Knowing The Benefits Of Ecotherapy, Natural Therapy That Helps Overcome Stress And Improves Quality Of Life

Illustration of knowing ecotheraphy or natural therapy that helps overcome stress and improve quality of life (Freepik/benzoix)

YOGYAKARTA Ecotherapy is also called natural therapy or green therapy, which is a practice of being in nature to improve psychological and physiological health. In terminology, the term ecotherapy includes nature-based activities and natural therapeutic programs with the aim of improving mental health and overall health. It is important to note, there is a significant difference between spending time in nature and ecotherapy.

A Oregon-based clinical psychotherapy and professional counselor, Patricia Hasbach, Ph.D., natural therapy involves guides, counselors, therapists, and trained professionals. Which according to Hasbach, traveling in the open or sitting by the river is a beneficial therapy but not referred to as ecotherapy.

Natural therapy or ecotherapy, in general terms for therapeutic programs and guided nature-based activities aimed at improving mental health. Types of natural therapy include forest, horticultural therapy, wild nature therapy, and therapy with the help of animals. Natural therapy can be done with therapists by bringing outdoor therapy sessions, for example to a garden or a local garden. You may walk or sit in a green space.

A study reported by Everyday Health, Monday, January 8, attributes ecotherapy to stress reduction, mood improvement, improving well-being, decreasing depression and anxiety, managing ADHD in children, improving symptoms of▁suhu, and reducing pain. This type of therapy can be done by anyone but it is very helpful for people who are experiencing severe stress and fatigue.

Ecotherapy, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) ecotherapy, is a new field that is widely researched to support its potential health benefits. But the concept of nature as a healing, has actually existed since time immemorial. As in ancient Ayurveda's treatment, which relies on natural or natural approaches. Likewise, traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on interconnection between humans and natural forces.

The researchers began studying the natural impact on human health since the 1970s. Over time, this simple enough ecotherapy principle developed for mental health or therapeutic practices. Hasbach himself practiced this therapy by taking a walk with his patients. While in a quiet place, the therapist and the patient sat down to talk.

Make no mistake, ecotherapy can also be done in the office environment by observing nature through windows, presenting nature, such as plants, going inward, and using metaphors or visualization techniques. Natural therapy also includes therapy with the help of animals, experience in the wild, forest baths, horticultural therapy, and others. Practiceally, it can be done by gardening, walking or sitting in a fertile green space, to spending time with pets. The benefits of ecotherapy, among others as follows:

Referring to the explanation of the benefits of ecotherapy or natural therapy above, you can practice it. But it is important to consult and get professional support because it requires security considerations. To do it yourself around the house, you can enjoy chatting with nature for relaxation.