Nature's Healing Power: A New Prescription for Health, According to Expert
Oxford, UK - In a world increasingly dominated by urban landscapes, Professor Kathy Willis from the University of Oxford suggests a return to nature might be the remedy for a myriad of health issues. Her latest book, "Good Nature," delves into the therapeutic effects of forest bathing and other nature immersion practices, proposing they could be integrated into clinical treatments.
Forest bathing, a practice originating from Japan known as 'Shinrin-yoku', involves spending time in forest environments to absorb the atmosphere through all senses. Professor Willis, who spoke with Live Science, explains that this interaction with nature isn't merely psychological but has profound physiological benefits. "Numerous studies have shown that immersing ourselves in nature can significantly improve health, but can we bring this practice into a clinical setting?" Willis posits.
In her research, Willis explores how different natural elements interact with the human body. For instance, touching wood can induce calmness, while walking through a pine forest can have long-lasting effects on mental health. She highlights a study where patients recovering from gallbladder surgery who had views of trees required fewer pain medications and had quicker recovery times compared to those facing brick walls.
"Nature's impact on health is not just about cleaner air; there's a direct relationship between visual exposure to nature and physiological responses in the body," Willis explains. This includes reduced adrenaline levels, enhanced heart rate variability, and changes in hormone levels, all contributing to lower stress and faster recovery.
The book also discusses how different senses are engaged in nature. Smelling plant volatiles, like those from pine trees, can affect the same biochemical pathways as pharmaceutical drugs, reducing stress and even boosting natural killer cells which fight against diseases like cancer.
Urban dwellers, Willis suggests, could benefit from integrating more nature into their daily lives. "Even having a vase of non-scented roses on your desk can lower your blood pressure," she notes, advocating for the inclusion of live plants in homes and offices to mimic the benefits of nature exposure.
Willis's findings challenge conventional medical practices by suggesting that doctors could prescribe time in nature as part of treatment plans. "It's about providing quantitative evidence that shows what's happening in the body," she said, aiming to bridge the gap between anecdotal benefits and scientific validation.
Her work encourages a reevaluation of how we interact with our environments, proposing that nature's healing power could be a widely accessible and cost-effective health strategy. As urban areas expand, Willis's insights offer a compelling case for maintaining and integrating natural spaces into our daily lives, potentially revolutionizing how we approach health care.
For more insights, "Good Nature" by Kathy Willis is now available, offering a deep dive into the symbiosis between humans and the natural world.
This article was inspired by an interview with Professor Kathy Willis, published on Live Science.