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/