Nature is a powerful entity of this world. The forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, etc. are places of serene beauty and outstanding creation of the Almighty. Spending some quality time amidst nature has proven to lift mood and make people feel happier. The silence felt in nature is ten times better than the chaos of the everyday lives in busy cities and towns. Human beings are natural beings.
Humans and Nature: The Inter-relationship
The origin and source of life, which includes all life forms lie in nature itself. After a tiring day at work, one feels relaxed to finally go home and visiting nature while taking a break from everyday life is something very similar. Whether it's a small stroll in the park or a few days spent in nature's lap in the form of a vacation; the connection between nature and human beings needs a recharge once in a while.
The beauty of nature is praised since ages. The beautiful landscapes, the minute details of a leaf or a flower, the rain, wind, etc. fills the human mind and soul with tranquility. A troubled mind trapped in the city chaos can only heal in the silence of nature.
The Healer : Nature
Nature therapy is an age old approach to heal people with different difficulties and ailments and for their overall good health. It is sometimes also referred to as ecotherapy, a treatment. This technique of therapy can be described as a broad group of techniques or treatments which comprise the association with nature and natural healing processes rather than with medication of any kind.
The importance is laid on the atmosphere and environment an individual lives in or is surrounded by. The impact of surroundings is highly effective for human beings for the way they behave and feel. A great example of a nature therapy is forest bathing or "shinrin-yoku". It is an old Japanese practice that is now a new approach to deal with ailments of people. It is a therapy which combines a range of exercises and tasks in an outdoor environment in peaceful natural settings. Garden therapy, horticultural therapy, Kneipp therapy or even ocean therapy may also be viewed as forms of nature therapy but " Shinrin- yoku" holds the highest stature for its effectiveness.
The History of Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku is a term which literally means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing" and it originates from the land of the rising sun, Japan. This therapeutic technique developed in Japan during the 1980s. The Japanese belief that natural remedies are more effective than the present-day medication and over the counter drugs. Natural remedies do not possess any harmful chemicals or side effects and the human body absorbs the benefits better. Shinrin-yoku has become an essential and preventive health care method of healing in Japanese medicine.
The Purpose of the Therapy: Shinrin-Yoku
The aim and concept behind the forest therapy is very simple and realistic. It aims at the power of nature to change the pattern of thoughts a person thinks and recharges his/her mind with positivity and peace gained from the natural environment. For example: if a person visits a natural area like a beach or a lake and spends some time there without any worries in a relaxed manner then that moment of relaxation shall instill calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits for that person.
The Healing Power of Forest Therapy
The healing capabilities of nature is now a need found interest for many researchers and scientists. We often hear the physician give off advice, "go for a vacation and you will be fine". Somewhere, everyone from their inner intuition knows that even a brief walk in the neighborhood park can fix problems.
It is proven with supported results of many scientists that many trees give off organic compounds that support the human immune system. The scientifically-proven benefits of Shinrin-yoku includes :
- Boosted immune system functioning, with an increase in the count of the body's germ fighting cells.
- Reduced hypertension.
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Improved mood and increased clear thinking.
- Helps in recovery from surgery or illness of any kind.
- Increased energy levels and metabolism.
- Heals insomnia.
- Healthier human relationships
- Reduced anger and frustration.
- Heals depression and sense of worthlessness.
Benefits of Forest Therapy In The Long Run
The benefits that forest therapy possess are many. The physiological as well as psychological effects of it are good for people in the long run. The process is of "resetting" the human body like resetting an alarm clock. It's more like putting a phone back to its factory settings by clicking on the "restore settings" button.
Human lives are filled with worries, problems and stresses of many kinds. To experience life is to go through all the turmoils and miseries and eventually find a sunny day after a stormy one. Life is unfair to all but nature isn't. The positivity and hope in nature is visible to everyone. The cycle of seasons, the weather, the setting of the sun in the valley and then rising over the hills again, there is so much of inspiration to gain from.
The Friendship: Human Beings and Nature
Nature is never biased to anyone. Every person, every living being is a part of nature. In many cultures, it is believed and practiced that to worship nature is to worship God. This belief system can be associated with the forest therapy. To let go of all the worries in the green forests and leaving with a free mind and soul is a different feeling of contentment.
Spending time in nature, rejuvenates the mind and body and fills the individual with new energy. The positivity and calmness in nature is only felt when one spends a sensible amount of time in nature. No therapy or medication works overnight, one needs to devote a certain amount of time in nature and leaving the clutter of daily life in the place it started.
Walking away from the problems is physically possible by walking off to a nearby forest or natural scene. The vision and imagery of the natural scenery would fight the negative and self-doubting thoughts. To maintain a healthy mind and body, one needs to stay connected with nature. Nature is the sole nurturer.
Hi, I am Divyyanaa Hazarika. I am pursuing my B. A. (Hons) in English from Guwahati University. My dream is to join the Civil Services and I'm extremely ardent towards it. I like to write and explore my abilities in the creative writing genre and current affairs. I spend my free time by reading books, painting, watching movies and gardening.
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