The Nature Principle

Louv introduces a new concept building upon the mind/body connection which is the mind/body/nature connection. Nature therapy is becoming increasingly prescribed as the evidence of its medical benefits become research based. New research supports the use of nature therapy to treat heart disease, pain, stress, and dementia along with other ailments (47). Simply having a window view of trees in a hospital decreases pain medication intake. Vitamin D deficiency is causing health problems in as many as 75% of Americans.

Louv recounts the life story of Robby Astrove, a naturalist who was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 15. Through his time spent in nature, he has successfully been in remission for many years. He finds that time outdoors helps him to significantly manage his symptoms and stay in touch with what his body needs. While some research does support his experience, more research is necessary to single out the effects; we don’t fully understand if nature really can strengthen the immune system.

Louv defines nature as “meaningful kindship with other species” (52). With this definition, humans could commune with nature either in a wilderness or a city. Biophilic architecture shows humanity’s innate desire to connect with nature, even in urban environments. 

Professional therapy is still important, but there is no doubt that nature has a restorative power that many are choosing to help maintain mental health. Physical exercise outside does decrease mental fatigue, but nature offers the psyche emotional restoration and calming of the mind.

In one study, participants either walked in a mall or in a greenspace. Those that walked outside has decreased symptoms of depression, while those in the mall had the same, and even higher reported symptoms. There are several other studies that report the mental health benefits of nature settings. Research has shown that exposure to dirt, domestic animals, farm animals, and dolphins benefit health.

Louv believes that the importance of nature in human health suggests an “ecological consciousness” that connects all things in nature. Contemporary environmental damage and climate change effects could be causing a mental health shift in humans as we undergo and watch our habitat change. Louv describes this as a part of nature-deficit disorder, while another researcher coins this term as “solastalgia.” 

Fitness is not just about strengthening our muscles, “but strengthens our senses, our intellectual capacity, and our mental health” (71). While exercise is an important part of our health, conducting our exercise outdoors has added benefits. The spiritual and mental benefits of the outdoors is evident in nature-based therapy groups. Louv refers to this type of exercise as “deep green exercise.” Talking with extreme adventurers and athletes, Louv explores how outdoor adventure calms, strengthens and creates a “natural ecstasy.”

For adults dealing with aging, spending time in nature can help to alleviate the anxiety and aliments of old age. For people with limited mobility, having a garden view or spending time in gardens can help to improve emotional and mental health. One theory, the “free-radical theory of aging,” advances that spending time outside may increase antioxidants, which reduce free radicals and keep our mitochondria working properly: “[O]rganisms age as cells accumulate free radicals, which can set off chain reactions that can lead to cancers and degenerative diseases” (80).

As medical professionals become aware of nature’s benefits, a move toward a “Natural Health Care System” with doctors prescribing nature prescriptions is increasing. NEEF, the National Environmental Education Foundation, began a training program in 2010 that aims to prescribe outdoor activities to patients (85). Louv wonders why this emphasis on natural therapy can’t go a step further: “Why not establish a certificate in nature health, or continuing education credits?” (83). By creating a market for nature health, the awareness and accessibility of natural treatment will be more readily available to the public. Focus on nature therapy is gaining momentum between forest therapy, care farming, guided walks, forest medicine, ecotherapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Perhaps this push will lead to a health reform of our current system.