Nature as a Medical Solution
Introduction:
Basic instinct tells us every day that we feel better when we are immersed in nature – whether we are sitting in the sunshine, pulling weeds out of the garden, walking in the wilderness or swimming in the ocean – it seems to infiltrate the soul and lift our spirits. I do not know one person who does not deeply believe this.
Many of our ancestors complete rites of passage in the wildness and many modern Asian cultures believe whole heartedly in taking “forest baths” to aid in healing a plethora of modern issues and health implications including stress, blood pressure, enhanced immunity, ADHD and more.
THEORY
Why does nature affect us in this manner? No one really knows for sure however there is a theory of “biophilia”. The concept was first termed by psychologist Erich Fromm to describe the human attraction to all that is alive and natural stating it may be that it is because we evolved from nature or perhaps it is gene based. A team of Swedish scientists set out to explore the theories in the 80s. They reviewed several studies previously published in this field that examine both innate factors and individual experiences during people’s lives. Based on their findings, they argue that our love of nature is based on a combination of genetics and experiences — especially childhood experiences.
Whatever the reason we do know wholeheartedly that being in nature is chicken soup for the soul. We also have many medical applications of nature in that exist in the chaos of 21st century.
NATURE BASED MEDICINE
Nature-based medicine, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, is a form of healing that utilises the natural environment and its elements to promote health and well-being. It encompasses a variety of practices including:
Herbal medicine: Using plants and plant extracts for medicinal purposes.
Aromatherapy: Employing essential oils from plants for therapeutic benefits.
Therapeutic gardening: Engaging in gardening activities to improve mental and physical health.
Nature walks and outdoor activities: Encouraging time spent in nature to reduce stress and improve mood.
The philosophy behind nature-based medicine is that nature is a powerful healer and that by connecting with the natural world, individuals can enhance their health and find balance as it provides a sense of peace and tranquility, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER
You may ask what then happens if nature does not play a role in your daily life? After roughly ten days of being indoors you begin to feel tired no matter how much sleep you are getting. Remaining indoors limits the amount of sunlight exposure. Normally when sunlight hits your eyes, it signals your brain to stop producing melatonin – a hormone that regulates your sleep and with a melatonin deficiency your circadian rhythm is thrown into havoc and sleep interrupted.
Sunlight is additionally a trigger for your body to produce serotonin (the happy hormone). With this combination your mood drops. And then after four months, the lack of vitamin D which is produced in the sun and which is fundamental in calcium processing can lead to bone fractures, osteoporosis and a weakened immune system.
Most people are not able to get enough vitamin D from their daily food intake. However, most people in Australian can get their vitamin D simply by going about their daily outdoor activities.
Being outdoors is more than just a condiment to be sprinkled over the rest of our confined, indoor lives. Not spending enough time in the natural world is actively bad for your health, a phenomenon that journalist Richard Louv first described in 2005 as “nature deficit disorder.” The definition of nature deficit disorder is “a description of the human costs of alienation from nature,” according to Louv.
Though not officially recognized as a disorder by any medical establishment, the term is used to understand the ramifications of life in an increasingly human-made indoors technological world. Nature deficit disorder symptoms can vary dramatically. It can be linked to health implications including:
Diminished use of the senses
Mental health issues
Sleep issues
Behavioural problems (in children especially)
Attention difficulties
Obesity
Vitamin D deficiency
Higher levels of aggression
COLOURED SPACES
There are many researched and proven benefits of immersing yourself in green space however there’s also a lot of evidence suggesting that activities in blue spaces (water spaces and their surrounds) can be particularly beneficial for health. Natural blue spaces often offer sunlight, fresh air, and low pollution promoting calmness and healing.
Research has shown us that being near streams, the ocean or a lake have an instrumental affect on soothing anxiety and the tool is now being applied to working with people with PTSD and anxiety.
Being in nature also exposes us to a range of coloured noise which can additionally have a dramatic effect on resetting ourselves.
Coloured noise is a term that references noises in terms of frequency and pitch. Many coloured noises such as white, pink, blue and brown aid health in many ways such as calming the mind, lowering blood pressure, igniting the parasympathetic nervous system. This is why we find space and peace in noises such as waves crashing on a beach, rain on a rooftop, running streams and so on.
TACTICS
So where to from here? To reap the rewards how often and for how long should we submerge ourselves in nature. There are numerous studies around the globe that have dug deep into this question. In summary, more than 120 minutes a week has been shown to have an affect on your health. It is dependent also on the type of space you select – it is shown that water bodies and mountains are more beneficial than an urban park and the type of activity undertaken also has an affect. That is are you sitting meditating, running, fishing or picnicking.
Being immersed in nature flips the anxiety switch. It additional boosts self esteem and focus which can assist with ADHD, it aids boosts to the immune system and has a large influence on reducing stress due to a combination of factors including the lack of digital stimulus, increased exercise and the smells of nature.
It is unquestionable that reconnecting with nature can aid in providing a path to restoring health.
If you find yourself putting it on the back burner and in the “when I have time” category think about the following to help you make it a priority. The benefits will come and come quickly.
Put it in the calendar – block out time each day by planning your week
Find a partner in crime to participate with you eg a walk at work over lunch or plan a paddle with a spouse / mate
Stick to your plans and don’t let the weather put you off – the weather does not control you
Visualise the adventure – the power of positive visualization while it sounds woo woo works in the work place and the recreational space – manifest it.
Fit In Fitness – if you only have five minutes try one minute planking, one minute of situps, one minute wall sit, one minute of squats and one minute of pushups (even if on your knees) – anything is better than nothing
Make it enjoyable – have the right kit that makes it comfortable
Pack the night before or lay your clothes out
Record or share your efforts with a mate / a squad / a coach or even a record for yourself
Try something new – I joined a local Facebook site that plans local summit hikes each weekend and have met a few new and yes, NORMAL mates doing so
Plan eating around it – walk to dinner / scooter to get ice-cream / picnic in the park with a lover
However, the bottom line is get outside for a minimum of 20 minutes daily if possible even if simply sitting on a park bench watching the day pass by.
