reacquainting yourself with nature the benefits of eco therapy

In today’s fast-paced, corporatized

world, far too many people spend

their daytime hours indoors. There is

a substantial body of evidence,

however, that points to the

unhealthiness of this way of life,

removed as it is from the bounties of

Nature. To correct this deficiency, an

increasing number of people are

turning to eco-therapy to reconnect

to the natural world. Let’s look closer

at eco-therapy and its varied benefits.

The term "ecotherapy" can be

traced to Howard Clinebell, (1922-

2005), a Methodist minister who

wrote extensively on religion and

psychotherapy.

Clinebell’s 1996 book Ecotherapy:

Healing Ourselves, Healing the Earth

discussed the role of nature in the

formation of the human personality.

In essence, ecotherapy involves

experiencing nature through various

outdoor activities.

A study published in the Journal of

Epidemiology and Community Health

(2009) revealed that people who live close

to natural environments tend to be

healthier than those who do not.

Urban dwellers were found to score

relatively high on scales measuring

depression, anxiety, and other conditions.1

In fact, the health problems associated

with alienation from nature are much

more diverse than you’d probably suspect.

Exposure to sunlight allows the skin to

synthesize vitamin D. This method of

vitamin D absorption is considered

preferable to dietary pill supplements.

Many people, however, simply don't

spend enough time outdoors—this can

result in vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to

a wide array of health problems,

including metabolic disorders,

autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

Another affliction that can be traced to our urban living is depression. Seasonal affective

disorder (SAD) strikes many people during the winter months when sunlight is scarce.

A UK study conducted in 2007 discovered that a simple walk in the countryside alleviated

depression in no less than 71% of afflicted individuals who participated.2

Studies published in the Journal of

Environmental Psychology (June

2010) found that people get an

energy boost by being outside in a

natural environment for as little as 20

minutes. Being "in touch with nature“

in this way also enhances resistance

to illness.

The study's lead author, psychology

professor Richard Ryan, concluded

that "Nature is fuel for the soul.“3

Many people have trouble getting a good

night’s sleep, and, when this problem

becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of

health issues. What these sufferers may

not realize is that their indoor lifestyles

can contribute to their inability to snooze.

Human sleep patterns are governed by a

biological process known as the circadian

rhythm, which is associated with the

day/night cycle. Staying inside all the time

has a habit of throwing off circadian

rhythms, disrupting sleep patterns.

Air pollution has been grabbing

headlines for years, but most people

don’t know that the air they breathe

indoors is often far more unhealthy.

In fact, indoor pollutants can be up to

100 times worse than what you

encounter outdoors, and, in the long

term, this can contribute to heart and

lung problems.4

Ecotherapy allows its practitioners to get

away from their polluted houses and

offices to enjoy the comforts of nature.

Founded in 1965, Papillon

Helicopters is the world's

largest and oldest aerial

sightseeing company. Papillon

escorts around 600,000

passengers each year on

helicopter tours of the Grand

Canyon and the surrounding

area. The company is a

member of the Tour Operators

Program of Safety (TOPS).

Sources

1. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1680

2. http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/nature-therapy-ecotherapy

3. http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3639

4. http://appalachiantrials.com/scientifically-supported-reasons-get-outside/