In Santa Clarita, individuals are turning to cow hugging therapy at the Gentle Barn, an animal sanctuary, as a therapeutic method to alleviate anxiety and stress. This form of animal-assisted therapy, which might seem unconventional, offers individuals the opportunity to connect and bond with cows, leading to a calming and grounding experience. The contact with cows triggers the release of oxytocin in humans, known for its anxiolytic properties and ability to combat stress.
Key Points:
- The Gentle Barn, located in Santa Clarita, offers cow hugging therapy, allowing participants to physically embrace and bond with cows in a therapeutic setting.
- Touch interaction with animals, such as cows, boosts the production of oxytocin in humans, leading to decreased stress and heightened feelings of calm, pleasure, and reward.
- Cow hugging has proven especially effective for those coping with grief, providing a silent, emotionally-connective therapy where words are unnecessary.
- Ellie Laks, founder of the Gentle Barn, believes sharing stories of the animals’ resilience can help people relate and feel less isolated with their personal struggles.
- In light of the trauma and grief resulting from the COVID pandemic, the Gentle Barn has made their animal-assisted therapies more available to the broader public.
Source: https://www.outsideonline.com/health/wellness/feeling-anxious-hug-a-cow-it-might-help/
