Learn what nature therapy is and how it can set you on a path of extraordinary self-insight and continued self-discovery!

Nature therapy includes a variety of techniques that help connect people to nature and gain positive physical, emotional and psychological benefits. You might have heard of forest bathing, forest therapy, ecotherapy, grounding, earthing, wilderness therapy, and even animal assisted therapy — (along with others!) all fall under the nature therapy umbrella.

Who is Nature Therapy for?

Anyone can participate in nature therapy. You can get started today!

Some people are naturally drawn to spending time outdoors. Whether it’s taking a stroll in the park and gardening in the backyard, or doing something more active like surfing, overnight backpacking, or mountain climbing. Nature therapy is a natural fit for people who already find happiness outside.

But, you don’t need to be a self-described nature lover to benefit from nature therapy. A trained nature therapy practitioner will be able to guide you to nature therapy activities that fit with your goals and comfort level. All you need is an open mind and curiosity.

If you’re feeling a little disconnected, or depressed but aren’t sure why – nature therapy may be exactly what you need.

The History of Nature Therapy

One of the first formalized nature therapy techniques is forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, which was popularized by Tomohide Akiyama, the Director of the Japanese Forest Agency, in 1982. Forest therapy can be described as the intentional practice of surrounding oneself in nature and being mindful of each sense and the present experience.

As people have moved toward human-centric, built civilization our relationship with nature has changed. The rise of nature therapy as a practice is a direct result — people often need to intentionally seek out the benefits of being in nature because they are generally surrounded by a constructed environment.

While nature therapy is a developing field, the acknowledgement that nature has positive physical and psychological benefits is ancient and dates back to the very beginnings of humanity. Nature was a focal point for healing and spirituality for ancient peoples, not just through things like medicinal herbs, but through psychological ones as well, such as stargazing and right-of-passage quests.

Hippocrates – Greek physician and sometimes called “the father of medicine” famously said, more than 2000 years ago, “Nature itself is the best physician” and “The physician treats, but nature heals.” And scholarly work suggests Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire in 550 BCE, built gardens with the express intention of improving his people’s health.

Throughout history we’ve seen poets and artists turn to nature for inspiration, peace, and healing. 

The Science of Nature Therapy

Several elements contribute to the effectiveness of nature therapy:

• Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a critical cognitive skill that allows you to focus your attention on experiencing the present moment. During nature therapy activities mindfulness plays an important role, and exercising your mindfulness muscle makes it easier to apply in your daily life in moments where you need it most, such as regulating emotions when you’re stressed or anxious.
• Movement. Going out into nature often necessitates movement — walking, hiking, climbing, or even swimming or paddling a boat. Physical activity has its own benefits, improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and more. It also has psychological benefits including the release of dopamine, a hormone associated with happier mood and decreased anxiety. Nature therapy can also include somatic movement, defined as “movement that’s practiced consciously with the intention of focusing on the internal experience of the moment.”
• Physical effects. Being outdoors in sunlight helps the body generate vitamin D, which is important for physical and mental health. Some researchers have suggested that forests have higher oxygen levels compared to urban or indoor environments and breathing in that oxygen-rich air can benefit brain function. There are also indications that phytoncides, antimicrobial compounds released by trees and other plants, may benefit the human immune system and contribute to stress reduction. Studies show that exposure to nature decreases amygdala activity in the brain, which is linked to stress.
• Engaging the senses. When participating in nature therapy activities, individuals engage all their senses. From the smell of flowers, the sound of running water, the feeling of earth beneath feet, the sight of trees swaying in the breeze, and even the taste of fresh-cut herbs — being in nature can be a full sensory experience. Bringing attention to these experiences and focus to these sensations can stimulate the brain and body in beneficial ways.
• Feelings of connection. Being in nature can help people feel connected to the world at large. It’s a great space to observe the interconnectivity of life, which can lead to feelings of peacefulness and purpose. During a facilitated nature therapy activity you’re working with another human being you can connect with. Talking about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a supportive counterpart can be, in itself, therapeutic. 

What’s more, the number of scientific studies that show the effectiveness of nature therapy continues to grow:

• A study examined 14 already published studies involving college-aged adults which found that nature-rich environments unequivocally helped reduce mental distress. Just 10 minutes in a natural setting was enough to show significant improvement on participants’ mental health
• A meta-analysis of 39 studies found:
  • 92% demonstrated consistent improvements across health outcomes where individuals engaged with natural outdoor environments
  • Mental health outcomes improved across 98% of studies
  • Physical health outcomes improved across 83% of studies
  • Cognitive health outcomes improved across 75% of studies
• A 2007 study showed that forest therapy reduces cortisol, a stress hormone
• A study focusing on nature therapy’s effect on people with depression found that it increased mental well-being, with self-reported symptoms decreasing significantly

Nature therapy engages many different parts of the brain and body, which makes definitive scientific research complex but the overall takeaways are clear: connecting with nature benefits both physical and mental health.

Benefits of Nature Therapy

The identified benefits of nature therapy are numerous. Some include:

• Greater sense of well-being
• Deeper mindfulness and self-awareness
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Enhanced creativity
• Boosted cognitive abilities like improved performance on working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attentional-control tasks
• Increased focus and attention
• Reduced mental fatigue and irritability
• Physical health benefits like lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, lower cortisol levels, boosted immune function, and increased vitamin d
• Feelings of peace and calm, connectedness, and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life
• And more!

Get Started with Nature Therapy Today!

If you’re curious about nature therapy, you can read more about what I offer here. You can also contact me to schedule a nature therapy session, or ask any questions you may have.