At A Glance
The modern world we inhabit is one of constant technological connectivity and urbanisation, with an unprecedented rise in mental health challenges. That is why, now more than ever before, we must turn to nature therapies.
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy.” Sylvia Plath – The Bell Jar
As a generation that spends up to 90% of our time indoors, it is no surprise many of the global population are experiencing a nature deficit.
For hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors have turned to the great outdoors, to hunt, to relax and to thrive. However, in recent centuries with the transition to industrialisation and globalisation – the healing power of nature is often neglected.
Why is this crucial? The NHS reported that one in six people report a common mental health problem such as anxiety and depression in any given week. Alongside this, a YouGov Survey revealed that one in six admitted they never really go outside. This is supplemented by their findings that approximately 15% of the world’s population is affected by seasonal affective disorder, provoked by a deficiency in sunlight and the all-important Vitamin D.
You do not need to be a scientist to deduce the intrinsic link between polluted city living and detrimental mental health. But as the world’s population in cities is expected to jump to 70 percent by 2050 according to National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), how do we tackle this problem?
The solution has simply been staring us in the face. The ultimate power of nature as a therapy to stimulate healing, not only of psychological states but also physical ailments is astounding. Psychology Today report “Any form of immersion in the natural world, outside of your internal world, heightens your overall well-being, and is an essential dimension of true mental health.” As I write this, the United Kingdom is facing unprecedented times in battling the coronavirus pandemic – to alleviate the stress of isolation, the National Trust has opened all of its parks and gardens to the public for free.
Focusing on reconnection with the earth, the myriad of scientific led, Ayuverdic practices and foresting traditions have re-emerged as coveted techniques to optimise the outdoors and beat the blues.
Whether you’re in search of combatting a clinical diagnosis, spiritual healing or simply need respite to remedy the stresses of everyday living, here are the nature therapies that act as an antidote.
In Focus
Earthing & Grounding Therapy
Grounding is a therapeutic technique that reconnects you with nature on a basic level by walking barefoot on grass, sand, rocks or dirt. It can involve lying on the ground, submerging yourself in water or when there are no alternatives – using grounding equipment such as mats, sheets, blankets or socks. This strategy is scientifically led, humans are bioelectrical and the earth has an endless supply of free electrons so when we are connected without the barriers of manmade floors or shoes, a current of electrons pass between us and the charge is neutralised. This affects our bodies which are conductors, as all of our cells operate on frequencies whether that be our immune systems, muscles, heart or nervous system.
The free flowing of electrons has a multitude of health benefits. Grounding is used to combat anxiety, insomnia, depression, decrease inflammation and improve circulation due to its effect on blood viscosity. As inflammation is linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, earthing is encouraged ever more frequently.
To harness the true effects of grounding, kick off your shoes and go for a 30-minute stroll barefoot. You can also purchase grounding mats if you want to try this at home.

Moonbathing
This ancient Ayuverdic practice centres around the healing powers of the moon. With a gravitational hold over the earth’s oceans and water, the moon has a mirroring effect on our bodies, which are composed of up to 80% water. In Ayurveda, moonbathing is a tool to calm the pitta dosha, which regulates our body heat and metabolism. For those unfamiliar, doshas are theenergies that define every person’s composition. Bathing in the moonlight can reduce excess heat, anger and body imbalances however they may manifest – this could be inflammation, headaches or hypertension. One can moonbathe by simply lying on a blanket underneath the moon, basking in its light through a window indoors or taking an evening moonlit stroll. The ancient ritual of yogis was to meditate underneath the moonlight surrounded by bowls of water that contract the power of the moon and then drink and bathe in this water, often with healing Himalayan salts. For the most effective moonbathing session, delight in this therapy during the new moon which represents cleansing and the body Is able to detoxify. Alternatively, take an indulgent dip during the full moon where healing potential of your body is greater and mineral absorption is optimised.

