HUG THERAPY has been proven to treat conditions like stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness and usually requires another willing participant.
However, a pioneering new type of hugging therapy is looking to change all of that.
The "Horse & Cow Experience" is a pioneering new treatment being offered by Mountain Horse Farm in updated New York in the US.
According to the farm, this pioneering treatment is designed to foster feelings of "relaxation" and "healing" among participants while enhancing a sense of "awareness about body language" that could ultimately feed into their everyday interactions with other people
They also reckon cows make the for perfect cuddle buddies thanks to their winning combination of innate sensitivity and peaceful nature.
"In order to survive in the wild, they had to become masters at reading body language,' the farm explains
"And when you enter their space, they will read you subtly but with intent, just like they would read any other herd member. They will pick up on what's going on inside and sense if you are happy, sad, feel lost, anxious or are excited and they will respond to that without judgement, ego or agenda."
Cows also have a body temperature that is slightly higher than humans and a heart rate slightly lower than ours, something which combines to foster a sense of relaxation when cuddling. Apparently.
As part of the session, patients are also invited to pet and burhs their allotted cow while a licensed counsellor is also present throughout to ensure the session goes to plan.
Cow cuddling therapy doesn't come cheap though, with a 90-minute appointment setting you back around $300 (€258).
There are no plans for anyone to offer this kind of service in Ireland just yet but, given the prices being quoted, some might well be tempted.
