🌱Healing Power of Nature: Unveiling the Secrets of Therapeutic Gardens🌱

Therapeutic Gardens: Healing Power of Nature🌱🌿

The Growing Movement of Ecotherapy and Green Care🌱🌿

The therapeutic power of nature isn’t a new discovery. For centuries, cultures around the world have recognized the profound connection between humans and the natural world. In ancient India, for example, Indian Ayurvedic medicine emphasized the importance of spending time in nature for holistic well-being. Gardens were often designed with specific plants and layouts to balance the doshas /energies and promote physical, mental, and spiritual health [11].

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in this ancient wisdom of India, and the concept of using nature for healing has taken on a new form: ecotherapy. This therapeutic approach encompasses a wide range of nature-based interventions, from forest bathing (simply spending time in a forest) to horticultural therapy (gardening with a therapeutic purpose) [8]. The aim is to harness the restorative power of nature to improve mental, physical and spiritual health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Green care is another term you might come across, and it encompasses an even broader range of activities. It includes everything from therapeutic gardening and animal-assisted therapy to wilderness programs and social farming initiatives [9]. Green care interventions are often tailored to the specific needs of individuals or groups, and they can be used in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and community centers.

The growing popularity of ecotherapy and green care is not just based on anecdotal evidence or ancient wisdom. It’s also supported by a growing body of scientific research.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have numerous benefits for our health, including:

• REDUCED STRESS AND ANXIETY: The sights, sounds, and smells of nature have a calming effect on our nervous systems, helping to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol [3].
• IMPROVED MOOD: Exposure to nature has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that are associated with happiness and well-being [10].
• LOWERED BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE: Simply being in a natural environment can have a relaxing effect on our cardiovascular system [10].
• ENHANCED IMMUNE FUNCTION: Spending time in nature can boost our immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases [10].
• INCREASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Gardening and other outdoor activities provide opportunities for exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can enhance attention, memory, and creativity [10].

As we become increasingly aware of the health benefits of nature, therapeutic gardens and other nature-based interventions are emerging as valuable tools for promoting well-being. They offer a safe and accessible way to reconnect with the natural world, tap into its magical healing powers, and cultivate a healthier, happier life.

This is not a transaction rather a deep connection with mother nature build on trust, love and care. And she never fails to show her love.