Nature - Healthcare

Through time nature has been perceived as a healing and recreational force itself. Regardless of age and culture, humans find nature restorative. Studies shows that up to two third of people states that green areas and nature affect their mood in a positive way. Same studies show that 93 percent of people asked, are convinced that nature have a positive effect on their health. (Skov og Landskab 2005) People diagnosed with cancer are more frequently struck by mental weariness, which among other symptoms include loss of memory, being absent minded and being more impatient and frustrated. These mental sufferings can be reduced by the nature’s stimulus. This have a positive influence on the senses and the cognitive processes. (Life 2010) Already in 1933, the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland opened, with the intention to cure tuberculosis through fresh air and nature. This may not be a scientific proven method, but the effect of natural settings and clean air has a long history in the healthcare industry. (A.no.4)

A term often used in healthcare contexts is healing gardens. This term does not differentiate much from nature in general, but in a garden, you are able to control an area for specific use. Gardens described as healing can in most cases be found in or around hospitals for the benefits of patients, relatives and staff. Through history, nature and gardens has been connected with the well-being and even treatment of patients (Terkildsen 2015) Gardens and nature act as pain-relieving, increases the capability of resistance to stress, gives the ability for mental recovery and strengthens the health by encouraging physical and social interactions. (Skov og landskab 2005, Terkildsen 2015)