The Healing Power of Nature

A recent article in Time magazine describes a new form of therapy - eco-therapy! A growing number of psychologists believe that many of the current problems facing people today - depression, anxiety, and stress - are due, in part, to our alienation from nature. This idea is not entirely new. In the 1980s, E.O. Wilson coined the term "biophilia" to describe humans' natural affinity for nature.

In both residential and commercial construction, there is an increased emphasis on creating healing environments. One aspect of healing spaces is the use of environmental features that embody characteristics of the natural world, such as color, water, sunlight, plants, natural materials, and exterior views and vistas. We know from "evidence-based design" that many of these features go beyond aesthetic - they do, in fact, contribute to healing.

In a 2005 book titled The Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv introduced the phrase "nature deficit disorder," which is based on the idea that children are kept indoors to such an extent that their ability to connect with nature has been disrupted. Louv believes that computers and video games contribute to this phenomenon. I am inclined to believe that adults, as well as children, are at risk for this condition. Consider how many hours are spent indoors every day. I'd recommend keeping a journal for even a week to tracks how many hours a day you spend connecting in some way with nature.

The Center for Spirituality and Healing, in collaboration with Craig Blacklock, has created a 20-minute DVD that immerses you in the sights and sounds of a Healing Garden for those times you are unable to be in the natural world. While relaxing for anyone, we have heard from our hospital partners that the Healing Garden DVD is profoundly helpful to particular patient populations or for those unable to be in the outdoors. We will be coming out with the second DVD in the series, The Forest Awakens, before the end of this year.

In your experience, does nature heal? We'd love to hear your stories. Send us a note and do get out to enjoy these lingering days of summer.

Comments

Earth-based Healing

Submitted by Sharon Franquemont (not verified) on August 18, 2009 - 11:42am.

Thank you for writing on nature's role in restoring our health and well-being. While physician Norman Cousin's famous recovery focused on the role laughter played, it also struck me how he described spending hours in his backyard hammock watching ants at work. Or, in the previous two centuries, it was not uncommon for ill people to be sent to the countryside for rest and recuperation. The modern mechanization of health care reflects how machines and electrical devices run everything from our daily wake-up calls to planetary communications. While much has been gained, it is important for us not to lose connection with the Earth that nourishes and sustains us. Situated in a Whole Systems context, eco-therapy, eco-healthcare, and ecohealth are all bound up in necessary personal to planetary decisions for sustainable, healthy lifestyles that contribute to all life. If we delay in making these choices, climate change could bring on the largest human and all-species health care crisis the world has ever known.

Nature

Submitted by Health Tips (not verified) on August 31, 2009 - 4:56am.

This is a great article. These days when we are filled with the everday concerns of our day-to-day life....we often forget about nature...breathing in fresh air and how liberating it can be for the human peace of mind. Too many hours are spent in front of the TV, or indoors contemplating tomorrow's challenges. Here's an idea: Take a walk. :-)

Restorative canoeing!

Submitted by LDelagran on September 1, 2009 - 3:29pm.

I find that there is nothing quite as restorative as canoeing in the wilderness (except perhaps hiking or cross-country skiiing). It is so easy to fall into an easy rhythm that keeps me focused on the immediate beauty around me and lets me put aside worries and plans.

I think there is something

Submitted by Zac (not verified) on October 5, 2009 - 10:42am.

I think there is something about nature, beyond the fresh/cleanness, that is very healing. Hikes, or even just sitting and listening/watching can make you feel a lot better.

Post new comment

Your name:

E-mail:

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Homepage:

Subject:

Comment: *

Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
No HTML tags allowed
Glossary terms will be automatically marked with links to their descriptions. If there are certain phrases or sections of text that should be excluded from glossary marking and linking, use the special markup, [no-glossary] ... [/no-glossary]. Additionally, these HTML elements will not be scanned: a, abbr, acronym, code, pre.

More information about formatting options

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Math Question: * 15 + 5 =

Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Taking Charge of Your Health