Our lives in the present times have become quite fast-paced, thanks to a technology-driven world. The constant stimulation from technology can create a disconnect from nature though a powerful link between well-being and nature exists. Therefore, in the chaos, people often seek natural ways to enhance their mental and physical well-being. Green therapy is one such approach that has grown in popularity. Our natural environment has always provided us with excitement and inspiration. But what exactly is green therapy, and why is it becoming a go-to option for many?
Table Of Contents
What Is Green Therapy?
What Is Green Therapy Good For?
How To Find A Green Therapist?
Is Green Therapy Covered Under Insurance?
What Are The Different Types Of Green Therapy?
The Bottom Line
What Is Green Therapy?
Green therapy, sometimes referred to as ecotherapy, nature therapy, or Shinrin-yoku, is the therapeutic application of the natural world to promote both physical and emotional well-being. This type of therapy makes use of the therapeutic qualities of the natural world by including outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, forest bathing, and animal interaction. Green therapy is based on the core concept that spending time in nature helps reduce stress, improve mood and foster general well-being (Pattnaik, 2017).
Spending time in natural environments has been found to improve mood, boost cognitive function, and foster feelings of happiness and contentment. These benefits are attributed to the sensory experiences that nature provides, such as the sound of birds chirping, the sight of greenery, and the feel of a gentle breeze. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, indicating a decrease in stress (Jimenez et al., 2021).
What Is Green Therapy Good For?
Numerous conditions relating to the physical and mental health can benefit from green treatment. The following are some main advantages:
1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
The capacity of green therapy to lower stress levels is one of its most important advantages. Spending time in nature can ease anxiety, lower the release of stress chemicals, and encourage relaxation (Hunter et al., 2019).
2. Enhancing Mood
Our mood is profoundly affected by nature. The “feel-good” hormone serotonin can be produced more when exposed to greenery and natural light, which might improve mood and lessen depressive symptoms (Young, 2007).
3. Boosting Physical Health
The positive effects of green therapy are not limited to only mental health; physical health also take benefits from it. Physical activities like hiking, gardening, or a simple stroll in a park can improve immune function (Andersen et al., 2021), boost heart health (American Heart Association, 2024), and foster an overall sense of fitness.
4. Improving Cognitive Function
Going outside can improve your brain function! It has been demonstrated that interacting with nature improves cognitive abilities including creativity, memory, and concentration. Mother Nature’s healing energy facilitates the removal of mental clutter, which promotes clarity and a stronger sense of focus (Berman et al., 2009).
5. Supporting Social Connections
The goal of green therapy is to foster interpersonal connections as well as a connection with the natural world. A lot of group-oriented activities provide a feeling of belonging and community. Loneliness and isolation may be effectively combated by this social engagement (Arbuthnott, 2023).
Photo by : Thirdman
How To Find A Green Therapist
Finding a green therapist who aligns with your needs may require some effort. Following are the steps you can take to find one.
- Start your search by looking into local therapists providing green therapy. You can ask friends or medical professionals for advice, and use internet directories and search engines.
- Verify if your green therapist has the necessary training to assist you on your trip. Seek for credentials or education in counseling, ecotherapy, or other related areas.
- Analyze reviews from previous patients to gain important knowledge about the therapist’s style and efficacy. Seek input regarding their approaches, level of professionalism, and ability to provide their clients with a satisfying green therapy experience.
- Set up a session to go over your needs and objectives before committing. This will allow you to assess how well the therapist’s style fits your needs and comfort zone.
- Green therapists sometimes provide sessions in parks, gardens, or other outdoor spaces. Make sure you can easily reach and find the location.
Is Green Therapy Covered Under Insurance?
Regretfully, insurance companies do not currently provide widespread coverage for green therapy. Check your insurance plan for details on whether complementary or alternative therapies are covered. Green therapy may be covered by certain plans as part of wellness or mental health services. Certain insurance policies pay for out-of-network services even when green therapy is not directly covered.
What Are The Different Types Of Green Therapies?
Green therapy includes a range of techniques, each with special advantages. Here are a few popular forms:
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re seeking to improve your physical health, reduce stress, or boost your mood, there is a type of green therapy that can match your needs. Green therapy offers a comprehensive approach to health and well-being by utilizing the healing power of nature. Engaging in therapy styles such as Green Therapy can have profound impacts on your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
References
American Heart Association. (2024, April 24). What’s the Link Between Physical Activity and Health? Www.Heart.Org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab/getting-physically-active/whats-the-link-between-physical-activity-and-health
Andersen, L., Corazon, S. S., & Stigsdotter, U. K. (2021). Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1416. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041416
Arbuthnott, K. D. (2023). Nature exposure and social health: Prosocial behavior, social cohesion, and effect pathways. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 90, 102109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102109
Berman, M., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2009). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature. Psychological Science, 19, 1207–1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, December 6). Why Forest Therapy Can Be Good for Your Body and Mind. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-forest-therapy-can-be-good-for-your-body-and-mind
Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y.-P. (2019). Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722
Jimenez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., & James, P. (2021). Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790
Kamioka, H., Tsutani, K., Yamada, M., Park, H., Okuizumi, H., Honda, T., Okada, S., Park, S.-J., Kitayuguchi, J., Abe, T., Handa, S., & Mutoh, Y. (2014). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(5), 930–943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.08.009
Kopytin, A. (2021). Ecological/Nature-Assisted Arts Therapies and the Paradigm Change. Creative Arts in Education and Therapy. https://www.academia.edu/89452726/Ecological_Nature_Assisted_Arts_Therapies_and_the_Paradigm_Change
Koukourikos, K., Georgopoulou, A., Kourkouta, L., & Tsaloglidou, A. (2019). Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 12(3), 1898. https://www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/docs/64_koukorikos_review_12_3.pdf
Lahart, I., Darcy, P., Gidlow, C., & Calogiuri, G. (2019). The Effects of Green Exercise on Physical and Mental Wellbeing: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(8), 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16081352
Pattnaik, P. P. (2017). Green Therapy: A Case Study. In Re-Thinking Environment (p. 338).
Summers, J. K., & Vivian, D. N. (2018). Ecotherapy – A Forgotten Ecosystem Service: A Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1389. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01389
Tucker, A., Norton, C. L., DeMille, S. M., & Hobson, J. (2016). The Impact of Wilderness Therapy: Utilizing an Integrated Care Approach. Journal of Experiential Education, 39(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825915607536
Young, S. N. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN, 32(6), 394–399. https://www.jpn.ca/content/jpn/32/6/394.full.pdf
Written By: Dr. Wasif MD
Edited by: Madison Vargas, BS
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Kyle Zrenchik, PhD, LMFT
Published : 08/02/24
Disclaimer: ALL IN Therapy Clinic aims to improve people’s lives. We do this through providing effective mental health counseling by passionate professionals. Inspired by this, we write content for your own education. Also, our content is researched, cited, reviewed, and edited by licensed mental health professionals. However, the information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, it should not be used in place of the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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