Exploring the Health Benefits of Nature Immersion: Insights from Kathy Willis

In her latest book, "Good Nature," Kathy Willis, a Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford, delves into how engaging with nature can significantly benefit human health. Willis explores the potential of prescribing nature exposure as part of clinical treatments, backed by scientific evidence.

Forest Bathing and Health

The concept of forest bathing, or immersing oneself in nature, isn't just a soothing experience but has tangible health benefits, according to Willis. She discusses how this practice, known for reducing stress and enhancing well-being, could be adapted into clinical settings. Her research, inspired by a study on post-surgical recovery rates influenced by views of nature, has led her to investigate how nature's sights, sounds, and scents interact with human physiology.

Physiological Responses to Nature

Willis explains that viewing green landscapes can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce stress hormones, and improve psychological states. She attributes these benefits to the human body's automatic response to natural environments, which can even influence recovery from diseases. For instance, exposure to certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from trees like those in the Cupressaceae family has been shown to elevate natural killer cells in the blood, which are crucial for fighting cancer and viral infections.

The Impact of Senses

The book also covers how different senses engage with nature:

• Sight: Looking at fractal patterns, particularly those found in savannas, naturally calms us, suggesting an evolutionary preference for such landscapes.
• Smell: VOCs from plants don't just provide a pleasant aroma but can physically enter our bloodstream, influencing biochemical pathways similar to medication.
• Touch: Physical contact with natural materials like wood has calming effects.

Bringing Nature Indoors

For those unable to frequently visit natural settings, Willis suggests simple yet effective ways to incorporate nature into daily life:

• Houseplants: Adding live plants or even a vase of roses can lower blood pressure and enhance mood.
• Biodiverse Environments: Exposure to diverse microbiomes, like playing in natural soil, can positively alter the human gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

"Good Nature" by Kathy Willis provides a compelling argument for integrating nature into our health care systems. Her work not only highlights the immediate benefits of nature immersion but also explores long-term health improvements, suggesting that nature could be a powerful ally in modern medicine. As Willis puts it, "We don't need to wait for someone to prescribe us nature; we can take it upon ourselves to benefit from what's readily available around us."

This exploration into nature's therapeutic potential opens up new avenues for how we might approach health, wellness, and recovery in both clinical and everyday settings.