??'|'Past Presentations'| Integrative Mental Health |'The Healing Power of Nature

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• Event: IPM Congress 2024
• Date: 7th June'2024
• By:'Prof. William Bird, Dr. William'Beharrell, Dr. Carly Wood, Kirkland Newman
• Estimated Read: Time 9'10'minutes

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Introduction: Unveiling Nature's Healing Potential

At the IPM Congress 2024, a landmark panel discussion titled "The Healing Power of Nature" brought together leading experts in medicine, exercise science, and environmental studies. Prof. William Bird, Dr. William Beharrell, Dr. Carly Wood, and Kirkland Newman spearheaded the dialogue, delving into how nature can profoundly influence health and wellbeing. As global mental health challenges escalate, the panel presented practical and innovative approaches to incorporate nature therapy and nature-based solutions into mainstream healthcare systems.

Nature as a Buffer to Chronic Stress

Opening the session, Prof. William Bird shared his lifelong passion for nature and its therapeutic benefits. Reflecting on his experiences as a doctor and naturalist, Bird explained how nature acts as a critical buffer against chronic stress. Chronic stress, he noted, triggers the release of harmful hormones that cause inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other long-term health issues. Nature, however, disrupts this cycle, reducing stress hormones and alleviating these detrimental effects.

Prof. Bird cited studies from Berlin, where participants who walked in natural environments experienced reduced blood flow to the amygdala'the brain's stress-processing centre'compared to those who walked in urban areas. Remarkably, the size of the amygdala decreased after just 60 minutes of walking in the woods. Similarly, children raised in green spaces exhibited larger hippocampi, a brain region critical for learning and behaviour, compared to their urban counterparts. Bird emphasised that these findings underscore nature's vital role in mitigating stress and promoting cognitive health across all ages.

The Benefits of Green Exercise

Dr. Carly Wood, a senior lecturer in sport and exercise science, expanded on the concept of "green exercise": physical activity performed in natural settings. Her research revealed that exercise in nature not only enhances physical health but also provides superior mental health benefits compared to similar activities in urban environments. Participants engaging in green exercise reported significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and tension, alongside improved mood and self-esteem.

Wood highlighted how nature amplifies the benefits of physical activity. For instance, natural environments provide distraction, allowing participants to focus on their surroundings rather than physical exertion. This often results in people perceiving exercise as easier and more enjoyable, increasing the likelihood of sustained activity. She also noted that green exercise promotes social interaction, further enhancing its positive impact on mental health.

Nature-Based Interventions for Mental Health

Beyond exercise, Dr. Wood explored social and therapeutic horticulture, structured gardening interventions led by trained horticultural therapists. These programs offer individuals with mental health conditions a sense of purpose, hope, and achievement. Participants frequently reported that gardening activities provided a meaningful outlet, improved their social connections, and fostered long-term wellbeing.

Wood emphasised the importance of overcoming barriers to accessing such interventions, such as social anxiety or lack of awareness. She advocated for localised information hubs to connect individuals with suitable programs and highlighted the need for robust, condition-specific evidence to support commissioning decisions.

Craftsmanship, Conservation, and Contemplation

Dr. William Beharrell introduced his initiative, The Fathom Trust, which integrates craftsmanship, conservation, and contemplation to support holistic healing. Drawing from his experiences in Afghanistan and the UK, Beharrell's programs use traditional crafts and nature-based activities to foster resilience and community connections.

The Fathom Trust's flagship program, a green social prescribing initiative, involves an eight-week course where participants engage in crafts, gardening, and group activities in natural settings. Beharrell highlighted the transformative power of these programs, noting how participants often form strong bonds and experience significant mental health improvements. Additionally, the Trust's Crafter Caf's provide ongoing support, allowing participants to maintain their newfound connections and skills.

Beharrell also discussed initiatives aimed at healthcare professionals, such as retreats designed to address burnout and stress. These programs use the same principles of nature immersion and craftsmanship to help healthcare workers reconnect with their purpose and enhance team dynamics.

Integrating Nature into Mainstream Healthcare

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to embed nature-based solutions within conventional healthcare frameworks. Prof. Bird emphasised the potential of green social prescribing, where patients are referred to nature-based activities as part of their treatment plans. With 3,600 link workers currently supporting social prescribing in the UK, and plans to expand to 9,000, this approach is gaining traction. Bird advocated for clinicians to embrace nature-based interventions in their practice, highlighting their potential to reduce reliance on medication and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Wood and Kirkland Newman echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of raising awareness among both healthcare providers and the public. They called for collaborative efforts to make nature-based interventions accessible and to develop condition-specific evidence to strengthen their case.

Beyond Nature: A Holistic Vision for Healthcare

The panelists also explored broader themes of embodiment, community, and connection. Newman emphasised that reconnecting with nature often leads to deeper connections with others, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Beharrell highlighted the importance of beauty in healthcare, noting that aesthetically and emotionally enriching environments can elevate interactions and promote healing.

The panelists underscored the urgency of addressing systemic barriers, such as funding constraints and environmental degradation. They also emphasised the need to prioritise biodiversity and sustainable practices, recognising the intrinsic link between planetary health and human wellbeing.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The IPM Congress 2024's panel on "The Healing Power of Nature" presented a compelling vision for integrating natural elements into healthcare systems. By leveraging the benefits of green exercise, social prescribing, and nature-based interventions, healthcare providers can address the growing mental health crisis while fostering resilience and holistic wellbeing. As the panelists demonstrated, reconnecting with nature is not just a therapeutic tool but a vital component of a healthier, more sustainable future.

This discussion serves as a clarion call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to embrace the transformative potential of nature and work collectively towards a healthcare model that harmonises humanity's relationship with the natural world.

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Further Reading

For those interested in exploring the extensive work of Prof. William Bird, Dr. William Beharrell, Dr. Carly Wood, and Kirkland Newman on the healing power of nature, here are some recommended articles and resources:

Prof. William Bird

• Interview with Dr. William Bird ' Connecting Health and Nature'-'In this interview, Dr. Bird discusses the urgent need for the medical world to shift from treatment to prevention, highlighting the vital role that parks and nature play in health.

• Beyond Pills Campaign: Dr. William Bird on the Impact of Green Social Prescribing'-'Dr. Bird explains how being in nature can help reduce negative thoughts and improve mental well-being, advocating for green social prescribing as a therapeutic intervention.

Dr. William Beharrell

• The Fathom Trust ' Health and Healing through Green Crafts'- An article discussing Dr. Beharrell's initiative, The Fathom Trust, promoting well-being through traditional crafts and nature-based therapies.

Dr. Carly Wood

• Green Exercise: Linking Nature, Health, and Well-being'-'This book, co-authored by Dr. Wood, provides a comprehensive overview of the synergistic health benefits of being active in natural environments, integrating evidence from various disciplines.

• Regular Doses of Nature: The Efficacy of Green Exercise Interventions for Mental Well-being'-'A study led by Dr. Wood investigating the efficacy of medium-term green exercise interventions for improving well-being, highlighting the mental health benefits of engaging in physical activity within natural settings.

Kirkland Newman

• Kirkland and Cressida in Conversation: All You Need to Know About Integrative Mental Health'- A podcast episode where Kirkland Newman discusses her journey with postpartum depression and the importance of integrative mental health approaches.

• The 6 Key Causes of Mental Health Issues'- An article exploring the primary causes of mental health challenges and how addressing these root issues can support lasting recovery.

For more resources and transcribed sessions from the Integrative Mental Health Conference, visit our Integrative Mental Health Conference page.

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