and women, city and country dwellers, attend cow cuddling on Laura Morschett's farm.
Laura Morschett emphasizes the importance of compatibility between the animal and the person in cow cuddling. She keeps a total of 13 cattle on her farm, with the "Magical Eight" being the most sociable. If a cattle does not want company or cuddles, it is left alone and can simply get up and leave. Each cattle has its own daily rhythm, including when they eat, lie down, sleep, and doze off.
Those who wish can sponsor the animals at Laura Morschett's farm. Meike Nitsch's mother, Jessica Nowatki, also participated and felt a touch of anxiety at first but it quickly subsided. As participants gain the courage to touch and stroke the animals, they find themselves relaxing and enjoying the unique experience.
Eight cattle are resting in a field during a cuddling course, inviting visitors to approach and engage with them. The cattle at Laura Morschett's farm have been learning to trust humans since they were calves, making them gentle and receptive to human contact.
Cow cuddling is becoming recognized as an effective way to relieve stress and enhance emotional health. The practice offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and animals, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find in today's fast-paced world.
[1] Dog Therapy: The Healing Power of Canine Companionship [2] Animal-Assisted Therapy: Benefits for Mental Health [3] The Healing Power of Horses: Equine Therapy for Mental Health [5] The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Autism
The Commission has also been asked to consider the potential benefits of cow cuddling for stress relief and emotional well-being, and propose a directive that includes the protection of animals involved in such therapies, as part of a broader effort to promote the approval of various animal-assisted therapies, such as dog therapy, equine therapy, and pet-based home-and-garden lifestyle solutions for mental health and lifestyle improvement. People attending cow cuddling sessions at Lüttje Drööm farm often find themselves implementing a more animal-centric lifestyle, adopting pets and incorporating animal-friendly practices into their homes and gardens for a harmonious coexistence with nature and their pets.
