EcotherapyDenell Nawrocki

November 4, 2014IHL 6184

What is Ecotherapy-The term was coined by Howard Clinebell in his book

Ecotherapy (1996).

“A method of restoring optimal health and well-being through routine exposure to and

experience in the natural world.”(Seward, p. 546)

History of EcotherapyHistorical uses:-Japan: Zen Gardens-European Mineral Baths-Central Park design-Establishment of National Park System(Seward, p. 546)

-Vacation: to vacate one’s home

-Ecotherapy (ecopsychology) movement began in SF(Seward, p.546)

Other Names

-Deep Ecology-Green Therapy

-Terra-psychology-Forest Therapy

-Nature Therapy

Why Ecotherapy?-People spend less than 5% of their day outdoors(Chalquist, 2009)

-5 million years of living in the natural environment-Industrial Revolution moved us indoors (Park, et. al, 123)

-Repeated exposure to artifical light, chemicals, air/electromagnetic pollution, disturbing noises

(thought to be directly linked to epidemics of stress and chronic disease)(Chalquist, 2009)

-Bridge the gap of separation between humankind and nature (technology and domination tactics)(Seward, p, 546)

Why Ecotherapy?

People need to get outside and expose themselves to nature regularly to reach optimal health.

We are Nature.(Seward, 546)

Vibratory Entrainment(Seward, p.550)

● Shuuman Resonance- 7.8Hz○ Vibration of Homeostasis

■ hum of the forest, Vibration of the Earth■ humans entrain (match) through sympathetic

resonance upon direct contact● When separated from this vibration:

○ bodies become out of sync with healthy rhythms■ melatonin production■ metabolic processes

● “Bathe in the rhythms of the world”

Circadian (Bio) Rhythms● Various body rythms that take place in a 24-hour period

○ Based on the rotation of the Earth on its axis and the cycles of light and dark

● Disrupting the cycles can cause stress○ greater proclivity to disease and illness

● Human body craves habitual routines for optimal health(Seward, p.551)

Nature Deficit Disorder-Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods (2005)

A now-common behavior (affliction) where people (children) don’t get outside enough, and lose touch

with the natural world and all of its wonder.

-Biophilia: human beings emotional affiliation to other organisms

-our inherent connection and affinity to the natural world and planet Earth (Seward, p. 548)

Nature Deficit Disorder(Seward, p. 548)

-The world is more complex and high-tech

-phones and laptops on ‘vacation’

-2008: More people living in urban cities than rural areas

-NDD leads to apathy and ambivalence regarding environmental issues

-Why care about Earth if one doesn’t feel a connection to her?

Prescription: A Dose of Nature● “Nature Prescriptions”

○ post-cancer fatigue○ hypertension (high-

blood pressure)○ diabetes

● Ecotherapy Can:○ Have regenerative

powers○ improve mood○ ease anxiety,

stress, depression

(Sorgen, webmd.com)

Prescription: A Dose of Nature● Prescriptions for:

○ family outings○ children-60 min/day

● 2007 Children & Nature Summit○ finding ways to

over come “nature deficite disorder” in children

(Sorgen, webmd.com)

-2007 Study, U. of Essex in the U.K.-Walk in country reduced depression in 71% of participants-5 min in nature: improves mood, self-esteem and motivation

Shinrin-Yoku: Japanese Forest Bathing

-Karoshi: death by stress(Managing Stress, 548)

-Shinrin Yoku:-“A process in which activities in the forest are used

to improve the mental and physical health of people.”-“Making contact with nature and taking in the

atmosphere of the forest” (Park et.al., 123)

2006 Japanese Study● 12 Male

○ 2 groups of 6 sent to urban and forest areas

○ Switched locations the second day

● Forenoon: Walk around area for 20 min

● Afternoon: Watch landscape for 20 min.

● Measurements○ Prefrontal Cortex activity○ Salivary Cortisol Levels○ Before and after activity

● Findings:○ Activity in PFC and

salivary cortisol levels significantly lower in forest area group.

*Shinrin-yoku can effectively relax people’s body and spirit

(Park, BJ et al,. pg 123)

Physiological Effects of Ecotherapy

*Our perception of stress, influenced by the nervous system and its response to the natural environment.

● Mental/Emotional Benefits:○ decreased sense of anger○ greater sense of

joy/happiness○ improved sleep quality

● Physical Benefits○ increase in anticancer

proteins/natural killer cells○ increase in white blood cell

production○ quicker recovery from

trauma/surgery (Seward, p. 549-550)

Psychological Effects of Ecotherapy

● Enhanced concentration and attention

● Solitude

● Spiritual Moments○ A gentle reminder that we are a part of a much bigger

Universe then just our little internal world (Seward, p. 553)

Personal Application of Ecotherapy

● Get Outside Everyday○ Without headphones, phone,

distraction● Plant a garden/house plants/pets

○ Touch, hold, hug, talk to plants/trees/animals

● Observe Nature (live or an image)● Eco-activism

Client Application of Ecotherapy

● Having meetings outside, in Nature● Have plants/images of Nature in

office/meeting room● Bring in samples of nature for client to

hold/touch while talking● Creative Visualization● Grounding: Barefoot on the Earth● Mindful Walking

Other forms of Ecotherapy

Animal TherapyHorticultural Therapy

Wilderness ExperiencesPsychotherapy Practiced Outdoors

Conclusion

-Ecotherapy works because we are Nature.-The regenerative powers of Nature can

improve mood, stress, depression, mental clarity, etc.

-Taking the time to be with and observe nature grows our sense of connection to

Earth and the world around us.

I challenge you to...

-Take 5 minutes to observe a tree and watch its movement

-Watch the sunset-Make a connection with a pet or wild animal-Take off your shoes and stick them on the

BARE EARTH-Get outside EVERYDAY

“I realized it for the first time in my life: there is nothing but mystery in the world, how it

hides behind the fabric of our poor browbeat days, shining brightly, and we dont even know

it.”-Sue Monk Kidd

(as seen in The Secret Life of Bees)

References

Clifford, M. Amos. (2013) A Little Handbook of Shinrin-Yoku. M. Amos Clifford: Associationof Nature and Forest Therapy.

Kidd, Sue Monk. (2002). The Secret Life of Bees. London: Penguin BooksPark, BJ et al. (2007). “Physiological Effects of Shinrin-yoku (Taking in the Atmosphere of the

Forest)-Using Salivary Cortisol and Cerebral Activity as Indicators”. Journal of Physical Anthropology, 26: 123-128

Seward, Brian L. (2013). “Ecotherapy: The Healing Power of Nature”. Managing Stress: Principle Strategies for Health and Wellbeing: 8th Ed., Jones and Barlett Learning, LLC

Sorgen, Carol. (2011). “Nature Therapy May Mean Better Health is Right Outside Your Door.” WebMD Feature. Retrieved From http://www.webmd.com/carol-sorgen?src=rsf_full-1674_pub_none_byln