Are nature's medical benefits scientifically proven?

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Absolutely! Extensive research supports nature's positive impact on our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health and well-being, as well as our relationships and the environment. Explore the evidence:

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Canada’s PaRx: A Prescription for Nature

Handouts on health benefits for adults and children: [Link]

Exploring nature's benefits for the planet: [Link]

UK’s Dose of Nature

Science behind nature's benefits: [Link]

Research on nature's positive impact: [Link]
 

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What is Nature-based Occupational Therapy?

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Nature-based Occupational Therapy uses nature to promote health, well-being, and quality of life through occupation. ‘Occupation’ refers to any activity that individuals engage in and find meaningful in their everyday life including self-care, productivity (work, school, volunteer), and leisure.

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Three types of nature-based Occupational Therapy include:

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Everyday life with nature:  Ways to include nature into your daily activities such as walking a pet or mindfully noticing everyday nature as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

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Health promotion with nature: Nature connection activities such as forest bathing or outdoor exercise to promote your health and well-being. 

 

Therapy with nature:  Structured nature-based activities such as forest therapy or horticultural therapy to address specific goals, including environmental and activity modifications for accessibility, independence, and function (Paynter, 2023).

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What is the difference between Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy?

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Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese mindfulness-based practice. It means being immersed in a forest and using your five senses to connect with nature. Forest bathing is for health promotion and can be practiced with or without a guide (Forest Therapy Hub, 2023). [Link]

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Forest therapy is a nature-based intervention using the natural environment as a therapeutic tool. It is led by a healthcare professional, such as an Occupational Therapist, and involves therapeutic goals and activities (Forest Therapy Hub, 2023). [Link]

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Wild Results offers forest bathing to the general public and forest therapy for individual and groups with specific needs.

 

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What happens during a Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy Session?

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You will be guided on a relaxed 1-2 km urban walk infused with a research-based series of nature connection activities using mindfulness, sensory awareness, reflection circle, expressive art, journaling, and tea ceremony.

 

Sessions are 1-2 hours long and are offered outdoors, indoors, and virtually for those unable to get outdoors.