Nature's Healing Power: Oxford Professor Advocates for Nature Prescriptions

By Alexander McNamara, Alayaran.com

In a groundbreaking exploration into the health benefits of nature, Professor Kathy Willis from the University of Oxford has released a new book, "Good Nature," detailing how immersion in natural environments can serve as a therapeutic tool for a variety of health conditions. Willis, who spoke to Live Science about her research, delves into how different aspects of nature interact with human physiology, potentially revolutionizing treatment plans in clinical settings.

Therapeutic Benefits of Nature

Willis's research began with a study that showed patients recovering from gallbladder surgery who had a view of trees required less pain medication and recovered faster than those facing a wall. This led her to investigate further how various sensory interactions with nature could directly influence health outcomes. "It was about the visual interaction, not just the environmental benefits like cleaner air," Willis explained. Her studies indicate that exposure to nature can lower stress hormones, enhance heart rate variability, and even boost the immune system.

Mechanisms Behind the Healing

The book outlines three primary pathways through which nature impacts health: 1. Autonomic Nervous System: Exposure to green landscapes can decrease heart rate and blood pressure. 2. Endocrine System: There are noticeable changes in hormone levels, particularly a reduction in stress indicators like salivary amylase. 3. Psychological Effects: Visualizing natural settings can lead to reduced anxiety and a sense of calm.

Evolutionary Perspectives

Willis suggests that our physiological responses to nature could be evolutionary, with humans naturally drawn to landscapes reminiscent of the savannas where our ancestors thrived. This preference for certain fractal dimensions in landscapes, around 1.3, was consistently chosen in studies over urban or dense tropical settings, even by individuals who had never seen such environments.

Sensory Engagement with Nature

The sensory experience of nature isn't limited to sight. Willis highlights the significant impact of smells, particularly from trees like those in the Cupressaceae family, which can increase natural killer cells in the blood, known to fight cancer and viruses. A study in Oncotarget showed that proximity to these forests correlated with lower rates of autoimmune diseases.

Bringing Nature Indoors

For those unable to venture outside, Willis recommends indoor greenery. She notes that even non-scented roses can lower blood pressure, advocating for more live plants in homes and offices to replicate some of nature's benefits. "Victorians understood this better than we do now," she remarked, encouraging a return to incorporating nature into our living spaces.

Conclusion

Professor Willis's work not only reaffirms the intuitive connection many feel to nature but also provides robust scientific evidence that could integrate nature-based therapies into mainstream medical practice. Her book, "Good Nature," offers a compelling case for doctors to consider prescribing time in nature as part of patient treatment plans, potentially transforming how we approach health and well-being.