Other Health and Wellness Topics

In a Nutshell: Nature Therapy

Your Doctor has recommended Nature Therapy:

Name_____________________________                  Date________

Rx: Nature

Sig:  Take one walk in nature 30 minutes to 1 hour daily 5 days per week

Refills: Unlimited

X_________________________________________

 

Known Benefits of Nature Therapy, or Forest Bathing, on Health

  • Reduce blood pressure and resting heart rate
  • Improve diabetes management, lower glucoses and lower A1c
  • Reduce stress hormones and increase relaxation
  • Reduce Stress, anxiety and depression
  • Improve sleeping
  • Boost the immune system
  • Increase oxygen and blood supply to brain, increasing creativity

    Ways to Start Nature Therapy

  • Take a timed walk most days in a nearby park for 10-15 minutes and increase time as conditioning improves
  • Sit down on a park bench or tree stump, close your eyes and focus on your breathing as you hear the sounds of nature
  • Perform slow gentle stretches on your limb girdles (hips and shoulders) or simple yoga poses (sun salutation and mountain pose)
  • Visit various parks nearby where you live to get a flavor of different scenery, flora and landscapes.

What to bring

  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes, preferably with good ankle support
  • Walking stick or cane for additional support, if you have significant arthritis or nerve issues.
  • A small sheet for sitting on the forest ground
  • A small bag with a bottle or two of water and a few healthy snacks
  • Optional: A walking partner or a dog
  • An open and clear mind:  Your phone turned off or in silence mode. 
  • Your curiosity:  Be ready to enjoy the moment and interact in the outdoors.

 

2 replies »

    • Pain is a subjective experience, which can be heightened or reduced by our state. With a state of stress , one may experience the pain as more acute.

      There are many treatment options for pain, dependent on what is the source of it. If you can **identify and mitigate the source, the benefit is greater.

      1). General stress management – ensure that you are coping properly / ensure that you are taking time each day to exercise or walk / stretches

      2). Sleep – ensuring your sleep is sufficient and effective – sleep apnea can sometimes be a trigger.

      3). Development – skills and hobbies e.g. art, can help take the mind off of the pain

      4). Diet. Avoid foods that can set off inflammation, like processed foods and sugar.
      4). Pharmacology – for the most part topical is usually as good as by mouth. No opiates – they often intensify pain and have dependence risks. Gabapentin has been used for neuropathic pain. Ibuprofen may be a good option for inflammatory pain. Take
      these infrequently.

      I’ll post a larger response as a blog in near future

      Pass along the value of this blog by sharing it with your contacts. Thanks !

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