Reconnecting you with the healing powers of nature and improving your mental health and well-being through nature therapy and counseling in the East Midlands
Reconnecting you with the healing powers of nature and improving your mental health and well-being through nature therapy and counseling in the East Midlands
You have probably heard the above mentioned terms being used to describe the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoko; which basically translates to 'Forest Bathing'
Forest and Nature Therapy is the mindful, sensual and often spiritual or shamanistic practice of spending time in nature based settings; whether that be walking, running, cycling, sitting, meditating or camping; for the benefits of our health and overall sense of well-being.
This nature based therapeutic practice originated in Japan in the 1990s as a result of the Japanese Government's commissioned study and research; which was headed by Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki; who created the initial term 'Forest Bathing'
Do you recall walking barefoot along wet sand at the beach or on a field of dew-moistened grass?
Do you remember feeling some tingling in your feet or legs, or a sense of warmth or well-being rising up into your body?
That sensation is the result of direct barefoot contact with the surface of the Earth, which brims with natural, subtle energy.
Grounding is the practice of walking barefoot on the earth and provides a means to recharge your energy (Qi), clear your mind, strengthen your instincts, and therefore increase your sense of wellbeing and improve your immune system.
The term 'nature deficit disorder' was coined by American author and journalist Richard Louv in his book 'Last Child in the Woods-Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder,'
'Nature-deficit disorder is not a formal diagnosis, but a way to describe the psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from nature, particularly for children in their vulnerable developing years'.
Children need nature in their lives.
Children's immune systems and their body's ability to develop both physically and psychologically; needs open, clean natural spaces which challenge them and offer them growth and safety.
To put it simply; spend more time outdoors in and around nature!
The actual practice of Nature Therapy is very simple: take a few hours out of your busy life, head to a densely forested area and let the nature do the rest. Take a walk. Perhaps sit for a little while next to an idyllic, babbling stream. Turn your phone off and sit mindfully in a place undisturbed by roaring traffic or busy crowds.
Alternatively; if time and location is an issue for you. Find your nearest park. canal path. gardens, green space or even your own back garden and just chill for 30 minutes a day.
With more and more focus being channelled into Self Care and Well-being. This self-care tip of 'green-prescribing' provides a wealth of health benefits from reducing stress and anxiety to weight management.
What's even more astounding is that recent research has found that spending as little as 2 hours in nature can boost our immune systems for up to a month!
And more importantly; it is free!
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In recent years, stress related diseases have become a social problem on a global scale.
What's more concerning is that recent medical statistics have stated that; chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. And counts for more than 75% of all GP visits.
Without even being aware of this; we are constantly living in a world where we are over-stimulated and in a state of constant stress.
Stress makes our bodies more susceptible to disease because it damages our immune system, invokes our fight, flight or freeze responses which makes us feel exhausted and mentally overwhelmed and unable to fully relax.
American Clinical Psychologist Craig Brod also termed the phrase 'technostress' explaining that with the introduction of computer technology and our ever increasing reliance on technology, and more recently social media; as a species, we are living in a constant state of stress and moving further away from nature due to our sedentary lifestyles.
Our disconnection from nature is in essence; killing us.
However new and emerging, ground-breaking research is providing evidence of how regularly immersing ourselves in Nature - Based activities is reversing the effects of stress on our bodies and helping us reconnect to our own inner abilities to heal and repair ourselves.
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives.
Having an understanding of how depression, fear and anxiety affects us; whilst spending restorative and mindful time immersed in nature has proven to have a sustainable and almost immediate effect on our minds and our bodies.
Our mindful walking sessions follow the practice of Shin-rin yoko; which the is Japanese spiritual experience of slowing experiencing nature whilst our senses are engaged in the sights, sounds, smells that nature has to offer.
The phenomena of 'green-prescribing' or the 'nature-pill' are being more widely accepted treatment option by doctors as nature therapy reduces the levels of the hormone cortisol which is produced when we are feeling stressed or anxious.; as well as increasing the levels of dopamine being released into our system which invokes our feel good emotions.
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events.
Nature can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
As a counsellor and psychotherapist who specialises in working with abuse and trauma; I can state that some of the most successful models which exist currently in the treatment of trauma are those that have incorporated nature therapy into their practice.
The work being done with PTSD veterans and children who have experienced trauma all have nature therapy and mindfulness as a way to heal and reset the hypervigilant alert states.
Nature in essence offers us a 'safe place' where we can find peace, solitude and balance as well as offering a sensual experience to heal in.
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