The healing powers of nature have been recognised over the centuries. Now there is evidence that 'green prescriptions' may be just what the doctor ordered.

The notion of nature as medicine is centuries old but until recently there has been little scientific evidence to support the healing powers of nature.

According to an Australian health professor, researchers are establishing credible grounds for 'green prescriptions' -- where doctors ‘prescribe’ contact with nature for various conditions -- and for parks to be considered a national health resource.

"People with access to nearby natural settings have been found to be healthier overall than other individuals, and are more satisfied with life in general," says Dr Mardie Townsend, an associate professor in the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin University in Melbourne, who has recently reviewed the research literature on nature and human health.

"Having access to appealing natural environments encourages physical activity, which has obvious benefits. It also has a calming effect, reducing stress and blood pressure, even cholesterol," says Townsend.

Looking at Nature Can Be Healing

Simply looking at nature can be healing. During the 1980s and 1990s, a number of studies demonstrated that nature views offer a range of benefits for hospital patients, office workers, prison inmates and car commuters.

Less stress, lowered blood pressure, fewer headaches and illnesses, greater job satisfaction among workers and quicker recovery rates for post-operative patients have all been linked to feasting the eyes on natural landscapes.

"We gain life by looking at life," says Townsend.

"If we see living things we don't feel as if we're living in a vacuum. Even watching a nature film or looking at pictures of natural landscapes makes a positive difference."

Risk of ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’

Townsend says ‘nature deficit disorder’, a term coined by the US journalist Richard Louv, seems to have scientific merit.

Louv's book Last Child In the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, has gained a lot of publicity and started discussion about the physical, mental and spiritual costs of raising a generation of children who are increasingly alienated from the natural world.

Stranger danger, busy parents and highly scheduled before and after-school lives mean that children are less able to play freely outside.

Technology in the form of X-boxes, television, mobile phones, and computers also takes up a significant share of children's mind-space, especially on weekends.

"We are certainly at risk of nature deficit disorder," says Townsend.

"With increasing urban density, backyards are being lost and not adequately replaced with accessible parks. This kind of environmental deprivation takes a toll on people's capacity to live good quality lives."

Increase your Daily Dose of Green

• Take a walk in local parklands. Eat your lunch there

• Spend more time in your garden

• If you don't have a garden, grow vegetables or flowers on your verandah or porch

• Join an environmental volunteer group

• Join a bushwalking or hiking club

• Put potted plants in your workspace

• Hang up pictures of nature scenes, especially if you have no natural views

• Watch a television nature show

• Establish a 'green hour' as a household tradition - sanctioned time for contact with nature.

See also: Mental Health Benefits from Nature