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: 

1. The Gentle Barn, located in Santa Clarita, offers cow hugging therapy, allowing participants to physically embrace and bond with cows in a therapeutic setting.
2. 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.
3. Cow hugging has proven especially effective for those coping with grief, providing a silent, emotionally-connective therapy where words are unnecessary.
4. 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.
5. 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/