Nature's Healing Power Explored in New Book by Oxford Professor
Kathy Willis, a Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford, has penned a compelling new book titled "Good Nature," which delves into the therapeutic effects of nature on human health. In an exclusive interview with Live Science, Willis discussed how forest bathing and other forms of nature interaction could be integrated into clinical settings to benefit patient treatment.
From Ecosystem Services to Health Benefits
Willis's journey into the health benefits of nature began while working on an intergovernmental project focused on ecosystem services. Her interest was sparked by a study revealing that patients recovering from gallbladder surgery who had a view of trees required less pain medication and recovered faster than those facing brick walls. This finding led her to investigate the direct physiological effects of nature on the human body.
The Science of Nature's Impact
The book explores how various natural elements engage our senses:
- Sight: Viewing green landscapes can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and enhance psychological calm.
- Smell: Inhaling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plants like those in the Cupressaceae family can increase natural killer cells in the blood, offering long-term health benefits such as improved immunity against cancer and viruses.
- Touch: Touching wood has been shown to have a calming effect on the body.
Nature in Clinical Settings
Willis argues for the integration of nature into medical treatment plans. "There's significant quantitative evidence that shows doctors could prescribe time in nature," she stated, pointing out that these aren't just psychological improvements but measurable physiological changes that can aid in recovery and health maintenance.
Bringing Nature Home
For those unable to frequently visit natural settings, Willis suggests simple home modifications:
- Indoor Plants: Incorporating live plants like spider plants or even a vase of non-scented roses can lower blood pressure and enhance mental well-being.
- Biodiversity Exposure: Encouraging interaction with biodiverse environments, even in urban settings, can positively alter one's gut microbiome, reducing inflammatory markers in the blood.
A New Perspective on Urban Planning and Health
Willis's findings challenge urban planners and health professionals to rethink the integration of green spaces in city planning. Her book, "Good Nature," not only provides scientific backing for these health benefits but also calls for a paradigm shift in how we approach health care and urban living, emphasizing the need for accessible nature as a vital component of public health.
Her work underscores a potential shift towards natural prescriptions, suggesting that nature immersion could become a recognized and standard part of medical care, promoting health and well-being through the simple act of connecting with the natural world.