The idea that nature has these innate healing properties is by no means a new one. Western medicine is very much plagued by what we would call biological reductionism. There's also this idea in ancient China of chi, which is the vital connection between humans and the earth. And that connection has formed a big part of the naturopathy movement in the 19th century. Other countries and cultures have very similar ideas or practices for promoting a spiritual and psychological reconnection with nature.
This week we're discussing the secret and the science behind the healing powers of nature. Our generation has become increasingly detached from the outdoors and our wild roots, with over 90% of our days spent indoors or on a screen, often at the expense of our mental wellbeing, sense of self, psychological and spiritual connection with the land and overall physical health. In this episode we explore ideas around nature deficit disorder, recent longitudinal studies on the impacts of green spaces on our mental health and practices such as forest bathing, forest schools, water therapy and what we can learn from the deep connection that Indigenous groups have with the land. We also discuss how we can easily integrate more time outdoors into our daily routine to radically improve our psychological wellbeing. Listen now.
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