You are on page 1of 11

In todays 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. Lets 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.
Clinebells 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 youd 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 outdoorsthis 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

nights 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

dont 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/

You might also like