Forest Bathing
Environmentalist and ‘Father of National Parks’ John Muir believed “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest of wilderness.”. Forest bathing is a form of nature therapy which stems from the Japanese shinrin-yoku which was introduced in the 1980’s.
It is an immersive and sensorial experience that involves finding peace in the woodlands, practicing walking meditation or yoga, holding tea ceremonies and connecting with the abundance of trees.
Forest therapy is renowned for decreasing blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol as well as boosting our memories, concentration, immune systems and creative juices! It aids your immune system as trees release chemicals called phytoncides which have an anti-microbial effect on our bodies.
To leverage the full benefits of forest bathing select a quiet time of day for your visit, turn off your technology, engage with your senses and focus on your breathing.
If you are based in London and want to find respite in forest bathing, look no further than leading psychotherapist and nature well-being practitioner Claire Boursac who regularly runs guided sessions in Queen’s Wood Highgate – these can be booked via Natura as Nurture.

Wild Swimming
For those looking to find tranquillity off land, wild swimming in open water is a proven method to stimulate dopamine and diminish depression. This increasingly popular mood boosting activity is reflected by the Outdoor Swimming Society’s growing membership which has seen an increase from 300 followers in 2006 to over 40,000 members in 2019.
Hydrotherapy has been an essential element of naturopathy for centuries however this delineation focuses on subnormal temperatures, braving rough currents and the underwater world for an exhilarating experience. Wild swimming stimulates the largest organ in our bodies, the skin. Through our cold-water receptors it can boost serotonin and endorphins, our happy hormones, as well as reducing cortisol and the flight or fight status we often find our bodies in. The physical benefits are that it reduces inflammation and boosts circulation to the brain providing added clarity. Not to mention, the simplicity of meditative elements like the calm slosh of water and repetitive relaxing movements of swimming which create added zen.
London’s lidos in Brockwell Park and London Fields provide a happy medium with their cold-water pools, or if you fancy the trip north of the city head to Hampstead Heath ponds.
Foraging
Foraging refers to the act of gathering wild food in the outdoors for free. Whether its nettles, mushrooms, blackberries or elderflowers – foraging for food is an ancient practice that was simply a way of life for the world’s inhabitants and still is for many indigenous tribes. Wandering through forests and natural landscapes in search of seasonal sustenance intensifies our connection with the land, promotes self-sufficiency and is a fantastic source of vitamin D. What’s more – the fruits of your labour will be natural, void of pesticides and genetic modification but be sure to take nothing poisonous and only take what you need to ensure you leave the sufficient amount of the plant behind for regrowth. The benefits of foraging are holistic as simple picking tasks help us to unwind, slow down and act as a natural anxiety relief. They are also scientifically led, there is a proven link between interaction with soil and the reduction in depression due to the fact that a bacterium in the soil called mycobacterium vaccae stimulates serotonin production and can imitate effects of drugs like Prozac.
Friluftsliv
Pronounced free-loofts-liv, this Nordic concept translates to ‘open air living’ and advocates the immersion in nature. Friluftsliv was popularised in the 1850’s by Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian poet who emphasised the importance of spending time in the remote outdoors for spiritual healing and physical wellbeing. It is a concept closely linked to allmansrätten translating to the right to roam. In Scandinavia, much time is dedicated to friluftsliv where companies assign weekly calendar time to these activities, just as any other meeting would be. As over 50% of the world’s population now live in urban settings according to the Natural Academy of Sciences of the United States, integrating nature into our working week has never been more fundamental.
You don’t have to be an avid outdoor pursuits fan to do this either. Activities that fall under the umbrella of friluftsliv can be anything that encourages you to embrace the natural beauty of your surroundings. This may be in the guise of weekend park walks, mountain hiking, countryside cycling or skiing. Be sure to put a date in the diary with friends and head to the National Trust Parks or Gardens for a friluftsliv escape.
Thanks for this! I saw grounding being discussed on the Zac Efron documentary on netflix…definitely gonna try that one out!!!
You are so welcome! I hope it helps to find some headspace!