Nature Therapy
Original Editor - User Name
Top Contributors - Stacy Schiurring, Charles Senay and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Nature Therapy is defined by the use of natural environments (namely forests and parks) for its therapeutical effects on the body and mind. It has been commonly known for centuries, in different cultures around the globe, that nature has beneficial effects on our health. As it might be common knowledge, research publications aiming at quantifying these effects started to emerge only a few decades ago. A global movement towards cities, resulting in disconnection from nature, along with the climate crisis we are facing, may explain the novelty of such research. Nonetheless, spending time amongst trees has been proven to support the immune system, lower blood pressure and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Forest Medicine[edit | edit source]
In 2007, the research group "Forest medicine Study Group" was formally established in Japan. The group has since then led multiple research on the physiological and psychological effects of forests on human health.
Shinrin-Yoku[edit | edit source]
Litterally "forest bathing", the practice has been integrated to the Japanese health care system since 1982 with the aim to promote wellness and disease prevention.
Physiological Effects[edit | edit source]
As of now, evidence surrounding the physiological effects of spending time in the forest is mainly connected to cardiovascular and immunological systems. Quantitative data was gathered mostly in Asian countries and with healthy populations, stroke patients and people with a diagnosis of hypertension. [3]
Cardiovascular[edit | edit source]
Nature and Forest Therapies have been shown to reduce overall blood pressure, and lower the heart rate, while activating the parasympathetic nervous system and reducing the sympathetic nervous system.
Immune system[edit | edit source]
By acting on the autonomous nervous system, Nature Therapy can therefore benefit the immune system directly. As we know, the immune response is as its best when the body is relaxed and resting, which is why any practice that may reduce stress and facilitate relaxation is beneficial for the immune system.
Phytoncides and NK cells[edit | edit source]
Phytoncides, oils that trees emit to protect themselves from pathogens and parasites, have been shown to have a direct effect on the activity of NK (natural killer) cells in the body. NK cells are responsible for identifying and destroying potentially harmful organisms that enter the bloodstream. Higher activity of those cells means increase immune defense.[4]
Stress[edit | edit source]
Spending time in the forest has been shown to diminish the cortisol levels in the body and therefore reduce physiological stress. [5]
Psychological Effects[edit | edit source]
Nature therapy has been shown to reduce drepression and anxiety, as well as affecting on the mood.
Forest as Clinical Environment[edit | edit source]
Therapy sessions in the forest, therapy by the forest and bringing the forest inside the clinical environment.
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Introduction to Forest Therapy and Shinrin-Yoku. Available from: https://youtu.be/mxLbmMwlI4U[last accessed 24/4/2022]
- ↑ World Economic Forum. What is Japanese “forest bathing” and how can it improve your health. Available from: https://youtu.be/stuZaKB9j7I[last accessed 24/4/2022]
- ↑ Stier-Jarmer, M., Throner, V., Kirschneck, M., Immich, G., Frisch, D., & Schuh, A. (2021, February 2). The psychological and physical effects of forests on human health: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. MDPI AG.
- ↑ Andersen, L., Corazon, S., & Stigsdotter, U. (2021). Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(4), 1416.
- ↑ Antonelli, M., Barbieri, G., & Donelli, D. (2019, August 15). Effects of forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology. Springer New York LLC.
