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Forest therapy, a nature-centric approach to mental health, is gaining recognition in urban environments worldwide. Originating in Japan, forest therapy involves mindful engagement with nature, reducing stress hormones, improving concentration, and boosting the immune system. For those living in areas with sparse forests, healing gardens serve as mini urban forests, providing tranquility and offering the same benefits. These gardens, tailored to the sensitivities of the users, can be designed to fit any space and should appeal to all five senses. Special considerations include good lighting, an open layout for sun and wind exposure, and carefully selected flora to avoid triggering allergies. DR DALJIT SINGH reported
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Urban dwellers frequently battle with stress. Malaysians, like people all over the globe, struggle with mental health issues related to their jobs. While conventional psychiatric treatments are available, an innovative alternative that focuses on nature, known as forest therapy, is gaining popularity.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest therapy, known as ‘shinrin-yoku’ in Japan, provides a unique experience where individuals are immersed in lush, forested environments with a specific purpose. It’s not just about being in the woods, but about connecting with nature in a conscious, mindful manner.
This therapeutic approach involves experiencing the forest environment with all your senses. Activities such as slow, mindful walks, deep breathing exercises, and forest bathing (laying down in the forest) are encouraged to achieve full immersion in the forest environment.
Forest Therapy and Japanese Culture
Forest therapy is deeply entwined with Japanese culture, reflecting the significance of nature in traditional practices such as bonsai cultivation and tea ceremonies.
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Benefits of Forest Therapy
Science has proven that spending time in the forest can decrease cortisol levels (the stress hormone), lower blood pressure, enhance concentration and memory, and improve the immune system. Consequently, forest therapy is quickly gaining global recognition as a public health practice, due to its evidence-based effectiveness, affordability, and overall positive impact on physical and mental health.
Healing Gardens: An Alternative to Forest Therapy
But what if you live in a place where forests are scarce or non-existent? One feasible and delightful solution is to construct a healing garden – a serene refuge that can be tailored to fit varying spaces, from large yards to small apartment corners.
In addition, urban forests – areas within cities that are allowed to develop naturally – can function as larger-scale healing gardens and are a vital part of urban planning in many cities globally.
Creating a Healing Garden
When designing a healing garden, it is crucial to consider the needs of the people who will use the garden. Accommodations should be made for individuals with sensitivities to bright lights or strong smells, or conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Important Elements of a Healing Garden
Furthermore, the garden’s layout requires careful planning. Excellent lighting is essential, especially for night use, and privacy should be provided for individuals or small groups. An open layout that allows for sun and wind exposure can invite users to stay longer, absorbing the benefits of nature.
Lastly, caution should be exercised when selecting plants, to avoid those which might trigger allergies. The garden should also aim to engage all five senses:
1. Sight
Design the space to showcase a variety of shapes, textures, and colors for visual interest. Also, consider how the gentle sway of plants and the feeling of a soft breeze can provide healing benefits, even when observed from indoors. Choose a color palette that encourages the desired behavior – stimulating reds and oranges, or calming blues and greens.
2. Sound
Introduce natural sounds into the garden. The soothing rustling of leaves, the soft gurgle of water, and the chirping of birds can all contribute to a calming atmosphere.
3. Smell
Consider planting fragrant herbs like lavender, basil, and citrus plants to stimulate and rejuvenate the senses. These scents can also serve as powerful memory triggers, facilitating therapeutic reminiscing.
4. Touch
Encourage tactile experiences in the garden. The softness of flower petals, the roughness of tree bark, and the smoothness of leaves can all provide engaging sensory experiences.
5. Taste
Opt for non-toxic plants to ensure user safety. While not all plants need to be edible, positioning the garden near a cafeteria can help users enjoy their meals amidst the soothing influence of nature.
For those with larger gardens or access to community gardens, consider the following additions:
Community involvement, therapeutic programmes, design elements like labyrinth paths or Zen rock gardens, wildlife attraction features, accessibility considerations, and educational opportunities can all enhance a healing garden. A well-designed healing garden is not just a sanctuary but a source of strength. It provides an escape from stress and benefits mental and physical health.
Dr Daljit Singh, a senior lecturer at the Dept of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, specializes in soil quality and watershed management. The views shared here are entirely his own.
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